Bookies bashed as King’s former horse wins Melbourne Cup earlier than Robbie Williams entertains us
The ‘race that stops a nation’ is always a big draw, but the inclusion of Robbie Williams gave Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup an extra special feeling as 90,000 packed into a sun-drenched Flemington Racecourse
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 03: Fan cheer during race nine the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes during Melbourne Racing at Flemington Racecourse on November 03, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
It’s the “race that stops a nation,” but nothing was stopping punters from having a good time Down Under at Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
Around 90,000 fans packed into a sun-drenched Flemington Racecourse to watch Ethan Brown ride Point of Law, a horse formerly owned by King Charles and Queen Camilla, to victory at the 166th edition of the event, earning a £5.3m ($10.2m) prize for trainer Ciaron Maher.
Robbie Williams was the pick of celebrities watching the action. He wowed fans at the opening ceremony, playing hits Angels, Rock DJ, and Let Me Entertain You — which punters serenaded back to him — before giving an extended 75-minute performance to close the festival.
His music, combined with the sunshine, bright outfits, and drinking, put many in the party atmosphere at the gargantuan racecourse.
Few were as happy as 19-year-old Stephanie Artuso, from Melbourne, who won “hundreds” of dollars on the big race. Stood shocked and beaming in front of the main grandstand, the teen had not worked out exactly how much she would take home by correctly predicting the first, second, and third horses in the Melbourne Cup — but she believed it would be at least three figures.
Stephanie Artuso was in disbelief at how much she won
“I love it, I’ve wanted to come every year. 100 percent I’m coming back next year,” she said excitedly. When asked if she was going to push her luck, she joked: “I literally just texted my friends I should go on the pokies [slot machines] because I’m so lucky.”
Another unexpected winner was a delighted Virginia Purdey, visiting from Daylesford, Victoria, who beamed: “I won $80! It’s fantastic. The weather has cleared up, and I’ve made two bets and won two bets.”
Winner Virginia Purdey, who snagged an $80 (£41) victory (Image: Ethan Davies)
Betting was a big part of the day for many. There were long queues for bookmakers’ stands and cash machines, limited to $200 withdrawals at a time.
In the extremely busy front lawn by the finishing post, punters jostled for the best views of giant screens in between finding shade from the hot sun and queuing for beers selling for $15 (£7.80) a schooner, equivalent to £10.50 for a pint.
Sam Mannion (right) said he was still having a “great day” despite losing $500 (£260)
By far the biggest loser The Daily Star encountered was Sam Mannion, from Leigh, who said “everything” was gone.
“I have lost $500. In the next race I will win,” he grinned. “I feel like I have looked into it too much. I’m having a great day, though.”
But that loss will pale in comparison to others’ results, said birthday boy Alex Lee, 27, and mate Brady Tipping, 26. Alex said: “It’s the biggest race, it’s bigger than Royal Ascot. I’ll spend $4-500 and nothing more than that.”
It was their first Melbourne Cup, flying in from Sydney. Mate Brady said losing hundreds is far from the worst he’s heard of: “If you have money, it can be tens of thousands of dollars. One mate said he spent $1,000 on the Melbourne Cup race. It’s pretty crazy. This is next level.”
Alex Lee (left) and Brady Tipping were celebrating Alex’s 27th birthday with a trip down from Sydney
Alex and Brady were cheering and shouting “go on!” during the action only a few feet from the backpacker trio led by Kieran Roddy, a 25-year-old Irishman betting money with mates Brit Joseph Simmons, 21, and German Janec Woito, 25, were. They were $10 up and then decided to splurge it on a $20 bottle of limoncello to share.
Irishman Kieran Roddy had won $10 (£5.20) for his mates Joseph (centre) and Janec (right) which they spent on limoncello
Nearby, husband and wife Mitchell and Georgina Fairweather were $150 up and decided to put it all on the main race to celebrate their third wedding anniversary — but said that was enough: “That’s it, it’s just a bit of fun. We never bet more than $10.”
Alice Dowdall, 31, lost $20 but was only by the finishing line to snag a prime spot to see Robbie Williams’ first set — the real reason the Mancunian was there: “I loved it, I hope he does the same four songs later.”
Manc Alice Dowdall was down a little – but up a huge amount by seeing Robbie Williams
As the afternoon progressed and the day’s 10 races came to a close, hundreds made their way to the pop star’s second set of the day on a specially constructed stage at the first turn. Many had claimed a spot to see the Take That legend four hours before he appeared, performing in the late afternoon sunshine with the Melbourne cityscape in the background.
