How to watch the Melbourne Cup 2025 live online for free – race time, runners, and riders
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The 2025 Melbourne Cup, known as the race that stops a nation, will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 3:00 PM AEDT, that’s 12:00 AM ET and 9:00 PM PT on Monday, November 3 for viewers in the United States. Held at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, this world-famous thoroughbred race draws millions of fans each year for its mix of sport, style, and spectacle.
In Australia, the Melbourne Cup will stream live and free on the Nine Network and 9Now. However, international viewers won’t be able to access these platforms directly due to geo-restrictions. To watch the official broadcast from abroad, you’ll need a VPN, such as NordVPN, to connect to an Australian server. This lets you stream 9Now securely and watch the entire race day live, no matter where you are.
Official streaming information
| Platform/Channel | Region/country | Cost |
| 9NOW (Channel 9) | Australia | Free |
| 10Play Australia | Australia | Free |
| Racing.com | Australia | Free |
| Sky Sports Racing | UK | Paid (£38/month) |
| ESPN/Disney+ | Latin America & Caribbean (49 territories) | Paid |
| Sport24 | Global Airlines | Varies |
| Sportsnet | Canada | Varies |
| Virgin Media | Ireland | Varies |
| FanCode | India | Varies |
| SuperSport | Africa (52 territories) | Varies |
How to watch the Melbourne Cup 2025 for free
You can watch the 2025 Melbourne Cup live and free on 9Now, the official streaming platform of Australia’s Nine Network. However, 9Now is geo-restricted and only available to viewers within Australia.
- Get a VPN – one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming is NordVPN, with fast Australian servers that work seamlessly with 9Now
- Download and install the NordVPN app on your preferred device (computer, phone, or smart TV)
- Connect to a server in Australia to get an Australian IP address
- Visit 9Now.com.au or open the 9Now app
- Create a free 9Now account using any email address – no payment details required
- Search for “Melbourne Cup 2025” in the live section once coverage begins.
Melbourne Cup 2025 preview
The 2025 Melbourne Cup returns to Flemington Racecourse, bringing together a world-class field and the kind of uncertainty that makes this race an annual spectacle. With the forecast hinting at possible rain, strategy and stamina could matter more than ever in deciding who claims the Cup.
Among the leading contenders is Al Riffa, trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Mark Zahra. The Irish stayer arrives in top form after two straight Group 1 wins and sits near the top of betting markets at around 7-1. However, a wide draw and a heavier handicap may test his ability to stay the distance.
Close behind is Buckaroo, from Chris Waller’s powerful stable and partnered with Craig Williams. He’s shown impressive consistency at the top level and looks well suited to the long two-mile journey if he can hold his rhythm in the final stages.
Conditions could bring others into play. Presage Nocturne and Valiant King are both comfortable on softer ground, which could be a major advantage if the rain sets in. River of Stars, Goodie Two Shoes, Arapaho, and Royal Supremacy round out the core group of challengers, each with the potential to pounce if the leaders falter.
The early tempo is likely to be dictated by Changingoftheguard, Smokin’ Romans, and River of Stars, meaning the first half of the race could unfold at a strong pace. With many front-runners drawn in middle and wide barriers, jockeys will need to judge their positioning carefully before the final turn.
There’s also a touch of history this year: no defending champion in the lineup, ensuring a new name on the famous trophy, and the first American-trained horse making an appearance in the Cup’s long tradition. Chris Waller, meanwhile, will again be a key figure, sending five runners to the start.
Melbourne Cup 2025 schedule: races and times
Here is the detailed timetable for Melbourne Cup Day 2025 at Flemington Racecourse:
- Race 1: Darley Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) – 10:45 AM AEDT
- Race 2: Ma Grand Hand (2000m) – 11:20 AM AEDT
- Race 3: TAB (1800m) – 12:00 PM AEDT
- Race 4: The Peppervene Plate (1000m) – 12:40 PM AEDT
- Race 5: Australian Cup (2000m) – 1:20 PM AEDT
- Race 6: Kirin Ichiban Plate (1800m) – 1:55 PM AEDT
- Race 7: Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) – 3:00 PM AEDT (the main event)
- Race 8: Lexus Amanda Elliott (1400m) – 3:50 PM AEDT
- Race 9: Hong Jockey Stakes (1400m) – 4:35 PM AEDT
- Race 10: Channel 9 Trophy (1400m) – 5:15 PM AEDT
