Half Yours wins Melbourne Cup; Parchment Party finishes 19th

A decade after Michelle Payne became the first woman win Australia's most famous race, Jamie Melham has etched herself into racing history becoming the second when steering Half Yours to victory in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Monday.

It was a 19th Group 1 win for one of the country's most high-profile jockeys along with Half Yours becoming the 13th horse to complete the famous Caulfield (G1) and Melbourne Cup double.

"What just happened? Oh my god," was Melham's first reaction. "I've had an amazing year. I got married, had some really great days on the track but nothing ever, ever compares to this feeling right now."

Half Yours scored by 2 3/4 lengths from Goodie Too Shoes, who denied Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien a third Melbourne Cup, with Middle Earth, who turned around his form over the longer trip 1 1/2 lengths away, filling the minor placing.

Parchment Paper, the first U.S-trained horse to compete in the Melbourne Cup in its 164-year history, finished 20th in the 24-horse field. He is trained by Bill Mott and was ridden by John Velazquez.

Trained by father-son combination Tony and Calvin McEvoy, the pair achieved a lifelong dream with Half Yours, especially Tony, who now boasts trophies from the big three races in Victoria. 

The Cox Plate (G1) trophy with Fields Of Omagh in 2003 is now joined by Half Yours's Caulfield and Melbourne Cup wins in 2025.

"I lost sight of him when that leader went out," Tony said with reference to Land Legend taking a 10-length lead. 

"My eyes aren't as good as they were, and I caught him ducking back to the inside. What a thrill and what a horse he is, and what a joy he is for us."

Race favourite and French raider Prestige Nocturne finished 19th.