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 Champion Australian mare Makybe Diva rewrote Melbourne Cup history and made light of rainswept conditions to clinch back-to-back wins in the country's greatest horse race here.
They either look unlucky getting beaten or I look a genius," Boss said.
"It was great training performance by Lee. She was trained to the minute."
A start for Vinnie Roe was only decided on race morning after a track inspection by trainer Weld and momentarily it appeared to be the right decision when the seven-year-old ranged up with the leaders before Makybe Diva made her winning dash.
Weld paid tribute to the courage of his champion stayer under the topweight of 58kgs and indicated that Vinnie Roe may be back next year for a third crack at the race.
Vinnie Roe, the four-time Irish St Leger winner, was attempting to emulate Bart Cummings' double champion Think Big in 1975 who was the last Melbourne Cup winner to carry 58kgs.
Caulfield Cup winner Elvstroem finished fourth in the Cup and English trainer Michael Stoute's 12-1 chance Distinction was sixth ahead of the Dubai-based Godolphin stable's number one runner Mamool, the mount of Frankie Dettori and starting at 25-1.
Mamool's stablemate, the 40-1 hope Razkalla, ridden by Australian Kerrin McEvoy, finished ninth.
Weld's second runner Media Puzzle (20-1) came in 12th in only his third start since his 2002 Cup success after tendon problems.
Steady rain began falling two hours before the Cup, changing the track reading from good to dead.
The Melbourne Cup is Australia's biggest sporting and social event and the country grinds to a halt while millions watch the race on television. After presenting the trophy to the winner, Maurice Flanagan, Emirates Vice Chairman and Group President, remarked on the significance of the Melbourne Cup sponsorship.
"Australia is a very important market for Emirates," said Flanagan. "In the years that we have been involved in the Carnival, we have discovered what a special place the Melbourne Cup has in the hearts of Australians. We see this sponsorship as a great way to contribute to the Australian community and to build relationships with our customers."
Result
Melbourne Cup (Group 1) for 3yo+ (3,200 metres):
1. Makybe Diva (ridden by Glen Boss)
2. Vinnie Roe (Pat Smullen)
3. Zazzman (Nick Ryan)
24 ran. Distances: 1 1/4 lengths, 2 1/2.
Value to winner:Aus $2m (Dh 7.35 m) |
