The Melbourne Cup is the richest handicap race staged anywhere in the world.
First ran in 1861, the race has grown significantly in stature since then and is often referred to as "the race that stops a nation", such is its cultural significance in Australia.
The winner of the inaugural running took home just £710, but by the time What A Nuisance passed the post in first in 1985, the race was worth A$1m.
Prize money values have spiraled ever since and the 2026 contest is set to guarantee £5m for its participants.
A maximum field of 24 are set to contest this year's renewal, with every finisher receiving some sort of monetary reward.
First place will take home just over £2m, the runner-up bagging £549,500 and third-place getting £277,000. Prize money is split three ways: owners netting 85% of the money, the trainer 10% and jockey entitled to 5%.
The owner also takes home the trophy itself, made out of 18-carat gold and carrying an estimated value of £132,000.
In terms of total prize money, the Melbourne Cup comes in as the fourth-richest ran anywhere on the planet. The Dubai World Cup, Australia's very own Everest -- the richest race ran on turf -- and the Saudi Cup only carry bigger purses.
Forever Young defeated Nysos in this year's Saudi Cup, netting his connections a cool £7.4m in the process and took his total career earnings to above £25m.
2026 Melbourne Cup - Prize money breakdown
1st: £2,227,722.77
2nd: £549,504.95
3rd: £277,227.72
4th: £178,217.82
5th: £118,811.88
6th: £79,207.92
7th: £79,207.92
8th: £79,207.92
9th: £79,207.92
10th: £79,207.92
11th: £79,207.92
12th: £79,207.92
13th-24th: £49,504.95
