It was going to take something special to knock off the favourite and Verry Elleegant duly delivered, romping to an emphatic Melbourne Cup victory that cements her legendary status.
Group One-winning machine Verry Elleegant produced the performance of her career to upstage hot pot Incentivise and win the 2021 $7.75m Melbourne Cup.
The super mare, who won last year’s Caulfield Cup, has now won 10 G1 races.
Jockey James McDonald piloted the six-year-old into a perfect position before she exploded down the final straight to blow the field away. It’s the first Cup success for both McDonald and trainer Chris Waller.
Incentivise, who was staring down history as one of the shortest-priced favourites in the race’s history, held on for second.
Spanish Mission was third and Floating Artist was fourth.
“I just can’t believe what’s just happened,” an emotional McDonald said after the race.
“I never thought I would ever win one, you know. I always dreamed of winning one, but, it’s so hard to win.
“It’s what dreams are made of. I can’t believe it. When I went for home, I don’t know, I don’t know what I was thinking. I was thinking, where’s that post? You know, so much faith. Love her to bits. I just, I’m speechless, really.
“Unbelievable. She was trained by a master. He gets them right. She is a superstar. I’m so proud of her.”
The six-year-old is the first mare to win the Cup since Makybe Diva in 2005 and also defied history by carrying the most weight (57kg) to win since Protectionist shouldered 56.5kg in 2014. Makybe Diva carried 58kg in her third Cup in 2005.
Owner Brae Sokolski, who apologised for leaping into the forbidden yellow zone in celebration, said Verry Elleegant’s win elevated her into the pantheon of Australasian racing champions.
“That takes her to rarefied air … she will not be out of place amongst the greatest horses we have ever seen – to win a Caulfield Cup (2020) and a Melbourne Cup with 57kg as a mare, as well as all those weight-for-age races,” he said.
Sokolski, 45, had already had success in so many other of Australia’s greatest races including the Caulfield Cup (Verry Elleegant), the Cox Plate (Sir Dragonet) and The Everest (Yes Yes Yes).
But the closest he had previously come to Melbourne Cup success was when Finche – another Waller horse – finished fourth in Cross Counter’s 2018 race.
“It’s been a dream for me,” he said.
“I remember watching it (the Cup) as a 15-year-old in awe of the horses and being a punter, that’s all.”
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
