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Thousands of Australians have once again fallen for the same mistake as many missed out on watching the Melbourne Cup, believing that the race that stops a nation was set to be shown on Channel 7.
Many tuned in on Tuesday afternoon to watch the free-to-air television station's live horse racing coverage which was broadcasting live coverage of events taking place in New South Wales and Queensland.
However, Channel 7 did not hold the rights to show events unfolding at Flemington.
Many watched on, thinking that Seven would tune in to watch Jamie Melham make history as only the second woman to win the Melbourne Cup aboard Half Yours on Tuesday afternoon.
But they were mistaken, with the race being shown on Channel Nine instead, meaning that many furious racing fans missed out on watching the race.
It marks another year that Aussies have fallen for the same mistake, with many left scratching their heads last year after failing to realise that Channel Nine owns the rights to show the race and will do until 2029, not Channel 7.
Jamie Melbham (centre) made history becoming only the second woman to win the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday at Flemington
However many Australians were left both confused and fuming after they believed that the race that stops the nation was being shown on Channel 7
In fact, Seven were only showing racing from around New South Wales and Queensland, with Channel Nine instead holding the rights to the great race (pictured Tony Jones of Channel Nine, left, and ex-Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, right)
The broadcaster agreed a six-year $50million deal to take the exclusive rights deal back in 2024, after Channel 10 had previously been the place to watch the $4.5m race.
'Only twenty minutes until a whole bunch of dopey b******s miss the Melbourne Cup again because they're waiting for it to start on Channel 7,' one X user wrote, anticipating widespread confusion among fans watching the racing on Channel 7.
'This is the seventh year the Melbourne Cup has not been screened on Channel 7. That it still catches people out is pretty funny...' another added.
But many were left both fuming and confused by the fact that the race that stops the nation was not being shown live on Seven.
'What the hell's going on Channel 7, switch over to watch the Melbourne Cup only to see Ritcho talking about the cricket ... Switched over to Sportsbet.com.au to watch the race,' one X user wrote.
Another was caught out by Seven's broadcasting schedule: 'Been watching channel 7 for the last hour, wondering why are they showing NSW races during the Melbourne Cup?'
'F*** me was watching Channel 7 expecting to see the Cup and realised it was on another channel. Missed the bloody race,' one punter said.
One even thought that Channel 7 had totally missed the broadcast itself.
Many fans took to X to express their confusion at why Seven weren't showing the great race
Channel Nine acquired exclusive broadcasting rights to the race back in 2024 after agreeing a $50million deal that will last for six years
'Did Channel 7 completely miss the broadcast of the race or just me?' they asked.
Melham's win comes 10 years after Michelle Payne made history becoming the first female jockey to win the race aboard Prince Of Penzance.
Melham told Channel Nine after the win: 'This is why we get up out of bed every morning at 4am… it's tough.
'It's not all glorious and perfect, as everyone can see sometimes.
'I've had an amazing year. Got married, had some really great days on the track, but nothing ever, ever compares to this feeling right now I'm feeling.'
