A decade after Michelle Payne became the first woman win Australia’s most famous race, Jamie Melham has etched herself into racing history becoming the second steering Half Yours to victory in the Melbourne Cup (3200m).
It was a 19th Group 1 win for one of the country’s most high profile jockeys along with Half Yours becoming the 13th horse to complete the famous Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup double.
“What just happened? Oh my god!,” was Melham’s first reaction.”I’ve had an amazing year. I got married, had some really great days on the track but nothing ever, ever compares to this feeling right now.”
Half Yours ($9) scored by 2¾-lengths from Goodie Too Shoes ($41) to deny Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien a third Melbourne Cup with Middle Earth ($26) who turned around his form over the longer trip 1½-lengths away filling the minor placing.
Trained by father-son combination Tony and Calvin Mcevoy, the pair achieved a lifelong dream especially for Tony who now boasts trophies from the big three races in Victoria.
The Cox Plate trophy with Fields Of Omagh in 2003 is now joined by Half Yours’ Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup wins in 2025.
“I lost sight of him when that leader went out,” Tony said with reference to $61 chance Land Legend taking a ten-length lead at the 1400-metre mark.
“My eyes aren’t as good as they were and I caught him ducking back to the inside. What a thrill and what a horse he is, and what a joy he is for us.”
Race favourite and French raider Prestige Nocturne ($5.50) finished 19th.
