Guardian Essential poll: record number of Australians are turning their backs on the Melbourne Cup
Summary
A Guardian Essential poll of 1,003 Australians found that 68% had low or no interest in the Melbourne Cup, the highest share since the poll began tracking interest in 2022. While 62% still viewed the race as part of Australia’s national identity, half said it promotes unhealthy gambling behaviour.Key Facts
- The poll was conducted in late October.
- Nine percent of respondents had high interest in the Cup, down 7 percentage points from 2025.
- Thirty-nine percent had no interest in the race, up 8 points from 2025.
- High or moderate interest was 32%, the lowest level recorded in the poll series.
- Sixty-two percent agreed the Cup was a unique part of Australia’s national identity, down from 78% in 2019.
- Fifty percent said the Cup promotes unhealthy gambling behaviour, while 36% said it normalises animal cruelty.
- Twelve percent said they regularly bet on horse races and would bet on the Cup; 46% said they were not interested and would not bet.
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