There was the Covid scandal and an induced coma but Jamie Melham can now be remembered first and foremost as a Melbourne Cup winner

Ten minutes after realising a lifelong dream, Jamie Melham walked on to Channel 9's broadcast podium, the rider's head sandwiched between her two hands. For a second she looked up to the sky before walking across to Michelle Payne. They then hugged each other, sharing a precious moment having already shared a momentous achievement.

During the build-up to this Lexus Melbourne Cup, Payne has been omnipresent. It was ten years ago that she partnered Prince Of Penzance to a history-making success. It brought her fame, fortune and a feature film that told the story of how she became the first female jockey to claim Australia's greatest horserace. Where once there was one, now there are two.

• 'Nothing compares to this feeling' - Jamie Melham seals historic Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double on Half Yours 

• Who is Jamie Melham? A lookback at the rollercoaster career of a rider making history in Australia 

• 'It was a huge thrill for the McManus family' - Joseph O'Brien reacts to Melbourne Cup runner-up effort of Goodie Two Shoes 

Jamie Melham is embraced by Michelle Payne after winning the Melbourne CupCredit: Vince Caligiuri (Getty Images)

No outcome could have been more fitting, for a mood of infectious optimism and positivity has surrounded this spring carnival, whose pinnacle prize provided icing on the cake.