Posted by
Lee Suckling on November 4th, 2008
Looking for tips on Melbourne Cup picks for this afternoon?
The southern hemisphere’s biggest annual equestrian championship takes place today, and with approximately $8 million Kiwi dollars expected to be placed in bets from our side of the Tasman on the races, it’s sure to be another exciting extravaganza of sportsmanship. Last year Efficient crossed the line at Flemington to win the Melbourne Cup, who will win this year?
Many New Zealand bets are on Irish beauty Septimus for the big win, but if you’re feeling truly patriotic, Kiwi horse Nom De Jeu is expected to have a great chance at taking away first place.
Sky Sport 1 will broadcast extended coverage from 12pm to 6pm today, while TV3 will broadcast the big race starting from 5pm.
Posted by
Greta Simpson on November 7th, 2007
Well, they might have stolen Phar Lap, but the Aussies will just have to suck it up over New Zealand’s victory in 2007’s Melbourne Cup.
New Zealand trained horse, Efficient, romped home to win the $NZ6.17 million epic race at Flemington yesterday.
New Zealand trainer Graeme Rogerson was on top of the world after the win, which followed first placings in the Cox Plate and Golden Slipper races. Efficient was a surprise win – a year ago, he won the Victoria Derby, but had been below form since then. Rider Michael Rodd took Efficient to the win with a late run, which knocked Purple Moon from pole position to second and bringing Irish trained Mahler to third place.
Overall New Zealand trained horses didn’t fare so well though, with next best Sculptor finishing ninth, collecting $NZ133,000 for Levin owner-trainer Peter McKenzie. Other Kiwi equines Princess Coup and Railings placed 13th and 19th respectively.
Since the race was first run in 1861, New Zealand bred horses have won 41 Melbourne Cups, the first in 1883 when Martini Henry was placed first. In more recent times, our own equines have won 28 of the last 50 Melbourne Cup races, including Ethereal (2001), Might and Power (1997), Doriemus (1995) and Kiwi (1983).
Find out more about the Aotearoa racing scene in our New Zealand horse racing section.
