Back-to-Back Victory: Without A Fight Claims Melbourne Cup, Securing Mark Zahra's Consecutive Wins
Without A Fight dominates the Melbourne Cup, securing jockey Mark Zahra back-to-back triumphs in Australia's esteemed horse race
Without A Fight claimed a resounding triumph at this year's Melbourne Cup, bestowing jockey Mark Zahra with back-to-back victories in Australia's highly esteemed equestrian competition. Demonstrating impeccable timing, Zahra strategically positioned himself just behind the frontrunners throughout the extensive two-mile race, only to unleash a remarkable burst of speed along the final stretch at Flemington Racecourse.
Trained by the renowned father and son pair Anthony and Sam Freedman, the victor surged to the forefront with 300 meters remaining and triumphed in a remarkable fashion.
Speaking to We Racing in the aftermath of this illustrious triumph, Zahra expressed, "Having accomplished this incredible feat once is truly remarkable, but to replicate it consecutively with a different horse, I am still astounded by the achievement."
The six-year-old's display of speed allowed Zahra to savor the closing moments, basking in the crowd's applause before crossing the finish line.
Finishing ahead of Soulcombe in second place and outsider Sheraz in third, Without A Fight emerged victorious. On the other hand, Vauban, the favorite prior to the race, failed to meet expectations and placed a disappointing 14th.
Big decision
Amid the excitement, Zahra admitted there was an element of relief about the win, given his agonizing choice over which horse to ride for the race.
Gold Trip, the horse Zahra won on last year, was also entered into this years race, but the jockey opted instead to ride Without A Fight.
Zahra celebrates in front of the crowd moments before the finish line.
Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Zahra's decision, despite facing criticism for changing horses, proved to be the right one as she sprinted past Gold Trip, who came in 17th, on her way to the finish line. "It is justified," exclaimed a thrilled Zahra when speaking to Racing.com.
Zahra's accomplishment of winning back-to-back Melbourne Cups makes her the first jockey to achieve this since Glen Boss rode Makybe Diva to three consecutive victories from 2003 to 2005.
Sam Freedman, a winning trainer with a renowned family background in the sport, commended Zahra for her "exceptional ride" and also acknowledged the contribution of his father in training a Melbourne Cup champion.
Freedman commended the old man for his extraordinary resilience and wisdom throughout these circumstances. However, he swiftly redirected his focus to Without A Fight, emphasizing the horse's exceptional abilities. Freedman marveled at how the horse went down with the swiftness of a sprinter and performed excellently.
The Melbourne Cup, which is commonly referred to as the "race that stops a nation," boasted a $5.15 million prize purse this year.
