Australian-trained Vow And Declare has held off the international challenge to win the Melbourne Cup, giving jockey Craig Williams his first success in Australia's greatest race.
One of the most inexperienced horses in the Cup, Vow And Declare defeated Irish stayer Master Of Reality, with English-trained Prince Of Arran finishing third.
Williams famously missed the winning ride on the French-trained Dunaden in the 2011 Melbourne Cup, because of suspension.
In a desperate finish involving four horses, the Danny O'Brien-trained Vow And Declare took an inside run and put his head down when it counted to win in a photo finish.
Master Of Reality looked set to give jockey Frankie Dettori his first win, shooting clear at the 200m, before just failing to hold off the winner.
In the final metres, Dettori was ruled to have impeded fast-finishing Il Paradiso and Master of Reality was eventually relegated to fourth, with Prince of Arran promoted to second and Il Paradiso third.
"I have to thank everyone around me that has touched my life throughout my career and given me advice, confidence, and they're all a part of this win," Williams said.
O'Brien said the race didn't work out for Vow And Declare.
"It wasn't a race that was going to plan, but he's a great horse, he's got great stamina," O'Brien said.
Williams has now completed the grand slam of Australian racing, after winning the Golden Slipper, Cox Plate and Caulfield during a decorated career.
AAP
