The Ciaron Maher-trained, King Charles-bred stallion raced to victory in the 2026 Melbourne Cup. Here’s the team behind him.
Five months ago, Melbourne Cup winner Point of Law competed at Royal Ascot under then-owners King Charles and Queen Camilla. Weeks later, the three-year-old Frankel colt again wore the royal colours, though this time raced to victory in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket.
In August of this year, it was announced that legendary Australian trainer Ciaron Maher had secured the stallion for a syndicate of his owners as a Melbourne Cup prospect, at a price reported to be more than $3 million.
The black beauty, who had just four races under his belt at the time, arrived in Victoria soon after to prepare for Group 1 competition. Jockey Ethan Brown rode him to win the Geelong Cup just 13 days ago, and has now followed it up in the race that stops a nation.
“Under the pressure of the biggest race, [coming from] the back of the field and then showing the judgement and courage to come through the field and win, it was just unbelievable,” owner’s representative Michael Andrew said after accepting the Melbourne Cup trophy. “We couldn’t have asked for a better ride.”
Ciaron Maher Racing is not only behind the first-place winner, but also second and third.
“A great trainer, a great friend, and one of the best people in racing,” Andrew said in the Mounting Yard. “Who can forget Ciaron with his mum in the carriage at Royal Ascot, and that’s probably where this journey began. Ciaron’s relationship with his Majesty, the King Charles, and Queen Camilla brought Point of Law into our lives.”
“For a short while, we thought we were going to race in partnership with the king, but that wasn’t meant to be,” Andrew said. “So instead, we had been given the privilege to buy the horse that he’d bred.”
Former AFL player and now investor Chris Judd is also a part of the syndicate behind Point of Law, as is Tanarra founder John Wylie.
The Lexus Melbourne Cup had a record purse of $10.2 million this year, up from $10 million in 2025. Point of Law’s share for winning the 3200-metre Group 1 handicap is $4.5 million.
Zahrann and Juja Kibo rounded out Maher’s trifecta, bringing home $1.1 million and $560,000 respectively.
Royal Supremacy led the pack for much of the race before tiring in the final 300 metres and losing position to Point of Law.
“This group of owners, they put their faith in me early,” jockey Brown said after the race. “They’ve spent a lot of money on this horse and for them to put me on it, it means the world to be able to execute and win the Melbourne Cup. I’ve just got to pinch myself.”
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