‘Too close, hectic tempo, buffeting duel’: excuses offered for Gold Trip’s poor run in 2023 Melbourne Cup

Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip was feeling the effects of a torrid run in Tuesday’s $8m race, pulling up lame after fading to finish 17th.

Gold Trip (James McDonald) finishes unplaced in the 2023 Melbourne Cup. Picture: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip was feeling the effects of a torrid run in Tuesday’s $8m race, pulling up lame in the right front after fading to finish 17th.

Trainer Ciaron Maher said there were plenty of excuses for the seven-year-old, who raced too close to the quick pace early in the race with jockey James McDonald looked after the horse when he faded out of contention.

“He had some excuses,” Maher said of Gold Trip, who started $6.50. “He was too close. The race was run at a pretty hectic tempo and I just felt he was a little bit too close to the speed.

“He normally likes to just find himself, hold off and come with a run. Then he got into a bit of a buffeting duel, which he doesn’t seem to enjoy.”

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For all those asking about Gold Trip, he’s absolutely fine too. Firm track and solidly run race. What a warrior he has been the last two springs! #MelbourneCuppic.twitter.com/MoY1zK6aST

— Andrew Hawkins (@AndrewNJHawkins) November 7, 2023

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In a performance uncharacteristic for the ever competitive horse, Gold Trip ended up finishing 23 lengths off the eventual Cup winner Without A Fight, whom he had chased into third spot in the Caulfield Cup last month.

Right You Are failed to finish the race, due to heat stress and was found to be lame behind. But Maher was relieved he was “starting to get back to himself” after heading back to the stalls.

Gold Trip is seen in the mounting yard ahead of the 2023 Melbourne Cup. Picture: Kelly Defina / Getty Images

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Maher had five runners in the race, with Ashrun and Interpretation running big races.

Comeback galloper Ashrun, who had more than 1000 days off the scene due to a series of injuries following the 2020 Melbourne Cup, ran superbly, finishing in fourth spot, beaten less than five lengths.

Bendigo Cup runner Interpretation was sixth.

“They were super,” Maher said of Ashrun and Interpretation. “They got great rides and hit the line well.”

Originally published as ‘Too close, hectic tempo, buffeting duel’: excuses offered for Gold Trip’s poor run in 2023 Melbourne Cup