2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
The 2024 Melbourne Cup delivered perhaps one of its most astonishing chapters yet. In a finish that left spectators breathless, Knight’s Choice, carrying odds of 100/1, achieved what few thought possible.
The Australian outsider, trained by the partnership of John Symons and Sheila Laxon, and ridden brilliantly by Irish jockey Robbie Dolan from barrier six, prevailed in a dramatic photo finish over Japanese contender Warp Speed, with Okita Soushi claiming third.
Robbie Dolan riding Knight’s Choice reacts after winning Race 7, the Lexus Melbourne Cup – Betting Odds during Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
This victory echoed Prince of Penzance’s legendary 2015 win, when Michelle Payne made history as the first female jockey to claim the Melbourne Cup, riding a 100-1 long shot.
In a similar underdog triumph, Knight’s Choice went from a modest earner to a multi-millionaire, taking home $4.4 million from the boosted $8.5 million prize pool.
Take a look at the 2024 Melbourne Cup
What is the Melbourne Cup?
Every first Tuesday of November, Australia witnesses a spectacular transformation as Melbourne becomes the heart of international horse racing. Since 1861, this prestigious event, fondly dubbed “the race that stops a nation,” has remained an integral part of Australian sporting heritage.
A Race of Milestones
The story begins with a horse named Archer, whose tale would later be embellished by folklore. Though popular myth suggested he walked to victory, historical records show this first Melbourne Cup champion actually journeyed from Nowra aboard the SS City of Sydney, alongside fellow competitors.
After preparing at his temporary quarters behind South Yarra’s Botanical Hotel, Archer, under jockey John Cutts (born Dillon), triumphed as the 6/1 second favourite with a commanding six-length victory. His subsequent win in 1862 established a pattern of excellence that would define the Cup’s future.
As decades passed, the race witnessed countless memorable moments. During the harsh years of the Great Depression, Phar Lap’s 1930 victory became a symbol of hope for Australians. The Cup’s rich history also celebrates remarkable achievements like that of Peter St. Albans, who at just 13 years old guided Briseis to victory in 1876, setting an age record that stands unchallenged.
Legends of the Track
1993 Melbourne Cup winner, Vintage Crop, ridden by jockey Michael Kinane. (Image courtesy of Victoria Racing Club)
The race’s international reputation soared in 1993 when Vintage Crop, trained by Ireland’s Dermot Weld, became the first overseas victor. This watershed moment paved the way for global participation, culminating in achievements like Delta Blues delivering Japan’s first Cup victory in 2006.
Few names are as intertwined with the Melbourne Cup as trainer Bart Cummings, whose record-breaking 12 wins from 1965 to 2008 cemented his legacy as the ‘Cups King.’ Adding to the race’s storied history, Makybe Diva set her own unbeatable standard, achieving a stunning hat-trick of victories from 2003 to 2005 under jockey Glen Boss—a feat that remains unmatched.
Trainer Bart Cummings and jockey Blake Shinn celebrate with Viewed after winning the Emirates Melbourne Cup during The Melbourne Cup Carnival meeting at Flemington Racecourse on November 4, 2008. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Recent years have seen triumphant performances from Without A Fight (2023), Gold Trip (2022), Verry Elleegant (2021), and Twilight Payment (2020), all adding their chapters to this storied race.
The prize purse has evolved dramatically from its inaugural offering of 710 gold sovereigns and a gold watch, reaching A$8 million by 2023.
Looking back, the Melbourne Cup has seen its share of unforgettable moments. But the 2024 edition was truly one for the ages, delivering a surprise result that captured the spirit of the race. With an underdog charging through in a nail-biting photo finish, this year’s Cup served up a story that fans will remember for years.
