VERRY ELLEEGANT WINS THE MELBOURNE CUP

James McDonald and Verry Elleegant win the 2021 Melbourne Cup

Verry Elleegant had a mixed lead up to the race with poor showings in the Winx Stakes, Turnbull Stakes before a fast finish in the Group 1 W.S Cox Plate when placing third at Moonee Valley.

That run did show signs the great mare could be in the mix come Melbourne Cup day and after finishing seventh the previous year, Chris Waller’s runner was right on the money peeling clear round the final turn and letting down with ease. 

Jockey James McDonald, who had been close to winning the 3200m handicap in the past when finishing second aboard Fiorente, settled midfield on the mare before starting a move on the 1100m mark to get the Waller closer to the speed.

As long time race leader Persan and Melbourne Cup favourite Incentivise began to crank through the gears in front, Very Elleegant began to circle the field, picking off runner by runner cracking under the increased tempo.

Entering the home turn nearly the leaders were off the bridle with only UK galloper Spanish Mission and Verry Elleegant looking to have something in the tank. As Spanish Mission tried to let down it was left very one paced as Chris Waller’s 2020 Caulfield Cup winner strode to the front.

At the 200m mark it was all over as McDonald took Verry Elleegant clear of the pack under hands and heels before opening up the Champion and kicking clear by 4 lengths to win the 2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Of the best of the rest Incentivise battled on gamely taking second place ahead of top international Spanish Mission. 

After late backing, Maher and Eustace trained Flying Artist finished 4th with old warhorse and now Melbourne Cup veteran The Chosen One runner on for fifth. 

More News