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Dunaden wins Melbourne Cup

By Racing Correspondent | 02 Nov 2011 |


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The world witnessed a sensational fight to the finish between two super-fit horses and two determined horsemen at the Flemington race track in a breathtaking humdinger.  It was a perfect showcase of the unparalleled thrill of horseracing and this was the Melbourne Cup at its best.

The start was the calm before the storm as Illo set a restrained pace, understandably cautious in approach. They had two miles to travel. Illo opened up a sizable lead as they turned after passing the Grand Stands in their first approach. Lemaire was more concerned about settling his mount no matter where, and did not mind staying with the rear bunch. Red Cadeaux was not too far ahead. The field spread out at the turn and Lamaire was quick to shake off those tagging alongside. Red Cadeaux by then was tackling those in front of him and was getting the better of the front bunch methodically. Lemaire got Nicobar’s Danuden to produce a forceful surge with 300 metres to go. Red Cadeaux was shaping well and had just hit the front when Danuden came charging alongside, sending the crowd to their feet, each one in the stands ferociously vocal. Danuden and Red Cadeaux hitting the wire together, too close to separate with the naked eye. The judges too deliberated before declaring Danuden the winner amidst loud cheer from the French camp. It was a second success on the trot for the French as last year’s winner Americain was also from France. Americain ran a cracker of a race too and was the fastest finishing horse to end in the frame, a close fourth behind Lucas Cranach, who ran a commendable race as well. 

 "I'm still shaking - it's amazing," said trainer Mikel Delzangles. “I thought I was beaten so it's even better. It is an amazing thrill - just amazing. I can't say much!"

“It's incredible - it's a great moment for me," said Christophe Lemaire, who was a replacement after Craig Williams was stood down a week earlier. "I was a bit anxious as I knew it was very close. But I feel very sorry for Craig. He's a good friend of mine. I know it's very hard for him but its part of a jockey's life and I'm sure he'll win the Melbourne Cup one year”. "There are no words for this," added Lemaire. "I want to thank everybody for the emotion and the passion they have. It is my first time in Australia but I love Flemington”.