Without a Fight Wins Melbourne Cup in a Stunning Upset
In a thrilling twist, Without a Fight pulled off a stunning upset at the prestigious Melbourne Cup, leaving the heavy favorite, Vauban, in the dust. With jockey Mark Zahra at the reins, this seven-year-old gelding outpaced the competition in a thrilling finish to the grueling 3,200-meter (two-mile) handicap at Flemington.
As the Irish-trained Vauban, priced as the $5.50 favorite, finished a distant 14th in the “race that stops a nation,” Without a Fight raced to victory in front of an estimated 85,000 spectators. It was a remarkable victory for the horse that many didn’t expect to win.
Zahra, who had steered Gold Trip to victory last year, opted to stick with Without a Fight despite the horse being the second favorite this time around. “That’s unbelievable; he was just an absolute gem today,” exclaimed Zahra. “I was on a horse that you could just sit on, he has an electric turn of foot and he just pulled me all the way to the line.”
Two MelbourneCup victories in 12 months for jockey Mark Zahra
Zahra became the ninth jockey to ride back-to-back Melbourne Cup winners, cementing his place in the annals of Australian horse racing history.
Co-trainer Sam Freedman praised Zahra’s performance, saying, “He’s a freak. He was excellent.” Indeed, the jockey’s exceptional skills, combined with Without a Fight’s impressive performance, made for an unforgettable race.
The Melbourne Cup is a cultural institution in Australia, with a tradition dating back to 1876. Held on the first Tuesday of November, it is such a significant event that it’s a public holiday in its host state of Victoria. The day is not just about horse racing but also a social event, with the sound of popping champagne corks accompanying the thundering of hooves.
Breaking from barrier 16, Without a Fight settled in the middle of the pack, patiently biding its time behind the early leader, Serpentine. With 1,000 meters to go, Serpentine was still ahead, but slowly, Without a Fight began reeling it in. Zahra hit the lead in the final stretch, kicking clear and sealing an impressive victory.
The race featured 23 starters after Cleveland was scratched due to an elevated temperature, dealing a blow to trainer Lloyd Williams’ bid for an eighth Melbourne Cup victory. Strict veterinary checks have been introduced since the deaths of six horses associated with the Cup since 2013, emphasizing the importance of the horses’ welfare.
Veteran jockey Damien Oliver, who was participating in his 32nd and final Melbourne Cup, was denied a record-equalling fourth win in his last ride. His horse, Alenquer, came in 21st, concluding a storied career that has left an indelible mark on Australian horse racing.
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