Knight’s Choice, a long shot in the race, captured the 164th Melbourne Cup held at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday, narrowly defeating Warp Speed in a thrilling photo finish. Okita Soushi rounded out the podium with a third-place finish.
Ridden by jockey Robbie Dolan and carrying a weight of 51.5kg, Knight’s Choice’s victory marked a significant achievement for co-trainer Sheila Laxon, who celebrated her second Melbourne Cup win, nearly a quarter-century after securing her first with Ethereal in 2001.
Dolan expressed his disbelief and joy, saying, “Pinch me, I’m dreaming,” following the remarkable performance of the 80/1 outsider in perfect racing conditions. He had anticipated that his best strategy was to ensure the horse stayed the distance and then sprinted home, which ultimately paid off in a way that surprised many.
The original field consisted of 24 horses, but it was reduced to 23 after Athabascan, trained by John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, was withdrawn by the stewards on Monday due to heart issues.
This thrilling result not only highlights the unpredictability of the Melbourne Cup but also offers a heartening reminder of the potential for unexpected victories in sports, inspiring both competitors and audiences alike. Knight’s Choice’s performance will be remembered as a testament to determination and resilience in the racing world.
In the spirit of the event, let us celebrate the journey of all participants and the excitement of coming together for such a prestigious race.
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