Kerrin McEvoy now one of Australia’s most successful jockeys after third Melbourne Cup win
SYDNEY’S Kerrin McEvoy is now one of the most successful jockeys in Australian history after winning his third Melbourne Cup in a come-from-nowhere finish on the back of Cross Counter. It comes after he secured his second triumph in The Everest just weeks ago.
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SYDNEY jockey Kerrin McEvoy stormed home to win the Melbourne Cup yesterday to notch up a historic trifecta of wins — snatching Australia’s most famous racing prize in the final thrilling moments.
It was a dream come true for McEvoy. On board four year-old gelding Cross Counter, he edged out Marmelo and Prince of Arran in the final stages of the prestigious 3200m race in front of a raucous crowd of 83,471 at Flemington to claim the $4 million first place prizemoney.
And the jockey has pledged to put his winnings towards “a bigger house” for his family.
“I promised (my four kids) a swimming pool. And (wife) Cathy and myself have been looking around for a bigger house,” McEvoy, the brother-in-law of 2015 champion Michelle Payne, said.
“I said to one of the reporters yesterday that if I won I would buy Cathy a new house, so look out.”
The adrenaline-soaked triumph broke a 26-year Melbourne Cup drought for his boss, Dubai billionaire Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the owner of renowned British-based racing stable Godolphin, and it also made Charlie Appleby the first English trainer to win the race that stops a nation.
Though the sun shone on McEvoy and his international team, Melbourne was deluged on Tuesday in the second wettest big race on record. The rain was so bad at one point that Flemington station was temporarily closed and power was cut to 40,000 homes.
And while the on-course fashion was still something to behold, the must-have accessories for racegoers proved to be plastic macs and umbrellas, with the rain coming down so hard some punters aquaplaned playfully across the sodden turf.
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Although areas of Flemington were flooded, the weather didn’t dampen enthusiasm, with bright colours and lavish prints the order of the day for ordinary punters and A-listers alike.
Guests began arriving at the Birdcage shortly before noon, with Myer ambassador Elyse Knowles sporting a striking bright yellow Acler ensemble, while TV presenter Rachael Finch wore a red Elliatt dress.
Other celebrities included US singing legend Dionne Warwick, Megan Gale, as well as Australian expats Lara Worthington and Nathalie Kelley — star of Body of Proof, Unreal, The Vampire Diaries and the 2017 remake of Dynasty — and MP Julie Bishop.
Thankfully the rain stopped just before the main race, which was run in bright sunshine, but soon after McEvoy crossed the finish line the heavens opened once more, another deluge striking as the Cup was awarded.
The win continues a remarkable run of form for McEvoy, who last month won the world’s richest turf race, the $13 million Everest in Sydney, for the second year in a row.
He whooped with joy immediately after the race and said: “I was back a bit further than what I wanted. I had to go my own way and we were full of running. I thought: ‘Mate, is this happening again?’
“And yeah look, I’m just lucky, I can ride light on these lovely stayers prepared unbelievably well by Godolphin and Charlie Appleby.”
McEvoy, who also won the Melbourne Cup on Brew in 2000 and Almandin in 2016, also paid tribute to his family and the English trainer behind his latest victory.
“Well done, Charlie … It’s a huge thrill to win this race, as I said in the press yesterday, to repay a bit of faith that he showed in me. So huge thanks to my team. My lovely wife and family. Cathy does a great job. I love you all so much,” the 38-year-old said.
“And obviously, (I’ve) got a huge team around me personally, as well.
“I would like to thank each and every one of them. Yeah, I’m over the moon. Unbelievable feeling here.”
An exuberant Appleby was overjoyed in the winner’s enclosure. “This is everybody’s dream,” he said.