Melbourne Cup 2024: How to watch the big race in the UK, timings, runners and prize money

Without A Fight won the Melbourne Cup in 2023. | Getty Images

Billed as "the race that stops the nation", the Melbourne Cup takes place every year on the first Tuesday of November.

The richest "two mile" (it takes place over 3,200m - so is actually just under two miles) flat handicap race in the world, it's open to horses at least three years of age and over 50kg.

Here's what you need to know about watching this year's event.

When is the Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup starts at 3pm on Tuesday, November 7. So, in the UK that's at 4am.

Can I watch it in the UK on television?

The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Those who don't have Sky Sports can watch it via a daily pass from NOW TV costing £14.99.

What horses are running?

Here's the expected field and their odds of winning:

• Just Fine (50/1)
• The Map (50/1)
• Vauban (5/1)
• Circle Of Fire (25/1)
• Buckaroo (4/1 favourite)
• Warp Speed (33/1)
• Zardozi (20/1)
• Sharp ’n’ Smart (50/1)
• Kovalica (16/1)
• Land Legend (10/1)
• Absurde (10/1)
• Athabascan (50/1)
• Mahrajaan (100/1)
• Knight’s Choice (100/1)
• Okita Soushi (22/1)
• Onesmoothoperator (6/1)
• Sea King (12/1)
• Valiant King (60/1)
• Interpretation (14/1)
• Fancy Man (100/1)
• Mostly Cloudy (50/1)
• Positivity (50/1)
• Mission Of Love (200/1)
• Trust In You (200/1)

The next horses in line, should there be withdrawals, are as follows:

• Saint George (40/1)
• Manzoice (100/1)
• Kinesiology (50/1)
• Francesco (60/1)
• Guardi (66/1)
• Waltham (200/1)

What's the prize money?

The total purse for the Melbourne Cup is $8 million, with the winner getting a hefty $4.4 million, 2nd place landing $1.1 million and 3rd horse over the line banking $550,000.

4th place gets $350,000, 5th $230,000, and the next seven horse to finish get $160,000 each.

Who are the previous winners?

The last five winners of the Melbourne Cup - and their starting odds - were as follows:

2023 – Without A Fight (7/1)

2022 – Gold Trip (20/1)

2021 – Verry Elleegant (17/1)

2020 – Twilight Payment (25/1)

2019 – Vow And Declare (10/1)