Melbourne Cup 2019: Vow and Declare wins but interference rocks race
The Melbourne Cup was engulfed in controversy as drama before the line saw the finishing order reshuffled and a huge whack to one jockey's prize money.
There were claims of a robbery at the Melbourne Cup after Vow and Declare saluted in a thrilling finish.
Jockey Craig Williams finally won the biggest race in Australia at his 15th attempt, fighting back late to hand victory to trainer Danny O'Brien.
But interference from Master of Reality, which prevented late-charging Il Paradiso from challenging Vow and Declare for the lead, drew an official protest from race stewards which was upheld.
Il Paradiso was promoted from fourth to third. Prince of Arran was promoted from third to second.
Master of Reality looked set to give jockey Frankie Dettori his first win but in a desperate finish involving four horses, Vow And Declare took an inside run and put his head down when it counted to win in a photo finish.
Il Paradiso attempted to move between the two leaders but saw his opening disappear as Master of Reality cut across his path.
Originally published as Melbourne Cup 2019: Vow and Declare wins but interference rocks race