Melbourne Cup results: Almandin shows guts and spirit to deny Heartbreak City
Kerrin McEvoy rides the Robert Hickmott-trained Almandin to a slender victory at Flemington after holding off Heartbreak City
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Almandin showed guts and spirit in equal measure to narrowly deny Heartbreak City in the Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington.
Trained by Robert Hickmott and ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, the six-year-old gelding arrived gamely off the pace to keep the Tony Martin-trained runner-up at bay by a slender margin.
It was a two-horse race for a long way up the home straight, and try as Heartbreak City might under Joao Moreira, the Ebor winner could not get to grips with Almandin when it mattered the most.
McEvoy, who also won the great race with Brew in 2000, said: "How lucky am I? The elation is unreal.
"He has been well prepared and he travelled well.
"All we needed was a good run. The more I looked at it before the race, the more confident I got.
"It's a dream come true. I love the Melbourne Cup."
Godolphin were responsible for five runners in their relentless pursuit to win the Melbourne Cup, with the locally-trained Hartnell third and Charlie Appleby's Qewy fourth.
Moreira was philosophical in defeat after Heartbreak City turned in such a gallant display.
The rider said: "He tries 120 per cent and I'm very proud of the horse.
"He was giving the best of himself for a long way.
"You can't be disappointed with his run."
Big Orange, fifth last year, was prominent for a long way but he faded as the field charged for home and could only finish 10th for trainer Michael Bell and jockey Jamie Spencer.
Bondi Beach was never a factor, while Wicklow Brave expended a lot of early energy by getting across from a wide draw and beat just two horses home.
Godolphin runner Secret Number, trained in Newmarket by Saeed bin Suroor, and Excess Knowledge jousted for the lead for a long way in what was a truly-run renewal of the Melbourne Cup.
The latter still held a slight advantage two furlongs from home, but Heartbreak City was soon on top of that rival and darted into the lead.
A cut-and-thrust finale ensued, but Almandin found that little bit extra to provide joint-owner Lloyd Williams with a fifth victory in the so-called "race that stops a nation".
McEvoy added: "It's a great buzz to get the job done. He's a great little horse.
"He's had his troubles along the way, but he's been very well handled."
Martin is already a planning a return to Melbourne next year with Heartbreak City, who did especially well to finish where he did from a wide draw in stall 23.
He said: "The emotions were very high.
"I gave him all the pushing and shoving I could from the stands, but, unfortunately, it wasn't enough.
"Everything went to plan, everything was great, it's just a pity we didn't have somebody to tow us into the straight a little bit further.
"Other than that, everything went well - I couldn't be happier.
"If we have to lock him up until next year, he's coming back here next year, all being well."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments