The 2024 Melbourne Cup was a true fairy tale come to life, with the 80-1 outsider Knight's Choice defying the odds and writing his name into the history books. The story behind this remarkable victory is one of humble beginnings, unwavering determination, and the power of dreams.

A Cinderella Story Unfolding on the Racetrack

From Modest Roots to Racing Royalty

Knight's Choice's journey to the pinnacle of Australian racing began in the quiet town of Walcha, New South Wales, where he was bred by Norm and Di Bazeley at their Elswick Park thoroughbred stud. The bay gelding's dam, Midnight Pearl, was purchased for a mere $1,000, a testament to the Bazeleys' keen eye for potential and their unwavering belief in the power of bloodlines."It's just unbelievable ... it's storybook stuff, isn't it?" Norm Bazeley remarked, his voice brimming with emotion as he recounted the remarkable turn of events. The Bazeleys never imagined that their modest investment would one day lead to a Melbourne Cup triumph, but as they watched the race unfold from the comfort of their living room, they witnessed their dream become a reality.

A Triumph Against the Odds

As the field thundered down the Flemington straight, Knight's Choice, ridden by jockey Robbie Dolan, began to make his move. "About 200 metres from home ... when he started making his move, I knew he was going to go very close to winning the race," Bazeley recalled, the excitement palpable in his voice.The 76-year-old breeder, who had been involved in the horse racing industry for decades, was no stranger to the ups and downs of the sport. Yet, even he was taken aback by the sheer magnitude of Knight's Choice's victory. "I'm 76 years of age and I've been in horses a long time ... so it just goes to show you, you never stop learning," he marveled.

A Homecoming for the Ages

Knight's Choice's triumph was not just a personal victory for the Bazeleys, but a triumph for the entire Walcha community. The bay gelding became the second horse bred in the region to win the coveted Melbourne Cup, following in the footsteps of Blue Spec, who had claimed the title in 1905."It's a good story, we often laugh about it," Bazeley said, reflecting on the journey that led to Knight's Choice's success. The breeder's long-held dream of acquiring a "More Than Ready" mare had finally come to fruition, and the resulting foal would go on to etch his name in the annals of Australian racing history.

A Lesson in Perseverance and Belief

Knight's Choice's victory serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in one's dreams. As David Chester, the sales director for Magic Millions, pointed out, the horse's triumph was all the more remarkable given the skepticism that surrounded him."Because if you listen to all the so-called experts, no-one gave him a chance in hell," Chester said, underscoring the significance of Knight's Choice's unexpected triumph. The victory not only shattered preconceptions but also highlighted the potential of Australian-bred horses to compete at the highest levels of the sport."Sheila Laxon [who trained Knight's Choice] has proven that you can buy a horse in Australia, you can train it and win a Melbourne Cup," Chester added, emphasizing the importance of nurturing local talent and supporting the domestic racing industry.As Knight's Choice adjusts to his newfound fame, the Bazeleys continue their breeding endeavors, with Midnight Pearl currently caring for a new foal. The story of this unassuming champion serves as a powerful reminder that in the world of horse racing, and indeed in life, the most extraordinary triumphs can often arise from the most humble of beginnings.