Melbourne Cup live stream 2023: How to watch Australia's premier horse race

The 2023 Melbourne Cup will be run and won on Tuesday, but there’s plenty of drama already preceding the 163rd running of the great race at Flemington.

WATCH LIVE NOW FREE

A field of 23 local and international horses will race over 3200m for a whopping $8 million in prizemoney, with one horse — Cleveland — scratched from the race on Monday.

Follow all the exciting build-up below, and the live action from the undercard with the main race to be run at 3pm AEDT.

Watch the Melbourne Cup LIVE, 3pm on Tuesday November 7, with RACING.com’s coverage on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >

CHEAT SHEET: Why every horse can and can’t win

MELBOURNE CUP FORM GUIDE: Trevor Marshallsea’s verdict on every runner and predicted first four

TWO-TIME WINNER’S GUIDE: Legend Jim Cassidy runs eyes over every horse and gives tips

LATE BOOST FOR LEGEND’S FAREWELL

Cleveland, a $51 chance, was scratched from the race on vet’s advice on Monday and there had been mounting speculation New Zealand-trained hope Alenquer would also be forced to withdraw — robbing retiring legend Damien Oliver of his final ride.

Alenquer presented with a stone bruise after trackwork on Sunday and had a hoof pad applied by veterinarians. His status remained under a heavy cloud however there was a late boost as the horse passed a vet examination on Tuesday morning at 3.30am.

Racing Victoria said the “gelding had improved significantly overnight and as a result was passed suitable to race”.

However Racing Victoria announced the $51 chance be checked as a precuaution when he arrives on course.