The Joseph O'Brien-trained Rekindling (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}) led home an Irish-trained trifecta in the 157th running of the A$6.2 million G1 Emirates Melbourne Cup, beating Johannes Vermeer (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), representing the trainer's father Aidan O'Brien, by half a length.
With three kilos in hand over the runner-up, Rekindling became the first 3-year-old winner of the Cup since 1941. The first two home both raced in the colours of Lloyd Williams to give the owner a sixth win in the Cup and second in a row following last year's triumph Of Almandin (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}), who finished twelfth. It was also a second win in the Melbourne Cup for Rekindling's jockey Corey Brown.
A momentous result for Ireland was completed when Max Dynamite (Fr) (Great Journey {JPN}), who was second in the race two years ago, finished three lengths back from the leading duo in third under Zac Purton.
Big Duke (Ire) (Raven's Pass) finished best of the local challengers for Victoria's champion trainer Darren Weir, while the first Scottish-trained runner in the Cup, Nakeeta (GB) (Sixties Icon {GB}), was fifth. Six of the first seven horses to finish are trained in Europe.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
