MELBOURNE, Australia: This year’s Melbourne Cup, the unexpected victor, Knight’s Choice, defeated race favorite Buckaroo, delivering a thrilling photo-finish that awarded Irish jockey Robbie Dolan his first-ever win in Australia’s most celebrated horse race.
The five-year-old Australian-bred gelding, priced at 81-1, narrowly clinched victory over Japanese competitor Warp Speed, while Okita Soushi claimed third place in the intense 3,200-meter event at Flemington.
Dolan, elated after his debut in Australia’s “race that stops a nation,” expressed disbelief at his win, remarking that despite being new to the race, he had mentally prepared for this moment countless times. His ride on Knight’s Choice, trained by John Symons and Sheila Laxon, was met with admiration. Notably, Laxon—who made history as the first female trainer to win the Melbourne Cup in 2001—commended Dolan’s instinctive approach, affirming that the jockey needed no specific instructions.
Despite Buckaroo’s status as the $7.00 favorite, it only managed a ninth-place finish, with another strong contender, Vauban, placing 11th. The race attracted a large, lively crowd, embodying the cultural significance of the Melbourne Cup, which has been a staple event since 1861 and is so esteemed that it marks a public holiday in Victoria.
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Adding to the excitement, this year saw a record participation of four female jockeys, with Jamie Kah finishing in third place on Okita Soushi. Michelle Payne remains the only woman to have won the Melbourne Cup, having achieved her historic victory on Prince of Penzance in 2015. Prior to the race, the field was reduced to 23 after French horse Athabascan was withdrawn due to an irregular heartbeat.
Knight’s Choice’s victory not only brought joy to Dolan and the training team but also underscored the unpredictable charm of the Melbourne Cup, a race where even an underdog can take the crown.
