A Newmarket racehorse has become the first British-trained winner of the Melbourne Cup in Australia.
Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Cross Counter secured his place in the record books in the 158th running of the famous race Down Under.
Owned by Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin, Cross Counter’s victory followed Masar’s win this year in the Derby at Epsom, which was also a first for the Newmarket stable.
Fellow British runners Marmelo and A Prince of Arran finished second and third respectively in the race.
Irish-trained horse the Cliffsofmoher suffered a fatal injury in the race.
McEvoy said: “What a thrill - to do it for Sheikh Mohammed and Charlie Appleby. Obviously Godolphin has been a huge supporter of mine. Well done to Charlie and this little horse.
“I was back a little bit further than I wanted, I knew I was full of running and at the furlong I thought ‘is this happening again?’. I’m just lucky I can ride light and he’s been unbelievably well prepared by Charlie Appleby.”
Appleby said: “It’s a very special day for us all.
“For me it’s obviously very special to be here, but for the team, it’s just fantastic.
I’ve spoken to his highness (Sheikh Mohammed) and he’s over the moon about this result - it’s a challenge that’s been a long road.
“I can’t thank everyone enough. It’s a day I will never forget. It’s been a very memorable day.”
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