Long-shot Knight’s Choice Claims Melbourne Cup by a Nose

Jockey Robbie Dolan, the winner of the race, had previously reached the quarter-finals of The Voice Australia two years prior as a member of singer Rita Ora’s team. The outsider Knight’s Choice secured victory in Australia’s renowned Melbourne Cup, following an exceptionally close contest that required a photo finish. This marked Irish jockey Robbie Dolan’s inaugural ride in the event, while it represented a second triumph for New Zealand trainer Sheila Laxon. Warp Speed finished as the runner-up in the two-mile race, with Okita Soushi placing third. Okita Soushi was ridden by Jamie Kah, who was among a record four female jockeys participating in the field. The favourite to win, Buckaroo, concluded the race in ninth position, as Knight’s Choice, a horse with 90-1 odds, surged forward in the final strides to claim victory by a nose. Prior to this win, Dolan was primarily recognized as a contestant on The Voice Australia; however, he has now etched his name into the history of Flemington Racecourse. Dolan’s initial encounter with trainer Laxon occurred during a Melbourne Cup boat cruise, where he was performing as a singer. He conveyed his disbelief to the local Nine Network, stating, “Pinch me, I’m dreaming… I can’t believe it.” Dolan further remarked, “I think I’ll be singing for the rest of my life after that. What the hell.” The 28-year-old jockey hails from a family deeply involved in horse racing; his father, Bobby Dolan, was a member of Irish horse training legend Dermot Weld’s team when they achieved two Cup victories in 1993 and 2002. Bobby Dolan surprised his son by journeying to Australia for his Melbourne Cup debut and was present in the crowd to witness his triumph. The event also held familial significance for Laxon, who trained Knight’s Choice alongside her husband John Symons. She raised the trophy 23 years subsequent to her initial victory, when she made history as the first female trainer to win the Cup with Ethereal. Absurde secured fifth place for Irish trainer Willie Mullins, while his stablemate Vauban finished 11th. British contenders Onesmoothoperator and Sea King placed 12th and 14th, respectively. Thousands of spectators gathered trackside at Flemington for the event, adorned in vibrant attire and enjoying the sunny spring weather. The Melbourne Cup carries a prize value exceeding A$8m (£4.1m, $5.3m) and is frequently referred to as “the race that stops a nation,” despite having drawn protests in recent years concerning animal welfare.