back to top
Sunday, October 26, 2025

Australia AM Briefing: Nicole Kidman Divorce Twist, Half Yours Eyes Melbourne Cup, Phillip Island Delivers Shock MotoGP Upset

Share

Nicole Kidman’s split from Keith Urban has taken a sharp turn, with a new report claiming the actress would take him back despite filing for divorce last month. The pair’s separation surprised the industry, and fresh details now point to last-minute turbulence after a period of attempted reconciliation. (News.com.au)

On the turf, Caulfield Cup hero Half Yours heads for compulsory scans that decide his Melbourne Cup start, while stewards’ imaging rules have already reshaped the field. On the track, Raul Fernandez claimed a shock first MotoGP win at Phillip Island as Aussie young guns lit up Moto2 and Moto3, even as Jack Miller crashed out. (News.com.au)

Kidman and Urban: Where the Story Stands Now

A detailed report says Urban had been living separately for months before the split became public, and that Kidman felt blindsided when he decided the marriage was over. Despite filing for divorce and citing irreconcilable differences, an insider now claims she would reconcile “in a heartbeat.” The couple share daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret. (News.com.au)

Context matters. In the premiere of his new series The Road, Urban described tour life as lonely and exhausting, remarks aired days before the divorce news cycle accelerated. Commentators have read between the lines in both his lyrics and interviews, while Kidman’s Vogue remarks hinted at life plans veering off course. None of this confirms a reunion. It does show a pair under intense professional and personal strain. (People.com)

Melbourne Cup Picture: Half Yours Clears Next Hurdle

Half Yours will undergo the mandatory standing CT at Werribee this week. Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy says the gelding has bounced out of the Caulfield Cup and can peak again if cleared. He also accepts the 2 kilogram Cup penalty as a winnable weight. These are the steps that bridge a big October win to the first Tuesday in November. (News.com.au)

The scan is part of Racing Victoria’s tightened 2025 regime. All Melbourne Cup starters, local and international, must pass a pre-race standing CT between 17 and 30 October and then complete two vet inspections in Cup week. A PET scan can be used if specialists want more detail. The independent imaging panel advises stewards, who make the final call. This safety net has already taken high-profile runners out of the spring.

What punters and owners should watch next

  1. Imaging outcomes published by stewards.
  2. Track pattern and weather at Flemington in Cup week.
  3. Final weights and barrier draw.
  4. Any late veterinary rechecks that change the map.

The MotoGP Shake-up: A First-Time Winner, Local Highs, Local Lows

Phillip Island produced a plot twist of its own. Raul Fernandez won his first MotoGP race, a breakthrough built on calm pace while rivals stumbled. Several contenders were injured or penalised, and Jack Miller crashed from the front group on lap five. The result still counts. Fernandez led when it mattered and closed the door on doubt. (ABC)

Australia still had reasons to cheer. Senna Agius delivered a masterclass in Moto2, controlling every lap at home. In Moto3, Joel Kelso finished a close second behind world champion Jose Antonio Rueda after starting from pole, underscoring the depth coming through. The grandstand felt it. So did the paddock. (Speedcafe.com)

Key Results and Facts

ItemDetailSource
Kidman and UrbanReport claims Kidman would reconcile despite filing for divorce(News.com.au)
Urban contextSpoke on air about loneliness and tour strain in The Road premiere(People.com)
Half YoursMandatory standing CT this week to confirm Cup start(News.com.au)
Cup protocolsAll Cup runners must pass CT between 17 and 30 October; two pre-race inspections
Sir DeliusSpring favorite ruled out after specialist scans and steward decision(News.com.au)
MotoGPRaul Fernandez wins first premier-class race at Phillip Island(ABC)
Moto2Senna Agius wins at home, leads every lap(Speedcafe.com)
Moto3Joel Kelso second by 0.8 seconds behind Rueda(FOX SPORTS)

How stewards’ scans are changing Cup Week

Racing Victoria’s 2025 veterinary playbook sets clear windows and clear thresholds. The CT window for Cup runners opens mid October and closes on 30 October, with all imaging reviewed by an expert panel. Stewards can order extra tests and rule on eligibility up to scratching time. The policy seeks fewer race-day injuries and more certainty for connections and fans. It is strict. It is also transparent. Expect swift updates as each horse clears or fails.

What it means for Half Yours and rivals

If Half Yours passes cleanly, his Caulfield Cup strength at 2400 metres transfers to 3200 metres only with the right ride. Relax early. Build momentum from the 800. Launch once. The 2 kilogram penalty narrows the margin for error, so rhythm and cover become more valuable than raw aggression. With Sir Delius out, market shape changes again, and tempo projects to be honest given several lightweights in the mix. (Herald Sun)

Is Nicole Kidman really open to reconciling with Keith Urban?
A new report says she would consider it, even after filing for divorce. It follows weeks of stories about separate living arrangements and candid comments by Urban about the toll of touring. Nothing is confirmed, but the door is not fully closed. (News.com.au)

When will we know if Half Yours runs in the Melbourne Cup?
After the standing CT scan and the two scheduled vet inspections. The CT window runs until 30 October, and stewards publish decisions close to acceptance deadlines.

Why are Cup vets ruling big names out before raceday?
The 2025 protocols prioritise welfare. If scans show risk, stewards can withdraw a horse. Sir Delius was ruled out of both the Cox Plate and Cup on veterinary advice. (RACING.COM)

What exactly changed in the Melbourne Cup rules this year?
All Cup runners, local and international, must pass a standing CT in a set window and complete two pre-race inspections. PET scans are available if needed. The process is spelled out by Racing Victoria.

How did Aussies perform at Phillip Island?
Jack Miller crashed in MotoGP, but Senna Agius won Moto2 and Joel Kelso finished second in Moto3. It was a strong day for the next generation. (ABC)

Who actually won the MotoGP race?
Raul Fernandez, taking his first premier-class victory and turning a career corner in front of a massive Phillip Island crowd. (ABC)

Does the weather matter for Cup betting and tactics?
Yes. A drier Flemington usually helps class horses that carry weight, while softer going can swing the race toward lighter handicapped runners. Final calls come after acceptances and track updates in Cup week. Check official notices.

Bottom line
The Kidman-Urban story remains fluid. Half Yours is one scan away from a live Cup tilt. And Phillip Island reminded everyone that sport still writes fresh scripts. Keep an eye on steward notices, weather cards, and late mail. That is where the spring turns. (News.com.au)

Read more

Local News