Rain and Rivalry Set the Stage for the 2025 Melbourne Cup
Australia’s biggest racing event — the Melbourne Cup — is all set to stop the nation once again this Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The race, scheduled for 3 p.m. AEDT at Flemington Racecourse, is shaping up to be a dramatic one, with heavy rain and soggy conditions expected to play a big role in the outcome.
In typical Melbourne fashion, the weather is keeping everyone on their toes. The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted up to 40 millimetres of rain on Monday and another 10 on race day itself. That means the famous Flemington track could be rated anywhere between a Soft 7 and a Heavy 8 — conditions that make it slower and more challenging for runners. Track manager Liam O’Keeffe mentioned that if the rainfall keeps up on Tuesday, the surface simply “won’t get a chance to improve.” So, it’s safe to say we’re in for a wet and gritty Cup Day.
The Nine Network will broadcast all 10 races live, and the main event — the Melbourne Cup — will also stream on 9Now. For radio and online listeners, ABC Sport and the ABC Listen app will have live coverage and commentary throughout the day.
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Now, let’s talk about the contenders. The favourite going into the 2025 Cup is Half Yours , trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy and ridden by jockey Jamie Melham . This talented gelding recently took out the Caulfield Cup and is aiming for the rare and prestigious Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double — something only 12 horses have achieved in Australian racing history. If Melham wins, she’ll become just the second female jockey ever to claim the Melbourne Cup, following Michelle Payne’s iconic 2015 victory.
Interestingly, the McEvoy camp is actually hoping for rain. Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy even joked that he’d be doing a “rain dance,” saying that Half Yours absolutely loves the wet track conditions. And with the horse drawing perfectly in barrier eight, things seem to be lining up well — weather and all.
But it’s not a one-horse race. Irish contender Al Riffa , trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Mark Zahra, is right in the mix too. Zahra has to overcome a heavy weight of 59 kilograms and a wide draw from gate 22, but he’s confident his “big, strong animal” can handle it, especially if the track stays in the soft-to-heavy range.
Meanwhile, renowned trainer Chris Waller is sending out five runners, including leading hopes Valiant King and Buckaroo , showing once again that his stable remains a powerhouse in Australian racing.
With rain-soaked turf, fierce competition, and high stakes on the line, this year’s Melbourne Cup promises to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting races in years. Whether you’re tuning in from your couch or trackside under an umbrella, one thing’s for sure — all of Australia will pause at 3 p.m. to watch history unfold.
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