Almandin Wins by a Nose for Melbourne Cup Glory, Predicted by Gibbo!

Written on the 4 November 2016

We couldn't be in the horseracing industry without mentioning the Melbourne Cup - the race that stops the nation,  now, could we? And what a thrilling race it was at Flemington with Robert Hickmott trained, 17 Almandin, a 6yo gelding, sired by Monsun out of Anatola and 13 Heartbreak City sat neck and neck in the last 300 metres. More than 97,000 people turned up for the big day at Flemington to watch Almandin (ridden by 36yo jockey Kerrin McEvoy) win the cup by a nose, after it looked like Heartbreak City was unbeaten. 

Owner, Lloyd Williams couldn't be more thrilled about how the race played out. "He was terrific. He went out there with an open mind and rode the race according to how the race was run. Outstanding ride, "Williams said. This now makes Williams a 5 time winner of the Melbourne Cup.

Williams was quite emotional after the win, as Almandin had come back from some serious tendon injuries. "It's quite emotional about this one. The boys have done a fabulous job with getting this horse back."

2 time Melbourne Cup winning jockey, McEvoy admitted he was worried about a challenge from Heartbreak City, ridden by Joao Moreira, with 300 metres to go but knew Almandin had enough in the tank with 100 metres left. And what great sportsmanship by Moreira, patting McEvoy on the back, just after winning the cup.

McEvoy was obviously ecstatic after the historic win. "Gee, he travelled well. How lucky am I mate?" he said.

6 Hartnell, the $5.50 favourite, sure put up a good fight, but lagged behind in the last 200 metres, coming third by 4 1/4 lengths with 23 Qewy finishing 4th. 

Where Hartnell was picked as the favourite, (only 3 favourites have won in the last 15 editions of the Cup) our mate Gibbo, at Gibbo's Brissy Races had Almandin picked as this Melbourne Cup's winner. So, well done Gibbo for your pick. 

We look forward to including a tip from Gibbo each fortnight in our newsletter, so make sure you tell your friends to sign up for it.

(Photo courtesy au.sports.yahoo.com)