Andy Newton

Melbourne Cup 2026: Former King Charles III horse Point Of Law leads historic Maher trifecta

by
Andy Newton
3 November 2026

The 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup produced a masterclass in training and an emotional fairy-tale storyline as race favourite Point Of Law charged down the Flemington straight to claim victory in Australia’s iconic 3,200m contest.

Royal Bloodlines and European Form Lead To 2026 Melbourne Cup Winner

Bred and previously owned by King Charles III and trained in the UK by John Gosden, Point Of Law showcased his elite stayers’ craft long before his trip to Australia.

During the European summer, the colt ran an impressive fourth in the Queen’s Vase (G3) at Royal Ascot in June before landing the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket in July.

Since being sold to Australian connections and transferred to master trainer Ciaron Maher, the Frankel colt has gone from strength-to-strength, confirming his stamina and class to deliver big on the ultimate stage.

While his first ever run on a racecourse – was a second at Yarmouth back in April 2026.

Masterclass from Maher and Dream Ride for Brown

The victory marked a monumental triumph for Ciaron Maher, who sensationally saddled home the top three finishers (1st Point Of Law, 2nd Zahrann, 3rd Juja Kibo).

It adds to Maher’s rich Melbourne Cup history, having jointly trained 2022 winner Gold Trip alongside David Eustace.

For jockey Ethan Brown, it was a career-defining moment, winning his first-ever Melbourne Cup.

Brown timed his run to perfection, pulling wide to reel in the runaway leader Royal Supremacy and unleash Point Of Law’s decisive turn of foot inside the final 300 metres.

The 3yold Point Of Law was only having his sixth career run and landed the Geelong Cup last month to now be 2-2 since moving Down Under.

He also banked a cool £2,227,772.77 for winning the Melbourne Cup.

The Melbourne Cup trends were also backed up, with Point Of Law winning from gate 8.

Sale Price of Point Of Law

King Charles III and Queen Camilla sold Point Of Law to an Australian syndicate (led by bloodstock agent Will Bourne for trainer Ciaron Maher and owner Rupert Legh) in August 2026 for a price reported to be in excess of £3 million (approx. A$6 million).

Why King Charles Couldn’t Keep a Share

The royal family did not retain an ownership share in Point Of Law due to strict Royal Protocol and precedent:

Conflict of Ownership Precedent: The Royal Family generally maintains ownership of horses competing under the iconic Royal silk colors (purple, gold braid, and scarlet sleeve) in Europe.

They do not enter into private syndicate co-ownership structures or shared commercial racing partnerships with external syndicates.

Maher’s Inquiry: Trainer Ciaron Maher confirmed after the race that he specifically asked whether the King and Queen would consider keeping a percentage share in the colt, but his request was turned down.

Protocol Restrictions: As Maher explained:

“I’d imagine that would be too much of a risk… I certainly asked and, to no surprise at all, that could not happen.”

Because royal racing operations are strictly private and managed independently, retained co-ownership in an Australian-based racing syndicate was considered completely outside protocol, prompting a 100% sale of the horse.

Melbourne Cup 2026: The Top European Challenger

Ireland’s Joseph O’Brien produced the highest-finishing European runner with Sons and Lovers (25/1), who produced a grinding effort under Dylan Browne McMonagle to claim 4th place.