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In an extraordinary Melbourne Cup that ended with a photo finish, 90-1 outsider Knight’s Choice surged to victory, leaving the crowd stunned. In what was jockey Robbie Dolan’s
In an extraordinary Melbourne Cup that ended with a photo finish, 90-1 outsider Knight’s Choice surged to victory, leaving the crowd stunned. In what was jockey Robbie Dolan’s first Melbourne Cup ride, the Irishman made history alongside New Zealand trainer Sheila Laxon, who celebrated her second Melbourne Cup win.
The Melbourne Cup, often referred to as “the race that stops a nation,” lived up to its reputation this year with an unforgettable finish. Knight’s Choice, a horse few had marked as a contender, shocked spectators and racing enthusiasts alike as it raced ahead of the favored Buckaroo and crossed the line in a nail-biting photo finish.
This triumph marked an impressive first win for jockey Robbie Dolan in Australia’s biggest race and a second win for Sheila Laxon, a New Zealand trainer who last won the Cup 23 years ago. The two-mile race saw Warp Speed finishing a close second, with Okita Soushi, ridden by Jamie Kah, taking third. Kah was one of four female jockeys in this year’s field, setting a new record for female representation in the event.
“Pinch me, I’m dreaming… I can’t believe it,” Dolan told Nine Network after the race. “What the hell!”
For Dolan, this win represents a meteoric rise from relative anonymity in the horse racing world. Prior to this victory, Dolan was known more widely in Australia for his appearance on The Voice, the popular television singing competition. Yet, his return to racing in such a high-stakes event has rewritten his narrative, cementing him as a significant name in horse racing.
The 28-year-old jockey, who comes from a racing family, was elated to have his father, Bobby Dolan, trackside to witness his historic win. Bobby Dolan has a storied past in horse racing himself, having been part of legendary Irish trainer Dermot Weld’s team that produced Melbourne Cup winners in 1993 and 2002. Robbie’s family ties and his father’s surprise arrival to support him made this win even more memorable.
“I think I’ll be singing for the rest of my life after that,” Dolan joked, summing up his jubilant emotions following the victory.
The win was also a triumphant moment for Sheila Laxon, who trained Knight’s Choice alongside her husband, John Symons. Laxon first made history in 2001 when she became the first female trainer to win the Melbourne Cup with Ethereal. Twenty-three years later, she repeated her success with Knight’s Choice, proving her staying power in an industry where few have managed back-to-back successes decades apart.
With Knight’s Choice overcoming 90-1 odds, Laxon’s training prowess is once again in the spotlight. “This victory means so much,” she told reporters. “It’s a testament to the hard work and the incredible potential we saw in Knight’s Choice.”
The win also symbolizes Laxon and Symons’ dedication to the sport, highlighting their ongoing partnership and passion for training racehorses. A family affair once again, the victory connects two generations in their love of racing and the Melbourne Cup.
With over A$8 million in prize money at stake, the Melbourne Cup continues to be one of the world’s richest and most prestigious races. This year’s event saw thousands of racegoers decked out in vibrant spring attire, soaking up the sunny weather and roaring their approval as Knight’s Choice made its breathtaking dash to the finish.
Despite the excitement, the Melbourne Cup has faced its share of controversies. In recent years, the event has become a focal point for protests against animal welfare concerns and gambling addiction, with activists questioning the ethics behind racing’s massive popularity. The impact of these debates has not diminished the race’s allure, but they do reflect the growing scrutiny the sport faces.
Animal welfare advocates have raised awareness about horse racing’s impact, particularly during high-profile events like the Melbourne Cup. The connection to gambling and the wellbeing of racehorses continue to be divisive issues, even as fans celebrate the excitement of the event.
Knight’s Choice’s victory in the Melbourne Cup will go down as one of the race’s great surprises. For jockey Robbie Dolan, who came into the spotlight through music but has now achieved sports glory, the win is an affirmation of his talent and hard work. For Sheila Laxon, it’s a return to the highest echelon of racing, proving that her legacy is enduring.
While the Melbourne Cup remains a national spectacle in Australia, it also serves as a reminder of the sport’s ongoing challenges with animal welfare and gambling’s impact on society. Nonetheless, this year’s race has offered a dramatic and inspiring story, one where a 90-1 long shot defied all odds to capture a historic win.
