In one of the most thrilling and unexpected results in Melbourne Cup history, rank outsider Knight’s Choice has saluted in Australia’s greatest race, edging out heavily-backed favorites Warp Speed and Okita Soushi in a pulsating finish at Flemington Racecourse.
The 2024 edition of “the race that stops a nation” will be forever remembered for Knight’s Choice’s fairytale victory that shocked the racing world and sparked wild celebrations from the colt’s connections and the lucky punters who found the winner at massive odds.
Dolan Breaks Through for Maiden Melbourne Cup
For 25-year-old Irish hoop Robbie Dolan, the breakthrough Group 1 triumph represents the pinnacle of his riding career to date. After going close in several previous attempts, Dolan delivered a perfectly-timed ride aboard Knight’s Choice to lift the coveted Melbourne Cup trophy.
“This is what you dream of as a jockey, to win a Melbourne Cup. I can’t believe it. Knight’s Choice was absolutely super for me today. We were underestimated but he had a great preparation and everything fell into place. My family back in Ireland will be going berserk!”
– Robbie Dolan
Dolan had to call on every ounce of his vigour and horsemanship to lift Knight’s Choice over the final 200m, as Warp Speed and Okita Soushi charged alongside. In a deafening roar from the Flemington faithful, it was Knight’s Choice who poked his head in front right on the famous winning post to hold off his more fancied rivals.
Historic Win for Sheila Laxon
Remarkably, Knight’s Choice is just the fourth Melbourne Cup starter for veteran Kiwi trainer Sheila Laxon, who became the first woman to prepare a Melbourne Cup winner with Ethereal in 2001. Combining in partnership with established Warrnambool trainer John Symons, Laxon has created another slice of turf history with an against-all-odds Melbourne Cup heist.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be standing here again with a Melbourne Cup. This horse has just continued to improve with each run. He’s got a heart as big as Phar Lap’s! I have to thank John Symons and all the team behind Knight’s Choice. It’s an unbelievable moment.”
– Sheila Laxon
Favorite Punters Left Shattered
The boilover result left the vast majority of the 100,000-strong Flemington crowd and millions more punters around Australia deflated, with Knight’s Choice jumping at the luxury odds of $81 with most bookmakers. Heavily-supported favorite Warp Speed was gallant in defeat, falling short of becoming the first internationally-trained galloper to win the Melbourne Cup.
Japanese raider Okita Soushi also had his chance, looming alongside Knight’s Choice at the 200m mark before his run ended abruptly, leaving Warp Speed to fight out the finish in a gripping climax to the 3200m staying test.
Roughie Punters in Raptures
While the result proved a gut-punch for favorite backers, those who threw a few dollars on Knight’s Choice at the huge quote were celebrating wildly. None more so than a group of university students who claimed to have secured $20,000 after pooling their money for a $250 bet on the winner.
“We pulled the money together for a bit of fun and picked Knight’s Choice because one of the boys said his sister used to date the strapper! Never in a million years did we think he’d actually win. It’s a bloody miracle – we’re partying for a week!”
– Anonymous punter
Full Melbourne Cup 2024 Finishing Order and Dividends
- 1st – Knight’s Choice – $81.00, $21.30
- 2nd – Warp Speed – $1.80
- 3rd – Okita Soushi – $3.20
- 4th – Accountant
- 5th – Midnight Marvel
The extraordinary boilover in the 2024 Melbourne Cup will live forever in Australian folklore. Knight’s Choice was the definition of a knock-out chance that rose to the occasion on the biggest stage in the sport of kings. For those who took the gamble on this unsung hero at cricket-score odds, it’s a betting triumph they’ll be recounting for generations to come.
