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Jamie Melham makes history as second female Melbourne Cup winner
Jamie Melham rode Half Yours to a commanding three-length victory in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup, becoming only the second woman to win Australia's most prestigious horse race. The 8-1 contender surged ahead in the final stretch, leaving Goodie Two Shoes (trained by Ireland's Joseph O'Brien) in second and Middle Earth in third.
First woman to secure Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double
Melham, 29, also claimed the Caulfield Cup last month aboard the same horse, marking the first time a female jockey has won both races in a single season. The Melbourne Cup, now in its 165th year, carries a A$10 million (£5m) purse-the world's richest handicap event.
Trained by father-son duo Tony and Calvin McEvoy, Half Yours outpaced the 5-1 favorite Presage Nocturne, which finished 19th. Irish-trained entries Al Riffa (7th) and Absurde (8th) followed, while British trainers Simon and Ed Crisford's Meydaan placed 10th.
Emotional triumph after career setback
In a post-race interview with Australia's Nine Network, Melham exclaimed, "What just happened? Oh my god. This is what we do it for-this is why we get up at 4am every morning." The win caps a remarkable year for the jockey, who returned to racing after a serious fall in 2023.
"Got married, had incredible days on the track, but nothing compares to this," she said. Melham also honored her late grandfather, a devoted supporter: "He watched the Caulfield Cup last-he's up there clearing those gaps for me."
Payne welcomes Melham to 'exclusive club'
Michelle Payne, the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup (2015), congratulated Melham after the race: "Welcome to the club." The milestone unfolded before 80,000 spectators at Flemington Racecourse, enduring cold, wet conditions for the event dubbed 'the race that stops a nation.'
Controversy shadows historic event
The Melbourne Cup's legacy includes ongoing debates over animal welfare. Between 2013-2020, six horses died during or after the race, prompting organizers to implement stricter safety protocols. Despite reforms, protests persist.
