Jockey Donates Prize Money to Injured Rider; Rain Approaches Flemington
The Melbourne Cup is set to showcase some exceptional horses this year, with several competitors making headlines for their impressive records and capabilities. Among them is Al Riffa, who enters the race as the top-weight horse, carrying 59 kg. This marks a significant challenge, as only one horse in the past 35 years, Makybe Diva in 2005, has won while carrying 58 kg or more.
Al Riffa: A Contender with a Strong Record
Al Riffa boasts five wins from 15 starts and comes off a victory in the Group 1 Irish St Leger, where he surged ahead in the final 400 meters. This horse is trained by Joseph O’Brien, a Melbourne Cup winner himself, with victories in 2017 and 2020. Jockey Mark Zahra, known for his success at Flemington, rides Al Riffa and recently won four races on Derby Day.
Buckaroo: A Steady Performer
Buckaroo finished ninth in last year’s Melbourne Cup after being the favorite. Since then, he has had a notable year, placing in four consecutive Group 1 races, including a close second in the Cox Plate. With a weight of 57 kg, he will be ridden by Craig Williams, a previous Cup winner from 2019. Buckaroo’s last triumph came in September 2024 during the G1 Underwood Stakes.
Arapaho: A Long Shot
Arapaho enters this year’s race with mixed form. The nine-year-old gelding finished eighth in the Bendigo Cup and 15th in the Metropolitan at Randwick. While his previous Cup appearance saw him finish 11th in 2022, he has experience with longer distances, having won the Sydney Cup in April. Trained by Bjorn Baker, jockey Rachel King aims to make history as the second woman to win the Melbourne Cup.
Vauban: Seeking Redemption
Vauban, known to Australian racing enthusiasts, is trained by the duo Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott after being with renowned Irish trainer Willie Mullins. He had a disappointing showing in the Caulfield Cup, finishing 13th. Despite past performance, he has a history of success in longer races. However, he faces an uphill battle, as only three eight-year-olds have ever won the Melbourne Cup: Toryboy in 1865, Catalogue in 1938, and Twilight Payment in 2020.
Conclusion: A Competitive Melbourne Cup
This year’s Melbourne Cup promises to be a thrilling event, with top competitors like Al Riffa and Buckaroo vying for victory. As rain approaches Flemington, conditions may further impact the race, adding another layer of intrigue to an already competitive field.
