Melbourne Cup 2016: Almandin wins race that stops the nation in thrilling finish

Updated

Almandin has won the Melbourne Cup, narrowly taking the victory from Heartbreak City in the race that stops the nation. Look back on how all the action from Flemington Racecourse unfolded.

Topics: sport, horse-racing, flemington-3031, vic, australia

First posted</s>Another year, another Melbourne Cup thriller. After Michelle Payne’s triumph 12 months ago, the 2016 edition of the famous race had a lot to live up to yet it did not disappoint as Almandin, piloted by Kerrin McEvoy, galloped to victory in one of the closest finishes in the Cup’s 156-year history.

In a stirring ride down the home straight as the rain began to fall at Flemington Racecourse, the injury-prone gelding broke clear of Irish raider Heartbreak City, ridden by Brazilian Joao Moreira, with just metres to run in a thrilling finish, watched by 97,479, to give owner Lloyd Williams his fifth Melbourne Cup victory.

The official winning margin was a long head and four-and-a-quarter lengths.

It was another disappointing Cup for Godolphin, with pre-race favourite Hartnell settling for third and stable-mate Qewy running fourth, leaving Sheikh Mohammed still searching for the prize he covets so much.

Hartnell’s placing means just one favourite has won in the past 11 years – Fiorente in 2013. For McEvoy, it was his second Melbourne Cup win, 16 years after his first, with Brew in 2000.

“I’m more nervous now than I was in the race,” he said afterwards. “I feel very privileged to have won my second Melbourne Cup. It’s a dream come true.

“I said when I got off, you win one, you want to win another one. I am very lucky to be on this horse. He was there the whole way, travelled great, what a buzz.”

McEvoy thanked Williams for the faith shown in him before the owner congratulated his trainer Robert Hickmott, who also enjoyed Cup success with Green Moon in 2012.

“He’s been with me for probably 15 years now,” said Williams, who is rarely seen trackside but was on hand this time to watch his charge surge to victory. “There is no better person as an employee of a racing stable. I’m a very, very difficult boss, I have to tell you. So he’s gone through thick and thin with me. He’s got this result today.”

Almandin’s career has been chequered with injuries and before Tuesday he had been limited to just 11 starts. A two-year spell out was ended this winter and he went on to break through with victories in the Harry White Classic and the Bart Cummings (2,500m) at Flemington on 2 October.

He had been kept fresh in the buildup to Tuesday’s race and had not been sent out to race in a month. McEvoy said of Almandin: “He’s had his troubles on his way, but he’s been well handled by Lloyd.”

Almaldin, formerly trained in Germany, started fourth in the betting at $11, behind Hartnell, Oceanographer and Jameka, after being well supported since the draw, which allocated him barrier 17.

Who Shot The Barman and Almoonqith grabbed fifth and sixth place respectively, while Oceanographer came in 12th and Jameka, the only Australian-bred horse in the $6.2m race, could only manage 15th.

Rose of Virginia finished last in the 24-horse field, all of which finished the 3,200m.

The forecasted rain held off for the start of the race before a few heavy drops fell as the field headed into the final straight, although it was too little too late to affect the going, which remained good throughout.</s>Melbourne, Australia (AP) — Almandin stormed down the straight to beat Heartbreak City by a long head in the 156th Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, giving owner Lloyd Williams a record fifth win in Australia’s richest race and jockey Kerrin McEvoy his second victory in the 2-mile classic.

McEvoy won his previous Melbourne Cup on Brew in 2000, giving him the mark for longest gap between Cup titles for a jockey.

Australian businessman Williams is the first owner to win more than four Melbourne Cups.

“Lloyd, he knows what to do in these staying races. It’s just a dream,” McEvoy said. “It’s great to be part of it again for my second Cup.”

McEvoy’s wife Cathy is the sister of Michelle Payne, who rode Prince of Penzance to victory here last year, becoming the first female jockey to win the race.

Pre-race favorite Hartnell was 4-1/4 lengths back in third place, extending the drought for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Godolphin racing enterprise, which first entered the southern hemisphere’s premier race in 1998 but is yet to win.

Williams had four starters in the race and Godolphin had five, including fourth-place finisher Qewy.

Williams, who won his first Melbourne Cup with Just A Dash in 1981, said the fact that Almandin had been out for a long spell with a tendon problem made it a more significant triumph.

“This horse had a tendon and he was broken down, so I’m quite emotional about this one,” he said, adding that trainer Robert Hickmott and the racing team “have done a fabulous job getting this horse back.”

Hickmott “has been with me for probably 15 years now. There is no better person as an employee of a racing stable,” Williams said. “I’m a very, very difficult boss, I have to tell you. So he’s gone through thick and thin with me. He’s got this result today — I congratulate him.”

Almandin is a seven-year-old German-bred gelding, sired by the late Monsun, who also sired the winners of the race in 2013 and 2014.

Godolphin has had three runners-up finishers and now two third places at the Melbourne Cup. Hartnell was in good position to break the drought rounding into the final turn before Almandin and the Ireland-based Heartbreak City surged late.

“To come here and finish third and fourth is a great achievement,” Godolphin racing manager John Ferguson said. “I’m absolutely delighted with the way the team has operated and, most importantly, we’ll keep trying.”</s>MELBOURNE: Lloyd Williams became the most successful owner of Melbourne Cup winners with Almandin (A$11) claiming Australia’s greatest horse race by a long head yesterday.

 Almandin overcame a potent international challenge to beat the Irish stayer Heartbreak City, with Hartnell taking the minor placing.

 One of Australia’s most successful businessmen, Williams has now figured in the ownership of five Melbourne Cup winners while jockey Kerrin McEvoy rode his second winner of the race.

 Almandin started a well-supported A$11 chance and sat mdfield before joining a charge of horses at the home.

 Hartnell surged to the front only to be challenged by Almandin with Heartbreak City making his run between the pair.

 Heartbreak City ($19) went clear and seemed certain to hold on before Almandin raised one more effort to claim victory on the line by a long head.

 Hartnell, the $5.50 favourite, couldn’t match the quinella pair but ran bravely to finish third, 4-1/4 lengths further back.

 McEvoy was obviously ecstatic after the historic feat.

 “Gee, he travelled well.

 “How lucky am I mate?” McEvoy said.

 “The elation, the elation is unreal mate.

 “Been well prepared by Lloyd. He won in October there and got into the race and he just gave him a nice freshen up and typical of Lloyd, he knows what to do with these races.

 “Just a dream race.

 “Great to be part of it again. Second cup. I love the Melbourne Cup.”

 Williams was emotional after the win as Almandin had come back from some serious injuries.

 “This horse had a tendon he was broken down,” he said. “No, it’s quite emotional about this one.

 “The boys have done a fabulous job with getting this horse back.”

 Almandin was trained by Robert Hickmott.

 McEvoy is the brother in law of last year’s winner Michelle Payne.

 “It’s so exciting.

 “My sister Kathy is due at home to have their fourth baby,” Payne said.

 “Hopefully she’s held on because it’s ready to come any time soon. She’ll be so excited. What a finish.

 “Kerrin is such an amazing rider. What a great ride it was.

 “So exciting.” – 7sport</s>Roared on by a festive crowd of more than 100,000 people, Almandin emerged at the final turn to haul in Heartbreak City by a neck at the end of the grueling two-mile handicap.

It gave local businessman Lloyd Williams a record fifth Melbourne Cup as an owner and jockey Kerrin McEvoy his second trumph after his win on Brew in 2000.

The seven-year-old gelding's Australian trainer Robert Hickmott also claimed his second Cup in its 156th running, having prepared 2012 winner Green Moon.

"Jeez, he traveled well," McEvoy said from the saddle, having timed the 11-1 shot's run to perfection.

"How lucky am I, mate? The elation is just unreal.

"Just a dream, mate, to win my second Cup. It's just a dream come true. I love these staying races, I love the Melbourne Cup."

McEvoy set a record for the longest gap between Cup wins for a jockey and his triumph came less than a week before his wife Cathy Payne, the sister of last year's winning jockey Michelle Payne, was due to have their fourth child.

"Cathy's at home, love you guys, hope you didn't cheer too loudly and the baby popped out," the 36-year-old said.

Heartbreak City, ridden by Hong Kong-based Brazilian Joao Moreira, was a gallant runner-up after leaping from barrier 23.

Trained by Irishman Tony Martin, the seven-year-old gelding was the first to bolt for the line and all but captured Australia's richest horse racing prize before conceding at the line.

"He didn't break my heart, he tried 120 percent," said Moreira.

"I'm very proud of the horse. If you look at him you wouldn't think he was that good, but when he went at the end he showed what he was capable of.

"From the 50 (meter mark), I knew my horse was getting weak, he started getting tired, and the other one had a little bit left and he got me at the line."

Favorite Hartnell finished third, continuing the frustrations of the powerful Godolphin stable which had five entrants in the field of 24.

Godolphin, owned by Emirati Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have tried in vain to win a Melbourne Cup since 1998, but managed only three runner-up finishes.

The stable's British stayer Qewy was fourth, while Jameka, the sole locally bred entrant, disappointed in 15th place, having started second favorite after winning the prestigious Caulfield Cup last month.</s>Tony Martin is already plotting a return to Australia next year after Heartbreak City was agonisingly denied by Almandin in the Emirates Melbourne Cup.

The County Meath handler was proud in defeat after the six-year-old gelding, winner of the Ebor at York in the summer, came so close in the big race at Flemington.

But Martin now wants to attempt to go one place better in 2017 with a horse who did brilliantly well to even get in contention from a wide draw in stall 23.

He said: “The emotions were very high.

“I gave him all the pushing and shoving I could from the stands, but, unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.

“Everything went to plan, everything was great, it’s just a pity we didn’t have somebody to tow us into the straight a little bit further.

“Other than that, everything went well — I couldn’t be happier.

“If we have to lock him up until next year, he’s coming back here next year, all being well.”

Jockey Joao Moreira chose to focus upon the many positives after Heartbreak City turned in such a gallant display.

The rider said: “He tried 120 per cent and I’m very proud of the horse.

“He was giving the best of himself for a long way.

“You can’t be disappointed with his run.”

Godolphin runner Secret Number, trained in Newmarket by Saeed bin Suroor, and Excess Knowledge jousted for the lead for a long way in what was a truly-run renewal of the two-mile affair.

The latter still held a slight advantage two furlongs from home, but Heartbreak City was soon on top of that rival and darted into the lead from off the pace.

A cut-and-thrust finale ensued, but Almandin found that little bit extra to provide both jockey Kerrin McEvoy and trainer Robert Hickmott with a second taste of Melbourne Cup glory.

Joint-owner Lloyd Williams is a ubiquitous presence upon the winner’s podium and was claiming a fifth victory in the so-called “race that stops a nation”.

McEvoy, who won the Melbourne Cup with Brew in 2000, said: “How lucky am I? The elation is unreal.

“He has been well prepared and he travelled well.

“All we needed was a good run. The more I looked at it before the race, the more confident I got.

“It’s a great buzz to get the job done. He’s a great little horse.

“He’s had his troubles along the way, but he’s been very well handled.

Godolphin were responsible for five runners in their relentless pursuit to win the Melbourne Cup, with the locally-trained Hartnell third — some four and a quarter lengths away from the main protagonists — and Charlie Appleby’s Qewy a staying-on fourth.

Big Orange, fifth last year, was prominent for a long way but he faded as the field charged for home and could only finish 10th for trainer Michael Bell and jockey Jamie Spencer.

Bondi Beach was never a factor, while fellow Irish challenger Wicklow Brave expended a lot of early energy by getting across from stall 24 and beat just two horses home.

Spencer felt “pace and weight” proved Big Orange’s undoing as the wait for a British Melbourne Cup winner goes on.

Ryan Moore said Bondi Beach “was a bit disappointing”, with Frankie Dettori of the belief that Wicklow Brave “raced flat”.

Appleby was, however, much more upbeat about Qewy.

The Newmarket handler told www.godolphin.com: “Qewy’s gone and run the race of his life.

“We came here without even being in the race, we won our way into the Melbourne Cup and we’ve done well.

“We’ve also learned a lot and we’ll be back with a bigger team next year.”

Fellow Godolphin runner Beautiful Romance, trained by Bin Suroor, did well to finish seventh.

Jockey Damian Lane said: “She ran super. She threw her head up as the barriers opened and if she could have held her spot she might have been right in it.”

The Appleby-trained Oceanographer came home in 12th place, but he was found to have been lame after the race, according to the Racing Victoria stewards.</s>ALMANDIN has won the 2016 Melbourne Cup in a thrilling finish.

In a fiercely run race the seven-year-old gelding held off a fast field to give owner Lloyd Williams a record fifth Melbourne Cup.

Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, the incredible horse raced down the home straight side by side with Heartbreak City and pulled away in the final 50m.

The win was McEvoy's second Cup win - coming more than 16 years after he first won it.

"How lucky am I mate? The elation, the elation is unreal mate,'' McEvoy said.

"Been well prepared by Lloyd. He won in October there and got into the race and he just gave him a nice freshen up and typical of Lloyd he knows what to do with these races. Just a dream race. Great to be part of it again. Second Cup."

"I said to my old man yesterday, I said all we need is a good run. The more I look at it the more confident I get. Gee, Sammy, just a dream come true. I like to thank Lloyd and Rob Hickmott for giving me the chance. I love these Australian races."

His wife Kathy and the kids were cheering him on.

"Love you guys. Hope you didn't cheer to loud. The baby is popping out. The two older boys Charlie and Jake they went to school today. They would have gained a few more mates as school if they are sitting watching it at school in Clare Valley."

Earlier: CHANNEL 7 commentator Bruce McAvaney has tipped an outsider to win the Melbourne Cup.

The voice of Aussie Rules football has ignored the top six favourites to select $16 shot Wicklow Brave as the horse to beat at Flemington.

The eight-year-old British gelding won last start on September 11 over 2816m in a Group 1 race.

"He's pretty good odds, he's got the bad barrier, he's got Frankie Dettori who's ridden in the race 14 times and never won - he's probably the most famous jockey in the world.

"But he's got a genius who trains him called Willie Mullins. He's brought three horses to Australia, but the last two years his horses have run fourth and second.

"So I'm going No. 8 to beat No. 20 Oceanographer, No. 12 Jameka, No. 6 Hartnell and No. 1 Big Orange - they're my five."

Punters are turning away from the early race favourites.

With favourites Hartnell ($6) and Jameka ($8.50) both drifting on the day of the great race, punters have come late for previously unfancied chances in Big Orange ($16 into $12), Almandin ($16 into $10), Qewy ($31 into $26), Wicklow Brave ($21 into $16), Grand Marshall (Steady at 31 on Cup Day) and Who Shot Thebarman ($35 into $26).

If you only have minutes to find yourself a winner, check out our guide on every runner in the 2016 Melbourne Cup....

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Big Orange finished fifth in the 2015 Cup just 2.5 lengths off the winner and comes into this year's edition in spectacular form.

Likes: Distance - what distance? Big Orange has raced over 3200 metres six times, won twice and never finished worse than fifth. Drew perfect barrier.

 Dislikes: If there is a knock on the star stayer it is his tendency to wallow in wet going.

Verdict: A frontrunning stayer who will have no trouble with the two miles and will benefit if, as expected, the pace comes early this year. Weight shouldn't be a problem as he's used to carrying big imposts. Can't ignore a horse who can go the distance and comes in to race in form. If the track isn't soggy he's every hope.

Formerly based in Germany, Our Ivanhowe has been plying his trade in Australia since April 2015.

Likes: His best run to date is a third in the Group One Caulfield Cup in 2015 which he followed up by running tenth in the Melbourne Cup of that year - a race in which like many he had excuses due to a rough-house final 400 metres.

Dislikes: Has not looked as good in 2016. Finished eighth of twelve when beaten nine lengths by Hartnell in the Turnbull Stakes and then finished sixth, 5.3 lengths behind Jameka in the Caulfield Cup.

Verdict: It's worth noting that he made up ground in the final 400 metres of the Caulfield Cup to improve five places, but I don't see him improving further and has plenty of weight to carry.

The only Japanese horse in the field this year, Curren Mirotic has earned his owners almost $A2 million over his career but has been brutal on punters with just three places over his last 10 starts. Owners have instructed Berry to push the pace (something that will favour true stayers).

Likes: The old boy can stay, and proved it when he finished second in the Group One Tenno Sho over 3200m in May this year. Has the services of Aussie jockey tommy Berry in the race with Berry previously riding Curren Mirotic in June this year.

Dislikes: Has a horrible strike rate of late, no wet form and his last win was almost three years ago.

 Verdict: While he is a professional at collecting a cheque for his owners he is a nightmare for punters. Can't see him threatening the top ten - but his determination to make the pace may well decide the finish order. Steer clear.

A lightly raced five-year-old who raced in the 2015 Melbourne Cup in just his sixth ever start and is back for another tilt at the Spring Carnival.

Likes: His class is undoubted and the four starts since last year's tilt at the Cup will have strengthened the stallion. Handles all conditions and has wins on Good, Slow and Heavy tracks. Has only missed a place once - the 2015 Melbourne Cup.

Dislikes: Still only has the ten starts to his name which is a fraction of many of his more seasoned competitors.

 Verdict: Another of the Lloyd/Nick Williams stable, bookies are keeping Bondi Beach safe and you probably should too. If you exclude the premature 2015 Cup run he's never finished further than 2.5 lengths from the winner and he beat Order Of St George when younger.

Former UK galloper now in the stables of Lee and Anthony Freedman who ran third in the Caulfield Cup in his only Australian start to date.

Likes: There was plenty to like about his Caulfield Cup run where he settled midfield and closed strongly. Beat Big Orange by nine lengths over 2400 metres in the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket in June of this year.

Dislikes: Has never run further than 2400 metres and can struggle if the ground is wet.



Verdict: Gets a pull in the weights on Jameka from the Caulfield Cup and if the race is run to suit, and it's not too wet, he's a rough hope despite distance queries.

He can't beat Winx but there's no doubt he's a top chance to beat this field over two miles.

Likes: Trounced Jameka by three lengths in the Turnbull Stakes. Has a win over 3200 metres in England (Queen's Vase - Listed race) and a fourth over the distance in the Sydney Cup.

Dislikes: Hard to find too many of these. Handles the track, handles conditions, handles the distance and has a lovely barrier. Not short on weight but has had no trouble lugging big weights all season and probably should carry more on current form.

Verdict: Ran 15th is the Frankie Dettori ruined Melbourne Cup of 2015 and is in much better form going into this year's race. Barring another bump-fest on the final turn his name should be ringing out up the final straight. Lots to like.

A grand old stayer having his third tilt at the Melbourne Cup, Who shot Thebarman can certainly stay all day.

Likes: Has been competitive in two of his last three runs where he book ended a disappointing run in the Group One Metropolitan with second places in the Group 2 Hill Stakes (2000 metres) 6 lengths behind Hartnell and the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500 metres) where he was beaten less than a length by Grand Marshall. Distance is no problem whatsoever with six runs over two miles already under his belt including a win and two places.

Dislikes: Hasn't had a win since November 2015 and looks past his best. Often outclassed at Group 1 level. Horrible barrier draw so will either need to burn some gas early or get stuck way back at the end of the field.

Verdict: Was unlucky last year as his form was good but he was smashed in the final straight. Form this year is not as good and while he's durable and able to handle any going you have to think his best days are behind him. Pass.

An eight-year-old veteran as comfortable over the hurdles as he is on the flat.

Likes: Distance is absolutely no problem for the seasoned stayer who has more than twenty starts over 3200 metres and he's coming here after recording a win over Europe's best stayer Order Of St George in the Group 1 Irish St Leger at his last start. Proved his versatility where he led from the front, in an admittedly small field, in the St Leger and has won from behind on plenty of occasions. His trainer has shown he has what it takes to challenge in the Cup training Simeon to fourth in 2013 and 2015 runner up Max Dynamite.

Dislikes: His form ahead of the St Leger was just fair with plenty of places but no win since May 2015. Has never raced outside of the UK and Ireland. Drawn the outside barrier which in a big field like is a blow to his chances.

Verdict: If he can repeat his effort in the St Leger he would be a legitimate winning chance. If he repeats his form from the 6 races prior to that he'll be lucky to finish in the top ten. Was quite keen on him as a roughie until he drew the carpark. Pass.

A veteran stayer who was brought to Australia in 2015 and placed with master trainer David Hayes.

 Likes: Has talent and his staying ability was underlined by a win over 3200 metres in the 2015 Sandown Cup (Listed) and a fifth in the Sydney Cup over the same distance in April this year - a race won by Gallante - and he gets a 4kg pull in the weights over Gallante from that race. His slashing fourth in the Caulfield Cup was a great Melbourne Cup trial.

Dislikes: Is yet to run a place from a combined eight starts at Group 1 and Group 2 level - in fact his last win was the Sandown Cup mentioned above. Done no favours at the barrier draw.

Verdict: He can stay, he handles it wet or dry and has a great trainer. If the pace comes on early, and he can get some luck from the wide barrier, he could finish in the top ten ... top three might be a stretch.

Yet another from the Lloyd Williams stable, Gallante looks to finally be showing the promise that Williams hoped for when he bought him.

Likes: Distance is not a problem for Gallante as he showed when he won the 3200 metre Group 1 Sydney Cup in April of this year. Came back from a spell following the Sydney Cup win in great form when he finished behind only Jameka in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes on 17 September at big odds.

Dislikes: Showed little in the Moonee Valley Cup at his last start.



Verdict: Following the same regimen that led to Sydney Cup success and gets a 2kg pull on Jameka from the Naturalism. You can ignore the Moonee Valley Cup run as he doesn't like the tight MV track and will be much happier on the wide expanse of Flemington. Loves it wet and a genuine roughie hope at big odds.

The second of the Chris Waller horses in the Cup and another hoping for more luck than he had in 2015's edition.

Likes: Distance not a problem as has run and won (2015 Group One Sydney Cup) and placed twice over 3200 metres. Comes into the race with a win at his latest start the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup where he saluted at big odds in front of his more fancied stablemate Who Shot Thebarman.

Dislikes: Was trounced in the Metropolitan and Hill Stakes prior to his Moonee Valley Cup run and has not showed his best form for quite some time now.

 Verdict: Can't help but feel the seven-year-old is not up to the A grade gallopers these days. Pass

Thrashed the Caulfield Cup field to sky rocket to the top of betting for the big race.

Likes: Won the Caulfield Cup in dominant style and runs well at Flemington.Dislikes: Never won beyond 2500m (VRC Oaks) and the last horse to do the Caulfield/Melbourne Cup double was Ethereal in 2001.

Verdict: Despite the slight distance query her trainer Ciaron Maher is confident Jameka can run out the full two miles, and if she does, she's got to be respected on the back of her Caulfield win. However, is weighted to best following her penalty for winning the Caulfield Cup and her best is over 2000-2400 metres.

A European based horse that mixes his time between racing on the flat and hurdles.Likes: The veteran has found form in 2016 with an impressive win in Europe's richest staying handicap The Ebor (2800 metres) prior to heading to Australia for the Cup. Distance not a problem as he regularly runs over 3200 metres. Has services of leading international jockey.

Dislikes: Other than that Ebor run he's been going around in much softer class than this race. Horrible barrier draw.Verdict: The bookies are keeping him very safe and he's currently on the fifth line of betting.

An eight-year-old veteran who has bounced around various stables since being brought to Australia from Ireland in 2013.

 Likes: His best win was in this preparation when he saluted in the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400 metres) in October 2016.

 Dislikes: A class below this field despite the win in the Metropolitan and there has to be a query over his ability to run 3200 metres.

 Verdict: Definite pass.

15. EXCESS KNOWLEDGE (21) 53.5KG (WATERHOUSE & BOTT) VLAD DURIC

 Gai Waterhouse backs up this veteran stallion that surprised many with his seventh placed effort in the 2015 Melbourne Cup.

 Likes: Showing good form without winning in races this preparation. Ran a solid third in the Group 3 Bart Cummings and backed that up with another nice pre-Cup hit out for fourth in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup.

 Dislikes: Will carry 2.5kg more than he did in the Cup last year, and it's fair to say that seventh placing was a direct result of a slew of talented horses being taken out behind him on the final turn of the rough and ready 2015 event. Hasn't won a race since his win in the Lexus prior to the 2015 Cup. Poor barrier.

 Verdict: Gives every impression of not being a true stayer, rather a 2000-2400 metre horse being asked to extend himself. With the promise of early pace this year we should see a truer staying battle and he'll struggle come the straight. Pass.

16. BEAUTIFUL ROMANCE (1) 52.5KG (SAEED BIN SUROOR) DAMIAN LANE

 A Godolphin import, the five-year-old mare can be hard to catch as a punter.

 Likes: Her best win was in the Group 2 Middleton Stakes over 2100 metres. Has two places over 2400 metres.

 Dislikes: Hard to catch and has been well beaten when racing in top flight company.

 Verdict: Prefer her stablemate.

17. ALMANDIN (17) 52KG (ROBERT HICKMOTT) KERRIN MCEVOY 51KG

 A lightly raced import from Germany, Almandin has a good strike rate of four wins, three seconds and a third from 11 starts.

 Likes: His best win was a win in the Unternehmer (Group 2) in June of 2014 where he beat eventual 2014 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist. Was snapped up by Lloyd Williams after that impressive showing ... and then spelled for 107 weeks. Showing good form in lead up to the Cup with wins in the Listed H White (2400 metres) and Group 3 Bart Cummings (2500 metres).

 Dislikes: Never run past 2500 metres, and yet to run against the top line Cup contenders.

 Verdict: There is no doubt about the canny Williams stable being able to pick a Melbourne Cup contender from Europe. Almandin's win over Protectionist franks his class and he gets in with a light weight. Definite chance.

18. ASSIGN (22) 52KG (ROBERT HICKMOTT) KATELYN MALLYON

 Yet another from the Lloyd Williams stable, and carries the hope of female jockey fans with Kate Mallyon on board.

 Likes: Gets in on a feather weight and shown good recent form, pipped by stablemate Almandin in the Harry White Classic (2400 metres) after doing all the work for the field and then won the Group 2 Herbert Power (2400 metres) at his last start.

 Dislikes: Never won or placed beyond 2400 metres, wide barrier draw and the odds have him the clear outsider from his stable.

 Verdict: If you like Almandin, and I do, you have to respect Assign.



 19. GREY LION (16) 52KG (MATT CUMANI) GLENN BOSS

 An Irish raider trained by Matt Cumani, the son of legendary trainer Luca, Grey Lion is a lightly raced five-year-old stallion with just 12 starts to his name.

 Likes: Has some reasonable staying form in Europe where he had a win over 2500 at Deauville in March this year and a third in the Group 3 Prix D'Hedouvi (2400 metres) in May. Showed he had handled the trip to Australia in fine style with a battling second in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400 metres) where he was just pipped by Qewy but beat Oceanographer.

 Dislikes: His run in the Group 2 Kergorlay (3000 metres) prior to coming to Australia was pretty poor as he drifted to finish in last place 8 lengths behind the winner.

 Verdict: Has a good strike rate but in lesser grade races than this. Has a lightweight, champion jockey Glenn Boss on board and some chance of a minor place.

Another from the Charlie Appleby stable, this five-year-old Godolphin horse ran a beautiful Cup trial in the Lexus.

Likes: Stormed home in the Geelong Cup to finish within a length of winner Qewy and then came from last to gobble up the field in the Lexus on Saturday. Also finished strongly in the Ebor (a race won by Heartbreak City) in his last start before heading to Australia.

 Dislikes: Has never run beyond the 2800 metres of the Ebor.

 Verdict: His strong finishes in shorter races indicate he should get the two miles, and the slashing finish in the Lexus caught everyone's attention. Lovely barrier draw, light weight. Definite chance.

The second Godolphin import and probably the hardest horse in the field to rate.

 Likes: A tricky horse to get a hold on, Secret Number has had just the one start - the far from prestigious Doonside Cup - in the last 12 months. Showed immense talent in Europe before coming to Australia by recording wins over quality horses such as Red Cadeaux, Dandino and Gatewood.

 Dislikes: Has any horse ever come into the Melbourne Cup with a win in the Doonside Cup so prominent on their resume?

 Verdict: If you're playing safe with multiples leave him in, if you're searching for value be prepared to risk this talented but unpredictable horse.

22. PENTATHLON (4) 51.5KG (JOHN WHEELER) MARK DO PLESSIS

 Dour Kiwi stayer who has run and won over 3200 metres.

 Likes: Showed he can handle the distance with a win in a BM85 at Trentham, second in the Group 2 Wellington Cup and fourth in the Group 1 Auckland Cup all over two miles.

 Dislikes: Form this preparation has been average. Ran a fair third in the Moonee Valley Cup behind Grand Marshall and Who Shot Thebarman and then did little in the Lexus won by Oceanographer on Saturday.

 Verdict: Pass

Yet another from the Godolphin stable, Qewy is a versatile horse as happy on the flat as he is over jumps.

 Likes: Led all the way to win the Geelong Cup by a small margin over Grey Lion. Distance not a problem with the gelding having won over 3300 metres and placed at 4000. Gets in with a feather weight and has services of top jockey Craig Williams.

 Dislikes: Will need some luck in running early as he lacks the tactical pace required to make the running if the field goes hard early.

 Verdict: American (2010) and Dunedin (2011) did the Geelong Cup/Melbourne Cup double and Qewy has some hope of doing the same. Definite rough chance.

24. ROSE OF VIRGINIA (8) 51KG (LEE & SHANNON HOPE) BEN E THOMPSON

 A seven-year-old Kiwi mare who is making up the numbers.

 Likes: Ran second in the Group 1 Auckland Cup over 3200 metres.

 Dislikes: Has shown nothing since the Auckland Cup run. Was flogged in the Lexus on Saturday.

 Verdict: Nope

FINAL VERDICT

 Tier One: Hartnell (6), Oceanographer (20), Big Orange (1)

 Tier Two: Jameka (12), Almandin (17), Wicklow Brave (8)

 Tier Three: Almoonqith (9), Bondi Beach (4), Exospheric (5), Gallante (10), Qewy (23), Assign (18), Grey Lion (19), Heartbreak City (13)</s>EBOR winner Heartbreak City lived up to his name when being denied Emirates Melbourne Cup glory by Almandin in a head-bobbing finish to Austalia’s premier race.

However, trainer Tony Martin is already plotting a return Down Under for the so-called ‘race that stops a nation’ next year after the six-year-old gelding did brilliantly well to even get in contention from an almost impossibly wide draw in the 24-runner race.

In many respects, this was even more impressive than the horse’s win at York under Malton-based crack conditional Adam McNamara.

“The emotions were very high,” said County Meath-based Martin. “I gave him all the pushing and shoving I could from the stands, but, unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.

“Everything went to plan, everything was great, it’s just a pity we didn’t have somebody to tow us into the straight a little bit further.

“Other than that, everything went well – I couldn’t be happier. If we have to lock him up until next year, he’s coming back here next year, all being well.”

Heartbreak City’s Brazilian-born rider Joao Moreira chose to focus upon the many positives after his mount, and Almandin, pulled well clear of the eventual third Hartnell, previously trained by Mark Johnston in Middleham. The rider said: “He was giving the best of himself for a long way. You can’t be disappointed.”

Almandin was a second Cup triumph for both jockey Kerrin McEvoy, whose sister-in-law is 2015 heroine Michelle Payne, and trainer Robert Hickmott with a second taste of Melbourne Cup glory while joint-owner Lloyd Williams was claiming a fifth win.

McEvoy, victorious on Brew in 2000, said: “How lucky am I? The elation is unreal.”

Meanwhile, Frederik Tylicki – champion apprentice in 2009 when based with Malton’s Richard Fahey – remains in a stable condition in intensive care following a horrific four-horse pile-up at Kempton on Monday.

The 30-year-old has spinal injuries, though champion jockey Jim Crowley was discharged from hospital with nothing worse than a broken nose. He says he feels like he has boxed six rounds with top heavyweight Anthony Joshua.

In other racing news, Sir Valentino just pipped Garde La Victoire in an exciting finish to the 188Bet Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, cementing Irish rider Adrian Heskin’s new position as stable jockey to Tom George.</s>HOMETOWN HERO: Michelle Payne rides part-Bundaberg-owned Prince of Penzance to victory in last year's Melbourne Cup.

DESPITE being injured for the race that stops the nation, Bundaberg-owned Melbourne Cup winner Prince of Penzance will still be involved in today's proceedings in Flemington.

After winning the Melbourne Cup last year as a 100-1 long shot with jockey Michelle Payne, the achievement has been honoured with race 3 in today's Melbourne Cup program being named after the horse.

Usually sponsored by a coffee brand for the past few years, this year will be different as horses compete for the Prince of Penzance Plate over 2800m.

Currently, the Robert Hickmott-trained Morning Mix is the favourite with bookies to win the race.

Part-owned by local lawyer Bruce Dalton, Prince of Penzance was in contention to compete before an injury in the Herbert Power Handicap on October 8 ruled him out.

At this stage it is not known whether he will race again after successful surgery a couple of weeks ago.

The Prince of Penzance Plate race is at 11am.</s>It's the second Cup win for jockey Kerrin McEvoy who rode Brew to victory 16 years ago in the 2000 race.

"I'm very lucky privileged to have won a second cup and great to do it in the colors for Mr Williams and his family," McEvoy said moments after the race, referencing Lloyd Williams, who now holds the record with five Cup winners.

The Melbourne Cup is Australia's richest and most famous race. For a few minutes on the first Tuesday of every November, the nation is transfixed as a field of international and local talent compete for the A$3.6 million (US$2.75 million) prize.

The last moments of the two mile (3,200 meter) race ratcheted up the tension as Almandin and Heartbreak City engaged in a sprint along the final 300 meters.

This year's field was considered wide open. Favorite British gelding Hartnell came third, while the other horses attracting pre-race money, Oceanographer and Australian mare Jameka, finished in the middle of the pack. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull tweeted his congratulations and revealed that he'd won the office sweep.

 Congrats to Almandin for a great race. My tip Hartnell came third, but at least I won the office sweep! pic.twitter.com/fI9IyPF5AY — Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) November 1, 2016 Millions of Australians stop to watch the race, which is the highlight of the four-day Spring Carnival at Flemington Racecourse. Last year, jockey Michelle Payne made history as the first woman to win the race on 100-1 outsider Prince of Penzance. This year's only female jockey, 22-year-old Katelyn Mallyon, finished in 19th place in the field of 24 on six-year-old Irish gelding Assign. Good luck to all our jockeys today, but particularly @katelynmallyon riding in the cup. We'll be cheering! @Racing pic.twitter.com/dmV46Ya94P — EZ Racing (@ellertonzahra) October 31, 2016 When Payne won she lambasted the "chauvinists" in the racing world who didn't believe a woman could do it. "Get stuffed," she famously said in post-match interviews. The riding breeches Payne wore to win the race have since been sold to the National Museum of Australia for a reported A$40,000 (US$30,400). Michelle Payne rocked the world of racing by becoming the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse. 



 The Melbourne Cup is known as the "race that stops a nation" such is the interest in the event. It's not just the cup that stops Australia -- it's high stakes in the fashion world too.

 The Melbourne Cup was given its own entrance parade ahead of the race. Australian beauty pageant titleholder and television reporter.Rachael Finch poses at the Myer Marquee on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse. The celebrities were out in force with Lleyton Hewitt, the Australian tennis player, just one famous face at the racecourse. Of course, hats aren't just for women. Here designer Phillip Rhodes poses on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 3, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. There were 24 horses competing for a chance at sporting immortality. Just the fourth woman to compete in the race in its 155-year history, Payne rode New Zealand-bred Prince of Penzance to victory. Prince of Penzance cost $36,000 but came up trumps to win the $2.6 million top prize. 

 Payne was mobbed by adoring fans after her surprise triumph. Payne, one of 10 kids, celebrated the victory with her family. Payne celebrated her triumph with brother Stevie, who has Down syndrome. Stevie works as her strapper. DJ Nussy was on the decks as she entertained the crowds at Flemington. Singer Craig David was also on hand to entertain the Flemington masses. Supported by cello and violins, singer Nathaniel also performed at the racecourse. There was a huge crowd at Flemington to witness Payne's landmark win. Mobiles were very much at the ready to capture events both on and off the track. Crowds gather in Sydney's Martin Place -- where the Lindt Chocolate Cafe shooting took place in December 2014 -- to watch the race. At the end of a long hard day's horse racing seagulls gather at Flemington to see what might be on the menu. With all eyes glued on events at Flemington, there wasn't a soul to be seen studying at the Australian National University's Law Library in Canberra. The Melbourne Cup was first run in 1861. It attracts more than 310,000 fans to Flemington Racecourse and millions more watch on TV -- and now online. For the first time, the event was livestreamed on Twitter. The #MelbourneCup is all about #colour and both punters and stars stepped out in bold hues #WatchThisSpace pic.twitter.com/AEzzI3BtXF — FlemingtonRacecourse (@FlemingtonVRC) November 1, 2016 The day of the Melbourne Cup is a public holiday in the state of Victoria so residents can watch the race. Every year, the race attracts calls for an end to animal cruelty amid claims the horses are being pushed ever harder to win the title. Today we are raising a glass to horses. To the slow, the broken down, the old, the stressed, the exhausted, the forgotten. #MelbourneCup pic.twitter.com/XywysfybRv — Animals Australia (@AnimalsAus) November 1, 2016
In thoroughbred horse racing, Almandin, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, trained by Robert Hickmott and owned by five-time winner Lloyd Williams, wins the 156th Melbourne Cup.