(with files from Flemington Racecourse)
It was another Irish-trained victory in the Lexus Melbourne Cup as 8-year-old Twilight Payment led from start to finish in the $8 million ‘race that stops a nation’ at Flemington Racecourse.
Twilight Payment (Teofilo – Dream On Buddy by Oasis Dream) became only the second horse to lead from start to finish and win the Group 1 after Might And Power, after being given a beautiful ride by Victorian jockey Jye McNeil who notched a memorable win in the Lexus Melbourne Cup at his first attempt.
Sadly, 2018 Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck broke down in the early stretch run and was humanely put down.
It was a second triumph in the Lexus Melbourne Cup for 27-year-old trainer Joseph O’Brien, who became the youngest trainer ever to win the Cup when Rekindling won in 2017. O’Brien was watching in the early hours of the morning from his base in Ireland.
Lloyd Williams recorded a record seventh win in the Lexus Melbourne Cup, sharing the ownership with family and friends.
Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson said it was a remarkable achievement from horse and connections.
“All credit must go to Twilight Payment and Jye McNeil, a wonderful partnership and I’m thrilled for Jye to have won his first Lexus Melbourne Cup in his first ride in our great race,” Mr. Wilson said.
“Joseph O’Brien proved he is one of the world’s best trainers, having won his second Lexus Melbourne Cup in three years at just 27 years old.
“And it was another memorable Cup win for Lloyd Williams, whose winning record as an owner started with success in the 1981 Cup. His desire to win the race that stops a nation remains as strong as ever and it is wonderful to see that shared amongst the wider ownership group, many of whom also won their second or third Cups today.”
*Jockey Kerrin McEvoy on runner-up TIGER MOTH received a $50,000 fine and 13 day suspension for excessive whipping (13).
* At least three horses suffered heat stress following the race.
Stewards’ report here.
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