Kildare jockey wins Melbourne Cup in stunning upset
Robbie Dolan celebrates winning the Lexus Melbourne Cup during Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Kildare jockey Robbie Dolan caused a major shock when winning one of the biggest horse races in the world overnight.
THE Melboure Cup is known as The Race That Stops a Nation and those watching were stunned to see Dolan fly home on the fast finishing 90/1 shot Knight’s Choice.
Although the Kildare Town rider followed his father and grandfather’s steps by becoming a jockey, since moving to Australia he’s been best known for appearing on the TV show The Voice where he joined Rita Ora’s team and made it to the final 24 contestants.
“Pinch me, I think I’m dreaming! It’s incredible, I can’t believe it,” he told Channel Nine after the race.
“I’ve never ridden in this race before so I didn’t know what to expect, but I feel like I’ve ridden in it 10 times because I’ve ran the race in my head before I got here.
“It panned out exactly as I thought it would. I thought I’d be closer, but they went quick and I decided I ride him for luck as I know he’s got a good turn of foot.
Dolan’s father worked for Dermot Weld around the Curragh for over 40 years and much to his son’s surprise arrived out to Australia just days before the race.
“I woke up Sunday morning and he was standing in my kitchen – I couldn’t believe it. Win, lose or draw, it was a great day for me but to win it with him here as well as my partner and daughter, I’m going to cry again!” The result means that trainer Willie Mullins must wait longer for the Melbourne Cup that he so desires after his pair of horses failed to make an impact. Absurde finished fifth and Vauban was back in 11th.
