Cup set for 37 stops on way to Flemington

The 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour has been unveiled at Flemington Racecourse, setting the stage for one of its most expansive editions to date, featuring 37 stops across Australia and overseas.

Spanning everything from remote outback communities to renowned international racing venues, the 18-carat gold trophy – now valued at a record $1 million – will once again showcase the global reach of the “race that stops a nation” during the 24th annual tour.

Interest in the event continues to surge, with organisers receiving a record 125 applications from communities worldwide.

Across Australia, the Cup will visit a broad range of locations including Atherton in Far North Queensland, Darwin, Birchip in Victoria’s Mallee, Carnarvon in Western Australia and Hobart. It will also feature at key race meetings such as Walgett in northern New South Wales and Rockhampton in Central Queensland.

Internationally, the tour begins in Kyoto, Japan, before heading to “golden ticket” races at Belmont Park in New York, York Racecourse in the UK and Deauville-La Touques in France, where winners gain automatic entry into the 2026 Melbourne Cup.

Since launching in 2003, the initiative has travelled more than one million kilometres and visited over 780 destinations, while supporting schools, hospitals and community causes nationwide.

Victoria Racing Club CEO Kylie Rogers said record demand highlights the Cup’s enduring appeal, while Lexus Australia chief Jack Hobbs said the tour strengthens the connection between the iconic race and the communities it touches.