The Melbourne Cup Carnival ends with remarkable numbers that might make some in Britain and Ireland gulp

Attendances soared and so did the television audience. Flemington was filled with young people having a fabulous time in an atmosphere of infectious positivity. To those looking on from Britain or Ireland, that might all seem a little sobering. It should also serve as an inspiration, for this was a Melbourne Cup Carnival that showed racing's mission is far from impossible.
The meeting ended with one of its finest closing Saturdays, one built around three consecutive Group 1 races and the appearance of arguably the world's best horse. Via Sistina was imperious once again at arguably the world's best racing festival, certainly based on its popularity with the people who continue to hold it close to their hearts.
It no doubt helped that this year's Lexus Melbourne Cup hero delivered the sort of fairytale story synonymous with Australia's greatest race. Knight's Choice might have been a largely unbacked 90-1 winner but his success brought smiles to countless faces. So, too, did the fact this was another fatality-free running.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inReports
Last updated
- Ayr: 'Those jumps boys get through the pain' - double delight for Alan Doyle on his return from a nasty unseat this month
- Lingfield: 'Having a horse like him for JP McManus is priceless' - Aworkinprogress completes remarkable five-timer
- Catterick: 'I'm glad to be part of the team' - Peter Kavanagh pleased to help in-form Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith stable
- Plumpton: 'He was a freegoing two-miler before' - Invincible Nao thrives over marathon distance in a thrilling finish to Sussex National
- Navan: Gordon Elliott hits treble top as Better Days Ahead leads home 1-2-3 in Grade 2 to set up festival tilt
- Ayr: 'Those jumps boys get through the pain' - double delight for Alan Doyle on his return from a nasty unseat this month
- Lingfield: 'Having a horse like him for JP McManus is priceless' - Aworkinprogress completes remarkable five-timer
- Catterick: 'I'm glad to be part of the team' - Peter Kavanagh pleased to help in-form Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith stable
- Plumpton: 'He was a freegoing two-miler before' - Invincible Nao thrives over marathon distance in a thrilling finish to Sussex National
- Navan: Gordon Elliott hits treble top as Better Days Ahead leads home 1-2-3 in Grade 2 to set up festival tilt