Jamie Melham has etched her name in history by becoming the first female jockey to win both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, steering her horse, Half Yours, to a stunning victory at Flemington. The five-year-old gelding, trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, entered the race as a $9 chance and secured a commanding win, finishing 2.75 lengths ahead of Goodie Two Shoes, who was a long shot at $41. Middle Earth claimed the third spot at $26, while the much-anticipated French favorite, Presage Nocturne, suffered a disappointing finish in 19th place.
Half Yours holds the distinction of being the only Australian-bred horse in the 24-runner lineup and now joins the elite group of just 13 horses in history to achieve the illustrious Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double. After her groundbreaking win, Melham expressed deep gratitude for her trainers and paid homage to her late grandfather, who played a significant role in shaping her career. The day’s emotional resonance was amplified by Michelle Payne, who made history in 2015 as the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. Payne appeared visibly moved during the pre-race ceremony, underscoring the importance of female representation in the sport.
Despite ominous rain clouds hanging over Flemington, the race proceeded on a soft 5 track, which contributed to favorable racing conditions. Earlier in the day’s events, Mark Zahra showcased his exceptional skills, achieving victories aboard both Party Crasher and Different Gravy, culminating in a remarkable record of six wins and three places from just ten rides.
In an uplifting display of camaraderie, fellow jockey James McDonald committed a portion of his Cup Day winnings to assist Tom Prebble, who is facing challenges after becoming wheelchair-bound due to a fall in September. This generous gesture highlights the strong sense of community and support that defines the racing world, especially in times of adversity.
The Melbourne Cup captivates the nation each year, serving as a testament to hope and determination in sports, bringing together individuals from varied backgrounds. Melham’s extraordinary accomplishment, coupled with the solidarity exhibited by her fellow jockeys, heralds a promising and inspiring chapter for horse racing in Australia.