Internationals finally miss out
HUMBLE in victory and generous in defeat, Joseph O’Brien epitomised the Melbourne Cup’s heaving post-race tumult as the formidable international armada was denied for the first time in three years.
O’Brien saddled four runners — more than any other trainer in the Cup — and, as the field crossed the line, he was distraught over the head margin separating Master Of Reality from winner Vow And Declare.
But, just as the 2017 Cupwinning handler thought his day could not be any more shattering, stewards lodged — and upheld — a protest on behalf of O’Brien’s father Aidan’s Il Paradiso.
The resulting demotion meant Master Of Reality’s Australian owners, including record-breaking Lloyd Williams, received $350,000 for fourth instead of $1.1 million for second.
For O’Brien, it wasn’t about the money. It was all about Frankie Dettori and Master Of Reality. And disappointment. “Obviously the horse ran a fantastic race,” the 26-year-old wizard said. “Frankie gave him a perfect ride. That’s horse racing, Some days you win, some days you lose.
“Obviously we’re gutted but we’re looking forward to next year. It was a fantastic race, the horse ran a blinder. I’m gutted for Frankie as well.”
While the international run of victories was halted by Vow And Declare, seven raiders filled the first 11 placings.
Prince of Arran (second), Il Paradiso (third), Master Of Reality (fourth), Mer De Glace (sixth), Cross Counter (eighth),
Magic Wand (10th) and Twilight Payment (11th) lifted a combined $2,640,000 in prizemoney. The other four — Hunting Horn (15th), Raymond Tusk (16th), Latrobe (18th) and Mustajeer — failed to figure.
Sent out joined $9.50 second favourite, Caulfield Cup winner Mer De Glace’s hopes of a famous double withered on a sluggish tempo.
His defeat ended Damien Lane’s quest for an unprecedented sweep of Melbourne racing’s crown jewels — the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup.