Saddle up on the 9Network for the race that stops a nation in 2025, when all four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival are live and free, from Saturday November 1, at 11.30am AEDT on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Howden Victoria Derby Day begins the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage, with Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, November 4, followed by VRC Crown Oaks Day on Thursday, November 6, and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday, November 8 anchoring the event.

The 9Network has assembled a comprehensive commentary line-up befitting this beloved cultural event across four spectacular days of world-class racing, fashion, and entertainment.

Host Eddie McGuire will bring all the latest updates and excitement from Flemington in Nine’s expert studio, while in the mounting yard James Bracey is joined by leading international horse racing expert Francesca Cumani, who will deliver her last-minute observations of the horses via her deep technical knowledge, prestige and fresh perspective on form, training techniques, and the global contenders.

The revelation of the 2024 coverage returns when rugby league legend and former trackwork jockey, Billy Slater is back on track for his insightful on-track interviews with the winning jockeys post race. Expert tips on the field will come from David Gately and Ally Mosley, who will deliver the best preview for punters, while Tony Jones will get up close with all the action, speaking to trainers, owners, jockeys and special guests to bring the story of every race to life for audiences at home.

Off track all the glitz, glamour and exclusive celebrity access from within the Birdcage will come to life with Clint Stanaway, Sylvia Jeffreys and Jelena Dokic showcasing the colour of one of Australia’s most loved events.

Matthew Hill will call the 165th running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, when the richest handicap race in the world comes to life once again.

The Fashions on the Field competition will showcase the extraordinary style of racegoers, when the 9Network roves the Birdcage and the Fashion Garden to capture the elegant designs. 9Now will be the one-stop hub for all your Melbourne Cup content including previews, documentaries, interviews with winning jockeys and trainers and the history that makes this race so special.

In addition, the teams from Today, Weekend Today and 9News Melbourne, will broadcast live from Melbourne’s Southbank Promenade and Flemington. The team includes Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo, Danika Mason, Alicia Loxley, Tom Steinfort, Clint Stanaway, Alison Piotrowski and Lizzie Pearl, who will bring their personal insights to Cup week and tell the stories happening behind the scenes.

Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “After a hugely successful first year of our partnership, we’re excited to keep the momentum going and build on our relationship with the Melbourne Cup carnival. It is truly unlike any other event in Australia, highlighted by the race that continues to stop the nation. We look forward to bringing every captivating moment, both on the course and around the precinct to the whole of the country over four thrilling days of racing, fashion and sports entertainment across the platforms of Nine.” 

Crack the whip and get into the spirit of the carnival from Friday, October 24 with Race to the Melbourne Cup Carnival episode 1 and the 2025 Melbourne Cup Official Film on Sunday, October 26. Then, we will go racing for the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival with Howden Victoria Derby Day on Saturday, November 1 at 11:30am AEDT on Channel 9 and 9Now, and continuing through to TAB Champions Stakes Day on November 9 – all live and free.

For further information, please contact:
Ryley McKay
Nine National PR Manager – Sport

Friday, 24 October, 2025