The Melbourne Cup is known as ‘The race that stops the nation’. A field of 23 will go to post at 3pm local time for one of the biggest races on the sporting calendar. 

This is a truly international event, and not one that’s exclusive to Australian betting sites. The Melbourne Cup has become a big deal at UK betting sites, as well as horse racing betting sites around the world. This is thanks, in part, to the race attracting horses from the UK, Ireland, Japan and New Zealand, as well as the best the home nation has to offer. 

Here at Bookies.com, we’ve got everything you need for the Melbourne Cup, from free bets and betting offers, to the field and our Melbourne Cup betting tips. 

Melbourne Cup Betting Offers

Whether you’re looking for the best NZ betting sites, or the equivalent in Canada, Australia or further afield, we have you covered here at Bookies.com. We provide the best, licensed sports betting sites, which each have top-class offerings when it comes to their betting features, as well as their betting offers, if they’re available in your region. 

Melbourne Cup betting offers will include free bets for bettors in many nations around the world, where they are available. To opt in, simply click on any of the links listed here at Bookies.com, and follow the steps listed, if there’s an offer available where you are. 

Many top betting sites will be offering extra each-way places on the Melbourne Cup. Four is the standard number given that the race is a handicap, but there are five, six and even up to seven places available at some of the best horse racing bookmakers. 

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses Promo Code: BOOKIES

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in OH. In partnership with MGM Northfield Park. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses Promo Code: BOOKIES

Tap for Promo Activated! Visit site

Used 52 Times Today

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in OH. In partnership with MGM Northfield Park. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses Promo Code: BOOKIES

Tap for Promo Activated! Visit site

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in OH. In partnership with MGM Northfield Park. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Melbourne Cup Field 2023

Twenty-three remain in the 2023 Melbourne Cup field after Kris Lees’ Cleveland was taken out of the race. The field is headed by last year’s winner Gold Trip, who will have to concede weight all round if he’s to win a second Melbourne Cup. 

Legendary jockey Damien Oliver will have his last-ever ride in Australia’s biggest race. He’s set for retirement, and the three-time winner of the Melbourne Cup will be hoping Alenquer can give him a fairytale ending. 

Here’s the full list of runners for the 2023 Melbourne Cup:

Melbourne Cup Tips

Irish national hunt trainer Willie Mullins appears to have a strong hand in this year’s Melbourne Cup. He saddles Vauban, who appears set to go off as the short-priced favourite with most Irish betting sites. Better-known as a jump horse, Vauban was impressive in a handicap at Royal Ascot before adding a Group 3 at Naas in August. He’ll be ridden by Ryan Moore and is sure to be a popular choice. He ticks every box and has a solid favourite’s chance. 

For those looking for an each-way bet to try to take advantage of some of the extra places available, you could do a lot worse than Daqiansweet Junior. Philip Stokes’ six-year-old was a respectable sixth in last year’s running of the race. His form figures since (0074) don’t do him justice. They’ve been over trips perhaps short of ideal for him, and he’s been beaten by under four lengths in each of his last three. 

Having dropped a little in the weights in the past year, he may just be able to match, or perhaps even better, last year’s performance. Some betting sites have him as big as 80/1, so there could be some massive value lurking there. 

Check out our daily horse racing betting tips for more, where you’ll find the best bets from today’s UK and Irish horse racing.