So close yet so far
Heartbreak City and Almandin put on a terrific spectacle as they battled up the Flemington straight but it was Almandin who got the narrow verdict
THERE was heartbreak in Melbourne as Heartbreak City was denied Melbourne Cup victory by Almandin in the final strides.
Tony Martin's six-year-old came with what looked to be a winning run under Joao Moreira only to find Robert Hickmott's Almandin a long head too good.
The pair fought out a tremendous battle down the straight as they pulled well clear of Hartnell back in third.
Charlie Appleby's Qewy came home fourth as Godolphin still remain in the hunt for their first Melbourne Cup win.
Martin said: "The emotions were very high.
"I gave him all the pushing and shoving I could from the stands, but, unfortunately, it wasn't enough.
"Everything went to plan, everything was great, it's just a pity we didn't have somebody to tow us into the straight a little bit further.
"Other than that, everything went well - I couldn't be happier.
"If we have to lock him up until next year, he's coming back here next year, all being well."
Moreira added: "He had a beautiful run through the field and turning for home I thought I was going to win.
"I went past Hartnell easily but when I looked to my outside Kerrin McEvoy (Almandin) had his horse full of himself as well and we went for a battle.
"My horse, which is much smaller than his, tried his very best and gave 120 per cent of himself.
"Wherever he goes in those long-distance races he'll be very competitive because he tries hard and has a big heart."
Winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy said: "How lucky am I? The elation is unreal.
"He has been well prepared and he travelled well.
"All we needed was a good run. The more I looked at it before the race, the more confident I got.
"It's a dream come true. I love the Melbourne Cup."
Big Orange, fifth last year, was prominent for a long way but he faded as the field charged for home and could only finish 10th for trainer Michael Bell and jockey Jamie Spencer.
Bondi Beach was never a factor, while Wicklow Brave expended a lot of early energy by getting across from a wide draw and beat just two horses home.
READ MORE
