In an astonishing turn of events, jockey Robbie Dolan, better known for his stint on the popular singing competition The Voice, has achieved the pinnacle of Australian horse racing by winning the 2024 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse. Dolan’s victory aboard the Sheila Laxon-trained gelding Knight’s Choice marks a remarkable chapter in his unconventional journey from aspiring singer to Melbourne Cup champion.
From The Voice to the Winner’s Circle
Born in Ireland, the 28-year-old Dolan moved to Australia eight years ago in search of greater opportunities in the racing world. Despite a family history steeped in the sport—his father, Bobby, worked for renowned Irish trainer Dermot Weld—Dolan’s path to success was far from straightforward. At one point, he even considered pursuing music full-time after appearing on The Voice.
However, Dolan’s love for racing ultimately prevailed. “I could have easily given up riding to do the music, but I just loved it too much,” he revealed in a post-race interview. “Once I started doing a little bit of music, it was a nice change. I’d just been grafting for 10 years before that. At one stage, I was struggling to get a few rides, and I was thinking, ‘gee I might just do the music on the side’. And then I just missed riding winners, I missed the camaraderie of the jockeys in the room.”
A Fateful Meeting
Ironically, it was Dolan’s musical talents that led him to Knight’s Choice trainer Sheila Laxon two years ago. “I was singing on the Melbourne Cup cruise, and Sheila was there with the Melbourne Cup,” he recounted. “I met her, and I got a photo with her and the Melbourne Cup, and now we’ve won the freaking Melbourne Cup.”
This sense of destiny was amplified when Dolan discovered his father, Robert, had surprised him by traveling from Ireland to be present for his Melbourne Cup ride. “He surprised me, I didn’t know he was coming,” Dolan said. “I just said to my parents it was good thing I didn’t come down naked.” Robert, clearly overjoyed, quipped, “I’ve bred a Melbourne Cup winner.”
Family First
Throughout his incredible journey, Dolan has remained dedicated to his family. His partner, Christine, gave birth to their daughter Maisie two years ago, 15 weeks premature. Maisie spent 110 days in intensive care, and Dolan developed a ritual of singing Take Me to the River to her.
“Christine does everything for me, and little Maisie, I was rushing around trying to get ready for the Melbourne Cup this morning, and then she’s watching her iPad and just oblivious to everything.”
– Robbie Dolan
Christine praised her daughter’s resilience, saying, “Maisie is taking it in her stride. She is a professional and watched him in the Cox Plate and is used to the hustle and bustle of it all. She is a little fighter as well, she is very brave, she was born early but she is kicking goals now.”
Making History
Dolan’s Melbourne Cup triumph is all the more remarkable considering he had never previously won a race during the prestigious Melbourne Cup Carnival. As he basked in the glory of his achievement, the jockey acknowledged the significance of the moment.
“You can never take this away from us, ever, that’s all that matters.”
– Robbie Dolan
With his incredible victory, Robbie Dolan has not only etched his name in the annals of Australian racing history but has also demonstrated the power of perseverance, passion, and family in the face of adversity. His journey from The Voice to the winner’s circle is a testament to the enduring allure of the Melbourne Cup and the indomitable spirit of those who pursue their dreams.
As the celebrations continue, one thing is certain: Robbie Dolan’s extraordinary story will be remembered as one of the most inspiring and unlikely tales in the rich tapestry of the Melbourne Cup. From here, the sky is the limit for this talented jockey, singer, and family man.
