JOE’S CUP REPLAY...

..as he wins second Australian classic with brave Twilight

HISTORY repeated itself in the early hours of yesterday morning at Flemington, when Twilight Payment gave Joseph O’brien a second Melbourne Cup triumph.

Just as he did in 2017, when Rekindling foiled Ballydoyle’s Johannes Vermeer, Joseph’s Twilight Payment, under a canny front-running ride by Jye Mcneil (right, with the trophy), held the late challenge of his father Aidan’s favourite Tiger Moth by a half-length.

Twilight Payment, bred and originally trained by Jim Bolger, was bought by Lloyd and Nick Williams as a potential Melbourne Cup runner and the plan came to fruition in style.

Speaking from his County Kilkenny home, Jo se ph d e scri b ed Mcnei l ’s handling of the seven-year-old as “a fantastic ride” and expressed his gratitude to Lloyd Williams, who was winning the race for the seventh time.

And he also stressed the contribution of his five-strong team, headed by Mark Power, which travelled with the horses six weeks ago to prepare them for the big day.

On a sad not, Aidan O’brien lost last year’s Investec Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck, put down having broken his fetlock in running.

●CLOSER to home, Gordon Elliott was on the mark again when second season novice Fakiera, ridden by Jack Kennedy, captured the Glebview & Rathbarry Stud Maiden Hurdle in Fair yhouse yesterday, getting home by just a nose from favourite Gabynako.

Noel Meade was on the mark with 6/5 favourite Jeff Kidder in the three-year-old maiden hurdle.

And, having her first run for Willie Mullins, the 80-rated Klassy Kay (Paul Townend) justified 4/7 favouritism in a division of the 80-95 handicap hurdle.