The excitement was electric, the hats were towering, and the crowds — despite Melbourne’s unpredictable weather — turned out in full force for one of Australia’s biggest sporting days.
The 2025 Melbourne Cup kicked off at Flemington with everything fans have come to expect: high fashion, thrilling finishes, emotional victories, and even a few heart-stopping moments on the track.
Jockey Blake Shinn’s Frightening Fall Sends Shockwaves
The festive atmosphere was briefly overshadowed when jockey Blake Shinn suffered a terrifying fall during the ninth race while riding She’s Got Pizzazz.
The horse appeared to stumble on the straight, sending Shinn crashing to the turf.
He was treated immediately by track medics and later reported to be conscious, though he is believed to have sustained a leg injury and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Half Yours Claims Victory — and Steals Hearts
When the dust settled, it was Half Yours that made history — crossing the finish line first to claim this year’s Melbourne Cup.
The victory was as emotional as it was spectacular, marking a monumental achievement for jockey Jamie Melham, who became the first woman to ever win both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.
Melham couldn’t contain her joy as she crossed the line, screaming, “Oh my God! This is what we do it for!”
The Moment Jamie Melham’s Dream Came True
Melham later revealed the exact moment she knew she had the race won — as she passed her husband, fellow jockey Ben Melham, on Smokin’ Romans.
“It was when I went past Ben, actually,” she laughed.
“We don’t normally talk racing much, but we ran through this race about 10 or 15 times yesterday. That’s exactly what I wanted to happen.”
Michelle Payne’s Emotional Words for Her Friend
Watching from the sidelines was Michelle Payne, the trailblazer who became the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup back in 2015.
As Melham crossed the line, Payne’s eyes filled with tears.
“I’ve got tears in my eyes — it’s the most incredible feeling,” she said, before turning to her friend and declaring, “Welcome to the club.”
A Win Dedicated to Her Late Grandfather
The victory carried extra meaning for Melham, whose grandfather passed away just a week earlier after watching her win the Caulfield Cup.
She revealed that she wore a special memento in his honor during the race.
“I have to mention my grandpa,” she said emotionally. “He died last week, and the last thing he watched was the Caulfield Cup.
He was such a big supporter of mine — I know he was up there opening those gaps for me today.”
From Tragedy to Triumph
Melham’s journey to Cup glory has been filled with hard work and heartbreak.
From close calls in previous races to personal loss, her perseverance has now cemented her place in racing history.
Half Yours, notably, was the only Australian-bred horse in the Cup field this year — making the win even more special for local fans.
The Race Results
Behind Melham’s Half Yours, Goodie Two Shoes finished second, followed by Middle Earth in third and River of Stars in fourth.
Trackside Drama and Rule Breaches
The excitement of the day wasn’t without controversy. Jockey Neil Farley was handed a massive seven-race suspension after breaking whipping rules during his ride on Pittsburgh Pirate in Race 2.
Farley pleaded guilty to the breach, adding to his record of a similar offence in 2021.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, stewards reassured concerned punters after Cup winner Half Yours appeared to be bleeding from the mouth post-race. Officials later confirmed it was just a minor cut inside the horse’s cheek — no treatment was required.
Fashion, Fame, and a Few Wardrobe Fails
Off the track, Flemington was a parade of style and spectacle. Despite scattered rain, thousands of racegoers flaunted extravagant hats, bold colors, and statement gowns.
Socialites Rozalia Russian, Sylvia Jeffreys, and Jessie Murphy turned heads, while The Block’s Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie stole attention with vibrant suits.
There were even a few unexpected fashion hiccups — Pallaton’s jockey had to ride in an unplanned black-and-white outfit after his team forgot the horse’s intended racing silks.
Ironically, it brought him luck — he won the Schweppervescence Plate.
A Star-Studded Day at the Track
Celebrities packed the Birdcage, including Kate Waterhouse, Ali Langdon, Melissa Leong, and Samantha Armytage, each bringing their signature flair.
Miss Universe Australia Moraya Wilson wowed in a Jason Grech gown, while footy WAG Chelsea Becirevic arrived arm-in-arm with Ivan Soldo, fresh from revealing their wedding plans.
Betting Big — and Losing Bigger
Even bookmakers were feeling the heat. One Aussie bookie revealed he accepted a single bet that could cost him $4 million if it landed — proof that Melbourne Cup Day isn’t just a fashion parade, but a high-stakes affair that captures the nation’s imagination every year.
A Day to Remember at Flemington
Despite rain showers, minor falls, and emotional highs, the 2025 Melbourne Cup lived up to its name as “the race that stops a nation.”
With record crowds braving the weather, emotional wins, and heartfelt tributes, Jamie Melham’s historic victory ensured that this year’s Cup will be remembered for years to come — not just as a triumph on the turf, but as a celebration of resilience, legacy, and love for the sport.