Lloyd Williams has become the most successful owner in Cup history
Lloyd Williams has become the most successful owner of Melbourne Cup winners with Almandin claiming Australiaâs greatest horse race.
Almandin overcame a potent international challenge to beat the Irish stayer Heartbreak City with Hartnell taking the minor placing.
One of Australiaâs most successful businessmen, Williams has now figured in the ownership of five Melbourne Cup winners while jockey Kerrin McEvoy has ridden his second winner of the race.
Almandin started a well-supported $11 chance and sat midfield before joining a charge of horses at the home.
Hartnell surged to the front only to be challenged by Almandin with Heartbreak City making his run between the pair.
Heartbreak City ($19) went clear and seemed certain to hold on before Almandin raised one more effort to claim victory on the line by a long head.
Hartnell, the $5.50 favourite, couldnât match the quinella pair but ran bravely to finish third, 4-1/4 lengths further back.
McEvoy, who won the 2000 Cup as an apprentice on Brew, said Almandin was always travelling like a winner.
The jockey paid tribute to Williams and his team, headed by trainer Robert Hickmott.
âLloyd, he knows what to do in these staying races. Itâs just a dream. Itâs great to be part of it again for my second Cup,â McEvoy said.
Qewy was the first of five Godolphin runners in claiming fourth with Who Shot Thebarman winding up fifth.
Rank outsider Rose Of Virginia was last of the 24 runners.
Williams won his first Melbourne Cup when Just A Dash saluted in 1981 but says this yearâs triumph means more than most.
He said it was his first day at a Melbourne Cup for 20 years and he hadnât been trackside to watch one of his horses win since What A Nuisance scored in 1985.
âThis horse (Almandin) had a tendon and he was broken down so Iâm quite emotional about this one,â he said.
âThe boys at Macedon (Lodge) have done a fabulous job getting this horse back.â
Jameka, the only Australian-bred horse in the race, failed in her bid to complete the Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double.
She came home 15th as the $8.50 second favourite.
