Andreas Wohler-trained Ashrun wins Hotham Stakes to book spot in 2020 Melbourne Cup

The first German trainer to win the Melbourne Cup will have another starter on Tuesday after Ashrun booked a spot with a strong win at Flemington today.

Ashrun, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, books his place in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup with victory in the Hotham Stakes at Flemington. Picture: Getty Images

The first German trainer to win the Melbourne Cup will have another starter on Tuesday after Ashrun booked a spot with a strong win at Flemington today.

Andreas Wohler, who trained Protectionist to win the 2014 Melbourne Cup, was trackside to watch his charge win the Hotham Stakes.

With three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy riding patiently, Ashrun sat last for much of the 2500m race as Craig Williams set a slow pace when leading with Hush Writer.

The #MelbourneCup dream is alive for Ashrun. 🏆

From the back of the field, Ashrun stormed home to pip Sound on the line in the Lexus Hotham Stakes. pic.twitter.com/9fEC4T8cQo

— Racing.com (@Racing) October 31, 2020

McEvoy pulled Ashrun to the outside of the ten horse field at the top of the straight and reeled in the Mike Moroney-trained Sound, which found a run late on the inside, to win.

Brimham Rocks, the only runner not seeking a start on Tuesday, and Future Score dead-heated for third.

Wohler is the only European trainer to head to Australia this year, though several others have horses being looked after in Melbourne.

He had spent the past fortnight in quarantine and completed the mandatory requirements on Friday.

Trainer Andreas Wohler (left) speaks with jockey Kerrin McEvoy after his winning ride aboard Ashrun in the Hotham Stakes at Flemington. Picture: Getty Images

On exiting, he was craving a cigarette. When Sound poked through on the inside of Protectionist, which started at $5.50, Wohler’s nerves must have been on edge.

It was an encouraging run from a Melbourne Cup perspective, with Ashrun working home strongly despite the slow early fractional times to edge Sound near the line.

The five-year-old stallion, by Authorized from Ashantee, arrived in Australia after running second in the Group 2 Prix de Kergolay in France, before running fourth in the Geelong Cup.

It sat 29th in order of entry for the Melbourne Cup, which has 24 starters, but is now guaranteed a run.