Cross Counter wins Australia’s 2018 Melbourne Cup
Cross Counter has beaten Marmelo in a nail biting finish at Flemington Racecourse this afternoon.
The Charlie Appleby-trained horse galloped his way to victory, claiming the 158th Melbourne Cup title.
Astonishingly, the three-year-old gelding had raced only seven times before.
It’s the third Melbourne Cup win for jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who also took out the title in 2000 and 2016.
“It’s a huge thrill to win this race… I’m over the moon, unbelievable feeling” McEvoy said.
“Amazing day. Lucky to team up with Charlie again and get on this young three-year-old and repay the faith that Sheikh Mohammed showed in me and win him this Melbourne Cup.”
WATCH:
CROSS COUNTER!
Kerrin McEvoy finds the gap and storms home to win the 2018 Lexus #MelbourneCup What a moment for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. 🙌👏 pic.twitter.com/lYli37qfJ8
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) November 6, 2018
The race was sadly marred by tragedy, with one of the horses euthanised on the track after suffering a serious injury.
UK Galloper CliffsofMoher broke down about 1000m from the start line after suffering a fractured right shoulder.
“It is with sadness that we confirm that The Cliffsofmoher had to be humanely euthanised after sustaining a fractured right shoulder during the running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington,” Racing Victoria’s Executive General Manager of Integrity Services Jamie Stier said in a statement.
“The horse received immediate veterinary care, however it was unable to be saved due to the nature of the injury sustained.”
Mr Stier said it was an “unfortunate incident that happens infrequently” with Victoria having “one of the best safety records in world racing.”
“Our sympathies are extended to Coolmore and the Williams family, the owners of The Cliffsofmoher, jockey Ryan Moore, trainer Aidan O’Brien and his staff who cared for the horse and are greatly saddened by their loss.”
Tarps still up on the track. Trainers still working on Cliffsofmoher. Shocking injury, feel for those involved. #MelbourneCup pic.twitter.com/Yu6q5bBuSE
— Jase Kemp (@jasetaylorkemp) November 6, 2018
According to the RSPCA, it’s the sixth Melbourne Cup horse to die in just six years.
“The Cliffsofmoher becomes the 6th horse to die as a result of the #melbournecup since 2013. Highlights the very real risks to horses from racing,” RSPCA Australia said in a tweet following the tragedy.
We’re hearing The Cliffsofmoher suffered a fractured right shoulder and was euthanised in track. More to come once we have further info.#melbournecup2018
— RSPCA Australia (@RSPCA) November 6, 2018
The Cliffsofmoher becomes the 6th horse to die as a result of the #melbournecup since 2013. Highlights the very real risks to horses from racing.
— RSPCA Australia (@RSPCA) November 6, 2018
