IT’S CHARLES THE FIRST
CHARLIE Appleby has become the first British trainer to land the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Cross Counter, partnered by Aussie Kerrin McEvoy, came with a late sweeping run to pip fellow British-trained runners, Marmelo and A Prince Of Arran.
It was an ice-cool ride by McEvoy, who waited at the rear of the field before unleashing his mount with 300 metres to go and finishing with such power that he was going away at the finish.
Cross Counter’s victory added another feather to Appleby’s cap with the trainer having sent out Masar to win the Derby at Epsom in the blue silks of Godolphin.
“This is all down to Sheikh Mohammed, he’s the one that’s given us all the encouragement to take the chances in what we do internationally,” said Appleby. “When I saw him down the back, I thought he had to do a lot.
“And when he was making his run, I thought turning in that if he finds a gap then this horse has got the gears to pick up. This year’s been a stellar year and we’ve proved ourselves now.
“I learned from a couple of years ago that it’s tough backing up into a race like the Melbourne Cup – it’s a different story.”
There was heartache for Marmelo’s trainer Hughie Morrison.
“He’s a great horse and we will have to go away and think about it. I don’t know whether we go Cup racing next season, he’ll have a bit more weight next year. The great thing is there’s lots to discuss over the winter.”
A Prince Of Arran only secured his place in the race with victory in the Lexus Stakes at the track on Saturday and his trainer Charlie Fellowes was delighted with his effort.
“It was an unbelievable run – I’m completely speechless,” said the trainer. “I think, on that ground, he possibly just got tired in the last furlong but he’s run a huge race.”