Five Closest Melbourne Cup Finishes

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Post on Nov 05, 2024

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The Heart-Stopping Closeness of Melbourne Cup Finishes

The Melbourne Cup is the biggest race in Australia, and it's famous for its thrilling finishes. Every year, millions of people around the world tune in to see which horse will win this iconic race. But what happens when the finish line is so close that you need a photo finish to decide the winner?

Five Melbourne Cup Finishes That Had Us Holding Our Breath

There have been some incredibly close finishes in the history of the Melbourne Cup. These are the five closest finishes that will forever be etched in our memories:

1. 1975: Think Big Wins By a Nose

Think Big, ridden by Greg Hall, edged out the gallant On the Ball to win the 1975 Melbourne Cup by the tiniest of margins: a nose! The race was so tight that the result was only confirmed after a photo finish, leaving everyone glued to the screen, wondering who had triumphed. This finish is a testament to the incredible skill and courage of the jockeys and the sheer power of the horses involved.

2. 1985: Ataraxia Wins By a Head

The 1985 Melbourne Cup saw a battle royale between Ataraxia, ridden by Pat Hyland, and the popular favourite, Super Impose, ridden by Greg Hall. The two horses fought tooth and nail for the entire race, crossing the line virtually neck and neck. Eventually, Ataraxia was declared the winner by a head, a margin so small that you could barely fit a finger between the horses!

3. 2003: Makybe Diva Wins By a Neck

Makybe Diva is a legend of the Melbourne Cup, having won the race three times. But her first victory in 2003 was a nail-biter. Ridden by Glenn Boss, Makybe Diva held off the fast-finishing runner-up, Aristophanes, by a mere neck. The race was incredibly intense, with Makybe Diva digging deep to secure the victory.

4. 2010: Americain Wins By a Nose

The 2010 Melbourne Cup was another photo finish thriller. Americain, ridden by Damien Oliver, was challenged all the way by the ever-consistent So You Think, ridden by Hugh Bowman. The two horses stayed glued together right to the line, with Americain edging out So You Think by a nose to claim victory. This was a particularly memorable race for Oliver, who was riding in his first Melbourne Cup since his brother, Jason, had tragically passed away earlier that year.

5. 2022: Gold Trip Wins By a Head

This is the most recent Melbourne Cup to finish in such a tight contest. Gold Trip, ridden by Mark Zahra, was challenged by the tough and experienced runner-up, High Emocean, ridden by Damian Lane. These two horses duelled right to the finish line, but in the end, Gold Trip managed to hold on by a head. The crowd erupted with excitement, and it was clear that everyone in the stands had their hearts in their mouths until the very last stride.

The Thrill of the Finish Line

These five Melbourne Cup finishes are just a few examples of the close races that have captivated audiences over the years. The thrill of watching a photo finish unfold is a truly unique experience, and it's why the Melbourne Cup is considered one of the most exciting horse races in the world. So, if you haven't seen the Melbourne Cup yet, it's time to tune in and witness the excitement for yourself.