Jamie Melham has made history by becoming the first female jockey to secure the prestigious Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double, guiding her mount, Half Yours, to a spectacular win at Flemington. The five-year-old gelding, trained by the accomplished duo of Tony and Calvin McEvoy, started the race as a $9 chance and triumphed by 2.75 lengths over Goodie Two Shoes, priced at $41, while Middle Earth, at $26, finished third. Notably, the French favorite, Presage Nocturne, who was expected to perform well, could only manage a disappointing 19th place.
Half Yours stands as the only Australian-bred horse in a 24-runner field and becomes just the 13th horse in history to achieve the renowned Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double. After her historic victory, Melham expressed her gratitude toward her trainers and paid tribute to her late grandfather, who greatly influenced her career. The emotional weight of the day was shared by Michelle Payne, who made history herself in 2015 as the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. She was visibly moved during the pre-race ceremony, highlighting the significance of female representation in the sport.
Although rain clouds loomed over Flemington, the race was conducted on a soft 5 track, allowing for favorable racing conditions. Earlier in the day, Mark Zahra demonstrated his mastery throughout the Carnival, achieving wins on both Party Crasher and Different Gravy, bringing his record to six wins and three places from ten rides.
In a heartwarming show of camaraderie, James McDonald pledged a portion of his Cup Day winnings to assist Tom Prebble, who is now wheelchair-bound following a fall in September. This gesture underlines the strong sense of community and support within the racing world, especially during challenging times.
The Melbourne Cup, an event that captivates the nation, serves as a reminder of the power of hope and determination in sports, uniting people from diverse backgrounds. Melham’s remarkable achievement and the display of solidarity from her fellow jockeys reflect a progressive and inspiring era for horse racing in Australia.