Series stars on tour: Melbourne Cup review

The 155^th running of the Melbourne Cup was arguably one of the most important in Australian racing history.

For the first time, a female rider – by the name of Michelle Payne – rode the winner of the ‘race that stops a nation’ on board Prince of Penzance at 100/1.

In defeat, it was also a great race for a number of QIPCO British Champions Series stars. Here, we take a look at how they got on.

Max Dynamite – 2^nd

The Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup champion nearly produced the biggest payday for Irish Jumps trainer Willie Mullins in the Melbourne Cup, only to be thwarted by the sensational Prince of Penzance.

Held in the mid-division by Frankie Dettori until the home straight, Max Dynamite was asked to make his challenge in the closing stages, staying on strongly to finish the runner-up. In the midst of narrowly missing out on Melbourne Cup glory, the Italian master was fined $20,000 and banned for a month for ‘careless riding’.

Trip To Paris – 4^th

The Royal Ascot Gold Cup winner shocked many at the Royal meeting by winning the prestigious prize, but he proved that effort was no fluke with a battling fourth at Flemington.

Always prominent, he just struggled to match the pace in the latter stages, but nonetheless put in a top effort for connections.

Big Orange – 5^th

Another Series star that produced a spirited run.

The Qatar Goodwood Cup champion led for a large portion of the contest, but showed no signs of slowing down, even in the closing stages, to claim a highly credible fifth placing. Rider Jamie Spencer was given a 14-day ban for ‘interference’.

Quest For More – 9^th

Roger Charlton’s star had an injury scare before the contest, but dismissed his critics with a good performance to finish ninth.

The Northumberland Plate winner and Qatar Goodwood Cup runner-up was unable to match the pace of the prominent contenders.

Bondi Beach – 16^th

Unlucky in the Great Voltigeur Stakes and the Ladbrokes St Leger this season, Bond Beach was unable to show his true colours in the Melbourne Cup.

Despite being reasonably fancied for the contest, the Aidan O’Brien-trained star was never in contention.

Kingfisher – 19^th

Another of O’Brien’s that misfired. 19^th place was the best he could do in the contest, despite finishing a narrow second to Trip To Paris at Royal Ascot.

It’s back to the drawing board for the connections of Kingfisher, who are likely to target the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot again next season.

Snow Sky – 23^rd

Last of the finishers, Snow Sky was a very disappointing runner in the Melbourne Cup.

After thrashing his rivals in the Hardwicke Stakes, the trip looked too far for this middle distance star.

Red Cadeaux – PU

Despite coming mighty close on two occasions previously, a final hurrah for Red Cadeaux was not to be.

He sadly picked up a fractured sesamoid in his left fore fetlock, but the injury is not currently life-threatening. He has been retired, but we hope that he makes a full recovery to enjoy his retirement.

You can watch the full race below.

REPLAY: Watch as Michelle Payne makes #MelbourneCup history on PRINCE OF PENZANCE. https://t.co/DPPIu7S97P

— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) November 3, 2015