The Melbourne Cup, renowned as one of the world’s most illustrious horse racing events, offers an irresistible jackpot, equivalent to nearly €5 million. It attracts entries from across the world and much of the focus this year is on Willie Mullins’ attempt to secure the big prize.
Mullins is one of the best known horse racing trainers around, responsible for Galopin Des Champs victory in March’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, and recording a staggering 94 victories at the famous Cheltenham Festival over the years.
Now, he embarks on a fresh endeavour, pitting his stable against Australia’s finest flat racing contenders, with Vauban and Absurde chosen as his standard-bearers.
The tantalising prize on offer has undoubtedly played a key role in Mullins’ decision to target the race. Mullins himself acknowledges its significance, stating, “As far as flat racing goes, this is possibly the pinnacle for us, alongside the likes of a Gold Cup horse in Ascot or the Prix du Cadran in Paris. The unique nature of this race [Melbourne Cup] certainly plays to our advantage, not to mention the enticing eight million Australian dollars on offer!”
Vauban, much like his trainer Mullins, has achieved notable success in jumps racing. In 2022, he secured victory in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and another impressive win at the Punchestown Festival a mere month later. Although the 2023 jumps season didn’t reach the same heights, Mullins astutely redirected Vauban to flat racing.
Mullins swiftly witnessed the fruits of this transition. Vauban and Absurde clinched their coveted spots in the Melbourne Cup with a remarkable 1-2 finish in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot. Since their arrival Down Under, both contenders have settled in seamlessly, earning praise from Team Mullins.
David Casey, Mullins’ assistant, commented on Vauban, saying, “He travelled well, and it appears he’s been eating and drinking since his arrival. He didn’t lose much weight, and he’s actually regained it all since coming here. We’re thrilled with him. We’re here, and we’re delighted to be taking part, hoping for a competitive performance.”
And if Casey’s optimism is measured, there’s no such danger of racing commentator Matt Chapman holding back. The broadcaster has bullishly suggested, “It might not even be worth running the race… the Australian handicappers could look like complete novices on the first Tuesday in November.”
Bookmakers are echoing the confidence, with betting site melbourne-cup.online confirming Vauban as the clear ante-post favourite with odds of 7/2. Absurde, too, should not be underestimated, with odds of 16/1 indicating his potential.
The Melbourne Cup, famously known in Australia as “the race that stops the nation,” may not have the same immediate gravitas in the UK and Ireland, given its early 4am time slot on Tuesday 7th November. Nevertheless, it’s one to keep an eye on, and it would be no surprise for racing fans to awaken to news of yet another glorious victory for the Mullins stable.
