Tuesday saw one of the biggest flat contests of the racing year at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. First run in 1861, the highlight of the Australian season has grown to become an event of huge cultural significance on the other side of the world.
Known as “the race that stops a nation” the Melbourne Cup is the Aussie equivalent of the Grand National in the UK. The conditions are rather different from the Aintree marathon, but this is the one race of the year which sees almost everyone have a bet or at least tune in to watch the action.
The 163-year-old contest is also the richest two-mile turf handicap held anywhere on the planet, with a whopping A$8.56 million up for grabs. Connections of the most talented British and Irish handicappers need to head Down Under to have a shot at the prize.
Strong Raiding Party in 2024
Having witnessed the lion’s share of the prize money head overseas on three occasions since 2017, the Australian trainers are all too aware of the threat presented by Europe’s stamina-laden turf stars. Those travelling from British or Irish shores looked to boast particularly strong claims in 2024.
British & Irish Trained Runners in the 2024 Melbourne Cup
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|
| Absurde | Willie Mullins (IRE) | Kerrin McEvoy |
| Vauban | Willie Mullins (IRE) | William Buick |
| Onesmoothoperator | Brian Ellison (GB) | Craig Williams |
| Sea King | Harry Eustace (GB) | Hollie Doyle |
Viewing this as his most realistic shot at landing a huge pot on the flat, Willie Mullins relied on Absurde and Vauban. Only seventh and fourteenth in the 2023 edition – would they fare any better this time? Having landed a Listed event at Chester on his most recent outing, Absurde arrived at the top of his game. Vauban found only Kyprios too good in the Irish St Leger on his previous start, with that effort representing the single strongest piece of form in the race.
Not to be left out, Britain was also double-handed. On the back of a stellar Northumberland Plate and Eider Chase-winning season, Brian Ellison sent Onesmoothoperator into battle. Harry Eustace sought to follow the lead of his Melbourne Cup-winning brother David with the talented stayer Sea King. Both horses warmed up in grand style, with Onesmootheoperator particularly impressive when sprinting to Geelong Cup success.
Buckaroo Led Strong Home Defence
Despite the overseas talent on show, the Chris Waller-trained Buckaroo topped the market for the home team. Having landed the 2021 edition with the popular mare Verry Elleegant, the Waller team had high hopes for the improving five-year-old gelding despite the two-mile trip representing a step into the unknown.
If the favourite failed to see out the distance, there was no shortage of others with the form to go close. Formerly based in the UK, Okita Soushi, Circle Of Fire, Land Legend, Saint George, Interpretation, and Valiant King had all taken well to life in Australia. However, few punters (if any) were extolling the claims of the runner who ultimately stunned them all.
Knight Delight Stuns the Field
Starting at odds of 90/1, the John Symons and Sheila Laxon runner, Knight’s Choice, could be found towards the tail end of the betting list. For much of the contest itself, that assessment appeared about right.
With Just Fine, Okita Soushi and Circle Of Fire setting frenetic early fractions, Knight’s Choice was towards the rear of the field for much of the contest. Still eleven lengths adrift at the three-furlong poll, his chances of success looked in line with his odds. And then everything changed.
As the pace began to collapse in the home straight, Robbie Dolan took the brave man’s route up the inside rail aboard the staying on Knight’s Choice. As those ahead began to reach the end of their tether, the unlikely hero burst through the gaps to hit the front inside the final furlong. In the end, the unlucky-in-running Japanese challenger Warp Speed came closest to reeling him in, but Knight’s Choice hung on for an almost entirely unpredictable triumph.
Something to Sing About for Victorious Rider
The Willie Mullins raiders may have failed in their objective, but there was still an Irish flavour to the celebrations. Born on the Emerald Isle, Robbie Dolan relocated Down Under eight years ago, with that search for greater opportunities initially bearing fruit.
However, following a spell in the doldrums, Dolan considered an alternative career as a singer – so much so that he made an appearance on the Australian version of The Voice.
Wowing judges, including Rita Ora, with his renditions of Wrecking Ball and Let It Go, Dolan was no doubt hitting the high notes once again following this stunning success.