October 26, 2026 — 5:15pm

Ciaron Maher says national pride is on the line in next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup as he prepares a record number of runners to do battle against legendary Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien’s five starters in the big race.

Maher is on track to have eight runners in the Melbourne Cup, including the favourite Point of Law, who beat two O’Brien-trained horses Small Fry and Omni Man in the Geelong Cup.

Ciaron Maher is on track to have a record eight horses in the Melbourne Cup. Wayne Taylor

He not only gained a golden ticket but denied the Irish trainer a chance to have a sixth runner in the great race.

Alongside Point of Law, Maher has Saint George, Juja Kibo, Middle Earth, Mr Monaco, Shockletz, Royal Supremacy and Zahrann sitting inside the top 24 in the order of entry while a ninth entrant Kings Valley is battling for a start.

The previous record was when Robert Hickmott saddled up six runners for owner Lloyd Williams in 2013.

O’Brien will race last year’s runner-up Goodie Two Shoes…