Defiantly has earned an automatic entry into the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) for 2026, following a commanding victory in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) at Deauville on Sunday. This triumph provides trainer Joseph O’Brien with another serious contender for the iconic Flemington race, where he has a distinguished record.

The Prix Kergorlay this year carried a Melbourne Cup Golden Ticket for the first time, guaranteeing the winner a place in the November 3rd Melbourne Cup field. Defiantly capitalised on this opportunity emphatically, following a path with a strong historical precedent.

Americain won the Kergorlay before going on to claim the Melbourne Cup in 2010, and Protectionist achieved the same double four years later. Protectionist’s subsequent purchase by a partnership including Australia Bloodstock after his Deauville win imbues Defiantly’s success with particular historical resonance for his owners.

Joseph O’Brien’s personal success in the Melbourne Cup is also noteworthy. Rekindling delivered his first Melbourne Cup victory in 2017, followed by Twilight Payment in 2020. The stable also saw Goodie Two Shoes finish second last year.

The four-year-old colt had spent the summer competing in staying handicaps. He was narrowly beaten a head by Kizlyar in the Class 2 Ascot Stakes over two miles and four furlongs at Royal Ascot, prior to defeating Berkshire Sundance by three lengths in the Class 2 Coral Goodwood Handicap over two miles and four-and-a-half furlongs at Goodwood.

His first venture into Group company saw a marked improvement. Dylan Browne McMonagle positioned Defiantly at the front, establishing an even tempo in the initial stages. The pace gradually increased significantly from a long way out, stretching the field before the home turn, with the leader maintaining composure as his rivals began to labour.

When asked to increase his speed in the straight, Defiantly responded strongly, pulling away to defeat Santorini Star by five and a half lengths. Double Major finished a further five lengths behind in third.

“He’s a solid horse and has improved with every run,” McMonagle told Sky Sports Racing. “He’s a strong stayer, he doesn’t do too much and he’s always behind the bridle which helps over this trip. Every question you ask him, he responds good. There doesn’t seem to be a bottom to him, he continues to stay. He’s a solid candidate for the Melbourne Cup and handles the fast ground. He’s got all the right qualities for it.”

There is also an Australian connection within the pedigree. Defiantly is a half-brother to Group 1 Underwood Stakes winner Buckaroo and to Middle Earth, who finished third in the 2025 Group 1 Melbourne Cup.

Consider the Australian betting sites for wagers on the upcoming Melbourne Cup.