Record share of Australians lose interest in Melbourne Cup, poll finds

Only 9% of Australians now have high interest in the Melbourne Cup, down seven points from 2025, while a record 68% report low or no interest, according to a Guardian Essential poll of 1,003 people. Half believe the race promotes unhealthy gambling. Still, 62% call it a unique part of Australia's national identity, though that is down from 78% in 2019.