Melbourne Cup 2020 guide: Start time, how to watch and everything else you need to know about Australia’s biggest race

This year’s Melbourne Cup will look and feel different to any edition of the race that stops a nation we’ve ever seen.

The race that stops a nation is a day away from being run and punters are getting giddy.

One of the biggest days on the Australian sporting calendar will be an interesting spectacle this time around with no crowds being allowed to pack out the Flemington stands because of COVID-19 restrictions.

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Despite the lack of fans attending the famous race, a field of 24 horses will race over the 3200m distance with a staggering $8 million in prize money.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the big race.

WHEN IS THE 2020 MELBOURNE CUP”

Like every year, the running of the Melbourne Cup takes place on the first Tuesday in November. This year it’s on November 3 with the race to be run at 3pm (AEDT).

HOW TO WATCH THE 2020 MELBOURNE CUP

Network 10 will broadcast live from Flemington from 10am until 5.30pm. Coverage will also be streamed on 10 Play.

2020 MELBOURNE CUP PRIZE MONEY

The same prize money is on offer in 2020 as it was in 2019 with a total of $8 million on the table. The breakdown for horses in the race is as follows: 1st $4.4 million, 2nd: $1.1 million, 3rd: $550,000, 4th: $350,000, 5th: $230,000, 6th-12th: $160,000.

MELBOURNE CUP CROWD NEWS

Racing Minister Martin Pakula announced connections and owners will not be allowed to attend this year’s event, despite the easing of coronavirus restrictions in Melbourne.

“The Government has determined that next week is not a suitable time for gatherings of that nature,” Pakula said.

“It is the right decision and has been made in the interests of all Victorians.”

Surprise Baby.

MELBOURNE CUP FAVOURITES

International raiders are currently listed as the betting favourites less than a week out from the big race with Irish import Tiger Moth the frontrunner.

Aidan O’Brien’s horse is the shortest priced despite having never run on Australian shores. He’s followed by O’Brien’s other runner Anthony Van Dyck.

Local hope Surprise Baby sits third in the market with Prince of Arran, who finished second in last year’s race, narrowly behind.

$8 Tiger Moth

$8.50 Anthony Van Dyck

$9 Surprise Baby

$10 Sir Dragonet

MELBOURNE CUP ENTERTAINMENT

The Melbourne Cup Day line-up consists of Delta Goodrem, The Rubens, Jon Stevens and his band, Bonnie Anderson and Pete Murray.

Goodrem will perform from Sydney with Stevens and his band to perform the INXS classic Never Tear Us Apart from the Flemington stands.

Masked Singer winner Bonnie Anderson will perform the national anthem.

PAST MELBOURNE CUP WINNERS

2019: Vow and Declare, 2018: Cross Counter, 2017: Rekindling, 2016: Almandin, 2015: Prince of Penzance, 2014: Protectionist, 2013: Fiorente, 2012: Green Moon, 2011: Dunaden, 2010: Americain, 2009: Shocking, 2008: Viewed, 2007: Efficient, 2006: Delta Blues, 2005-03: Makybe Diva, 2002: Media Puzzle, 2001: Ethereal, 2000: Brew.

MELBOURNE CUP FIELD AND BARRIER DRAW

1: Anthony Van Dyck (IRE) — Barrier 3

Jockey: Hugh Bowman — Trainer: Aidan O’Brien — 58.5kg

2: Avilius (GB) — Barrier 10

Jockey: John Allen — Trainer: James Cummings — 57kg

3: Vow and Declare — Barrier 4

Jockey: Jamie Mott — Trainer: Danny O’Brien — 57kg

4: Master of Reality (IRE) — Barrier 11

Jockey: Ben Melham — Trainer: Joseph O’Brien — 56kg

5: Sir Dragonet (IRE) — Barrier 14

Jockey: Glen Boss — Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace — 55.5kg

6: Twilight Payment (IRE) — Barrier 12

Jockey: Jye McNeil — Trainer: Joseph O’Brien — 55.5kg

7: Verry Elleegant (NZ) — Trainer: Barrier 15

Jockey: Mark Zahra — Trainer: Chris Waller — 55.5kg

8: Mustajeer (GB) — Barrier 2

Jockey: Michael Rodd — Trainer: Kris Lees — 55kg

9: Stratum Albion (GB) — Barrier 9

Jockey: Jordan Childs — Trainer: Willie Mullins — 55kg

10: Dashing Willoughby (GB) — Barrier 19

Jockey: Michael Walker — Trainer: Andrew Balding — 54.5kg

11: Finche (GB) — Barrier 6

Jockey: James McDonald — Trainer: Chris Waller — 54.5kg

12: Prince of Arran (GB) — Barrier 1

Jockey: Jamie Kah — Trainer: Charlie Fellowes — 54.5kg

13: Surprise Baby (NZ) — Barrier 7

Jockey: Craig Williams — Trainer: Paul Preusker — 54.5kg

14: King of Leogrance (FR) — Barrier 18

Jockey: Damian Lane — Trainer: Danny O’Brien — 53.5kg

15: Russian Camelot (IRE) — Barrier 16

Jockey: Damien Oliver — Trainer: Danny O’Brien — 53.5kg

16: Steel Prince (IRE) — Barrier 21

Jockey: Willie Pike — Trainer: Anthony & Sam Freedman — 53.5kg

17: The Chosen One (NZ) — Barrier 5

Jockey: Daniel Stackhouse — Trainer: Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman — 53.5kg

18: Ashrun (FR) — Barrier 24

Jockey: Declan Bates — Trainer: Andreas Wohler — 53kg

19: Warning — Barrier 8

Jockey: Luke Currie — Trainer: Anthony & Sam Freedman — 53kg

20: Etah James (NZ) — Barrier 22

Jockey: Billy Egan — Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace — 52.5kg

21: Tiger Moth (IRE) — Barrier 23

Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy — Trainer: Aidan O’Brien — 52.5kg

22: Oceanex (NZ) — Barrier 17

Jockey: Dean Yendall — Trainer: Mick Price & Michael Kent — 51.5kg

23: Miami Bound (NZ) — Barrier 13

Jockey: Daniel Moor — Trainer: Danny O’Brien — 51kg

24: Persan — Barrier 20

Jockey: Michael Dee — Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace — 51kg