In a stunning upset, the $5.6 million Melbourne Cup, Australia's most prestigious horse race, was won by the longshot Knight's Choice in a photo finish. The 164th running of the "race that stops a nation" saw the 80-1 to 90-1 underdog overcome a field of 23 horses to claim the coveted trophy, leaving the racing world in awe.

An Unexpected Triumph: How the Longshot Prevailed in the Melbourne Cup

A Dramatic Finish Unfolds

The final stretch of the two-mile race was a nail-biting affair, with a slew of horses vying for the winning position. However, it was the Irish jockey Robbie Dolan, making his Melbourne Cup debut, who found the perfect openings and guided Knight's Choice to a stunning victory. The 28-year-old Dolan, who had watched the Melbourne Cup for the past 40 years, executed a masterful ride, defying the odds and proving that experience is not always a prerequisite for success in the world's most prestigious handicap race.

The Longshot's Remarkable Journey

Knight's Choice, an Australian-bred 5-year-old gelding, came into the Melbourne Cup with a 10-race losing streak, having most recently finished fifth in the Bendigo Cup (G3) on October 30th. However, the horse's connections, trainer Sheila Laxon and her husband John Symons, saw something special in the horse and decided to take a chance on the big stage. Their faith was rewarded as Knight's Choice, purchased for just $85,000, overcame the odds and delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

The International Affair

The victory was a true international affair, with the horse being Australian-bred, the jockey hailing from Ireland, and the training duo of Laxon and Symons coming from New Zealand. This diverse team came together to produce a stunning upset, showcasing the global appeal and competitiveness of the Melbourne Cup. The runner-up, Warp Speed, and third-place finisher, Okita Soushi, were both from Japan, further highlighting the international nature of the event.

Betting Favorites Falter as the Longshot Triumphs

The favorites in the race failed to deliver, with the top betting choice, Buckaroo, finishing a disappointing ninth. Irish trainer Willie Mullins' duo of Absurde and Vauban finished fifth and 11th, respectively, while the British pair of Onesmoothoperator and Sea King came in 12th and 14th. In contrast, Knight's Choice's victory was a true underdog story, with the horse returning an astonishing $221.70 on a $2 win bet in American betting pools, and even higher odds ranging from 80-1 to 90-1 with European and Australian oddsmakers.

A Triumphant Homecoming for Trainer Sheila Laxon

The victory was a particularly sweet one for trainer Sheila Laxon, who had previously won the Melbourne Cup in 2001 with Ethereal. Laxon, who co-trains Knight's Choice with her husband John Symons, expressed her delight at the horse's performance, stating that Dolan "knew how to ride him" and that they did not need to give the jockey any specific instructions, as he understood the horse's capabilities perfectly.The 164th running of the Melbourne Cup will be remembered as a stunning upset, with the longshot Knight's Choice and its international team of connections defying the odds and delivering a victory that will be etched in the annals of Australian racing history.