The Melbourne Cup race typically starts in the early afternoon on the first Tuesday in November, with the main Cup race scheduled for around 3:00 pm local time (AEDT) on that day. In 2025, reports indicate the Cup itself is set to run at approximately 3:00 pm AEDT, with earlier supporting races kicking off from around 10:45 am to 12:00 pm depending on the race card and local time zone references. For the most precise start time, check the official Flemington race-day schedule or trusted Australian racing outlets on the day, as times can shift slightly due to track conditions or late scratching. If you’d like, I can verify the exact 2025 Melbourne Cup start time from current sources and provide a single citation-backed update.