The locally-trained Green Moon and jockey Brett Prebble sailed to victory in the $6.2 million 2012 Emirates Melbourne Cup in front of their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall today.
Green Moon, trained by Robert Hickmott for Lloyd Williams, was followed by the Gai Waterhouse-trained Fiorente (IRE) in second and Jakkalberry (IRE) third with favourite Americain crossing the line in eleventh place.
Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall, presented the Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy to Nick Williams on behalf of his father, Lloyd.
Today marks jockey Brett Prebble’s first Emirates Melbourne Cup victory and Lloyd Williams’ fourth, after wins with Efficient (2007), What A Nuisance (1985) and Just A Dash (1981).
Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive Dale Monteith said today’s Emirates Melbourne Cup had a distinct international flavour, with special guests Their Royal Highnesses and racing talent from across the globe.
“The eyes of the world would have been firmly fixed on Flemington today as it came alive for the 152nd running of the Emirates Melbourne Cup, the race that stops a nation,” Mr Monteith said.
“On behalf of the Victoria Racing Club, I warmly congratulate Green Moon and its owners, trainer, jockey and connections today and encourage them to relish the joy of winning the 2012 Emirates Melbourne Cup.”
A crowd of more than 106,000 travelled to Flemington today, with 55,000 of those patrons arriving by train according to a Metro spokesperson.
Christie Whelan Browne performed Together We Are One accompanied by the Melbourne Philharmonic Choir in the traditional pre-Cup entertainment.
Fashionistas hit the catwalk today vying for a position in the Myer Fashions on the Field Victorian Final on Crown Oaks Day, this Thursday. The judge’s choice Lauren Andrews took out the Daily Final in spectacular fashion wearing a stunning navy and green tweed structured dress complemented by a navy headpiece by Kim Fletcher.
Lauren Andrews will go on to compete in the Victorian Final on Crown Oaks Day, with the winner of that stage securing a place in the National Final later that day. The Myer Fashions on the Field National Winner will take home a Lexus IS 250C F Sport Convertible, a $6000 Myer Shopping Spree and a host of other phenomenal prizes.
Now at the halfway mark of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the VRC looks forward to two more days of world class racing, fashion and entertainment at Flemington with Crown Oaks Day on Thursday and Emirates Stake Day concluding the four day Carnival on Saturday.