The 164th running of the legendary Melbourne Cup is one that will go down in history, as rank outsider Knight’s Choice pulled off a stunning upset victory in a thrilling photo finish at Flemington Racecourse.
With the race hyped as a showdown between the favorites—Bugaroo, Onesmoothoperator, and Vauban—it was the unheralded five-year-old gelding ridden by Robbie Dolan who emerged triumphant in dramatic fashion.
A Nail-Biting Finish
As the field thundered down the final furlong, it was Just Fine who led the way, but the real action was unfolding further back in the pack. That’s where Knight’s Choice was making his decisive move, surging through the middle of the field to challenge for the lead.
In a frantic finish, Knight’s Choice and Warp Speed battled it out stride for stride, with the lime green cap of the former just edging ahead on the line to secure a famous victory by a mere head.
“He found another gear again, and he’s only a small little horse, but he gives his all every start, and that’s half the battle with him, I think, and he’s proved a lot of people wrong,” an elated Dolan told Channel 9 after the race.
A Surprise Result Shocks The Favorites
The pre-race favorites—Bugaroo, Onesmoothoperator, and Vauban—were all unable to live up to their billing, finishing well down the field as the unheralded Knight’s Choice pulled off the upset.
Vauban, who had been the subject of much hype after failing as the favorite in last year’s race, had a particularly disappointing result. The Aidan O’Brien-trained runner could only manage a fourth-place finish.
The victory for Knight’s Choice and jockey Robbie Dolan was all the more remarkable given the horse’s previous career earnings of just $632,400. The winner’s purse of $4.4 million will undoubtedly transform the horse’s future prospects.
A Historic Day For Women In Racing
In addition to the stunning upset on the track, the 2024 Melbourne Cup will also be remembered for a landmark achievement off it—a record four female jockeys had rides in the race, while six female trainers were represented, including the winning co-trainer Sheila Laxon.
Laxon’s victory was particularly meaningful, as it marked her second Melbourne Cup triumph after Ethereal’s win in 2001. She was overjoyed to see an Australian-bred horse and jockey take the spoils.
“I love it being done for the Australians; the Australian horse has done it, and Robbie’s Australian now as well,” Laxon said. The strong showing by women in the sport underscores the growing influence and success of female participants in the traditionally male-dominated world of thoroughbred racing.
A Spectacle Befitting The Occasion
Despite the shocking result on the track, the 2024 Melbourne Cup still managed to deliver the pomp and circumstance expected of one of the world’s most prestigious horse races. Attendance at Flemington Racecourse was up 10% on last year, with nearly 85,000 racegoers packing the venue.
The event also featured a lineup of musical acts, including UK singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and a DJ set by electronic duo Empire of the Sun. In the end, though, it was the thrilling on-track action that captured the imagination of the nation, with Knight’s Choice’s stunning victory leaving an indelible mark on the 164th running of the Melbourne Cup.
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