Every Melbourne Cup tells a story, with a new runner taking the cup or the previous winner taking back-to-back wins, but all this could never happen without the months, sometimes even years, spent with a trainer.
It’s not just about fitness and speed but about knowing their temperament, handling pressure, and what gets them into peak condition when it matters most.
The best trainers balance science and instinct, constantly fine-tuning their approach to suit the horse in front of them. Here are some of the best trainers we’ve seen at the Melbourne Cup.
Why Great Training Matters In The Melbourne Cup
Every horse that lines up in the Melbourne Cup has already proven capable of competing at the highest level. But when the barriers open at Flemington, the difference between a good horse and a great one often comes down to training.
The Cup’s long 3200-metre distance demands more than raw talent. It requires stamina, strength, and discipline. Trainers spend months building endurance, planning the right lead-up races, and ensuring their horse peaks at the right time.
They must also prepare for every possible condition: a rain-soaked track, a fast tempo, or a late surge from a rival horse, for example. Solid training ensures the horses and jockeys are prepared for whatever the day throws at them.
Legendary Melbourne Cup Trainers Who Made History
While the Melbourne Cup has been going for more than a century, there are a few names that stand out as some of the greatest trainers to train horses that have raced in this prestigious event.
Bart Cummings: The “King” of the cup
Much like the Patna Pirates playing kabaddi, no list of Melbourne Cup winners is complete without Bart Cummings. Known as the “Cup’s King”, Cummings set a record that may never be broken with a staggering twelve Melbourne Cup wins.
His first victory came with Light Fingers in 1965, and his last with Viewed in 2008. Cummings’ genius was his ability to prepare a horse specifically for the Cup.
He had a deep understanding of how to build stamina and confidence in competitors over the months leading up to the big race.
Over his career, he trained more than 265 winners and produced five Melbourne Cup quinellas.
For Cummings, his success in training had nothing to do with luck but patience, experience, and trust in the process.
Lee Freedman: Carrying the torch of greatness
Lee Freedman grew up admiring Bart Cummings, and it’s no surprise he went on to follow in his footsteps. With over 130 winners and five Melbourne Cup victories, Freedman’s name is firmly etched in racing history.
One of his proudest achievements came when he trained the legendary Makybe Diva for her 2004 and 2005 consecutive Melbourne Cup wins.
Those back-to-back victories cemented Freedman’s and Makybe Diva’s place among Australia’s racing greats.
Never one to rest on success, Freedman later set his sights on international glory, aiming for the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France.
Gai Waterhouse: Breaking barriers and setting records
Gai Waterhouse stood out as a trailblazer in an industry long dominated by men. Following in the footsteps of her father, the great TJ Smith, Gai began helping in the stables as a teenager and worked her way up with relentless determination.
Her dedication paid off when she trained Fiorente to victory in the 2013 Melbourne Cup.
That win wasn’t just a personal triumph; it symbolised the growing recognition of female trainers in Australian racing.
With more than a hundred winners to her name and a spot in the Hall of Fame, Gai has proven that passion and persistence can break through any barrier.
Etienne de Mestre: The pioneer of Melbourne Cup success
Long before the Cup became a national event, Etienne de Mestre was already making history.
He trained Archer, the winner of the first-ever Melbourne Cup in 1861, and backed it up with another win the following year.
De Mestre claimed five Melbourne Cup victories, setting a benchmark for future generations of trainers. His contribution to Australian racing goes beyond his trophies.
He helped shape the foundation of professional training and showed that attention to detail, patience, and a clear plan could lead to greatness.
Walter Hickenbotham: The gentleman of the track
Walter Hickenbotham began his racing career as a jockey before turning his focus to training.
That pivotal decision proved to be a masterstroke, as he went on to win four Melbourne Cups with horses including Mentor, Carbine, Newhaven, and Blue Spec.
Known for his calm and caring nature, Hickenbotham famously spent the night after Carbine’s 1890 victory tending to the horse’s injured hoof instead of celebrating.
For him, the welfare of his horse always came first. It’s that kind of dedication that still inspires trainers today.
Where Can You Find Information About The Melbourne Cup Odds?
The Melbourne Cup remains one of the top races where trainers can make their mark. We can also learn a lot from these top trainers of Melbourne Cup winners when it comes to placing bets at the races.
Betting isn’t about luck, but research and strategy. So, take a note out of their books and stay up-to-date with the latest Melbourne Cup odds and other vital information.
TAB is one of the best sites to do your research and stay on top of everything to do with the 2025 Melbourne Cup, and more.
Final Thought
The Melbourne Cup may be known as the race that stops the nation, but for the trainers, nothing really ever stops, as their success results from months of relentless effort, planning, and fine-tuning.
Every horse that makes it to the starting gates has been shaped by the hard work of a team that believes they can win.
Ensure you keep your eyes on the trainers above, their horses might just make history this year!
