Alice Springs jockey Ethan Brown places at 2025 Melbourne Cup
While Australians everywhere were captivated by the race that stops the nation one of the Territory’s own was in the middle of the action riding his way to a Melbourne Cup placing.
While Australians everywhere were captivated by the race that stops the nation, one of the Territory’s own was in the middle of the action riding his way to a Melbourne Cup placing.
Alice Springs born and raised jockey Ethan Brown rode the Ciaron Maher trained Middle Earth to a famous third place finish at Flemington, trailing just behind winner Half Yours and second placed Goodie Two Shoes.
Brown learned his craft in the Lisa Whittle stable at Pioneer Park and quickly showed his ability before moving away for his apprenticeship as a 15-year-old.
In Melbourne, he continued to show his capability but all of that almost came to a halt in 2023 when he suffered a near-fatal fall during the Australian Guineas.
It took him six-months to return to the saddle, supported by close friend Maher who had previously trained a Melbourne Cup winner in 2022.
His return saw a huge form boost including six Group 1 wins last season and a win at the $3m Russell Balding Stakes on Saturday.
The lead up to the big one on Tuesday wasn’t without its success either, winning the Darley Maribyrnong Plate with Tornado Valley.
TRNT chief executive Andrew O’Toole said Brown had been on fire since returning from his fall and had done the Territory proud.
“He learned his craft in Alice Springs and went to Victoria because the opportunities were better for him and has gone from strength to strength,” he said.
“He had a fall that almost claimed his life but thankfully he recovered and since coming back has been on fire winning multiple Group 1 races.
“Then he runs third in the Melbourne Cup, he’s an absolute credit to himself and his parents, and he’s just a lovely bloke.”
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Originally published as Alice Springs jockey Ethan Brown places at 2025 Melbourne Cup
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