(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Race favourite Point of Law surged to an emphatic victory in the 2026 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday afternoon, headlining a remarkable trifecta for master trainer Ciaron Maher.
In front of a packed grandstand, the progressive gelding delivered jockey Ethan Brown a dream maiden victory in Australia’s most celebrated two-mile handicap, capping off an extraordinary display of staying prowess.
Tearaway leader Royal Supremacy stole an eye-watering 20-length advantage midway through the 3,200-metre journey. While the runaway leader threatened to break the field apart, Brown maintained absolute composure in the pack aboard Point of Law, timing his run to perfection.
As Royal Supremacy inevitably tired entering the home straight, Brown angled his mount into the clear. Unleashing a lethal turn of foot, Point of Law swept past the leaders and bounded away for an emphatic Melbourne Cup victory, holding off stablemates Zahrann and Juja Kibo to seal an unprecedented trifecta for Maher's juggernaut stable.
An elated Brown struggled to contain his emotions as he returned to the mounting yard to deafening cheers.
“Please don't wake me up,” Brown said in his post-race interview. “It's every jockey's dream to do this, and I can't believe it.
“I was confident in the horse, everyone I've spoken to said they've never gone in with that confidence. He had the best turn of foot in the race, and he's going to be a superstar. He’s in such good hands with Ciaron.”
For Maher, who fielded a formidable contingent on the day, training the first three across the line cemented his status among the pantheon of Australia’s greatest horsemen.
Reflecting on the drama of the early breakaway and his stable’s dominance, Maher admitted the tactical battle had tested his nerves.
“I certainly didn't know that Royal Supremacy would lead by that far, but it is a true test of staying and, Point of Law, he's just thrived,” Maher remarked post-race.
“It has been a whirlwind, but I'm very proud of all the team for getting three horses in the first three spots.”
With both minor placings secured by Zahrann and Juja Kibo, Maher's tactical masterclass ensured the 166th running of the Melbourne Cup will linger long in turf folklore.
