The Willie Mullins-trained Vauban was all the rage in the weeks leading up to the 2023 edition, with the Rich Ricci-owned former Grade 1 hurdler attracting much of the media attention on both sides of the world. Support did cool off on the day, but the mount of Ryan Moore still started as the clear favourite. Ebor winner Absurde added a strong second string to the Mullins bow, with further international intrigue provided by the Joseph O’Brien runner Okita Soushi and Japanese raider Breakup.
Leading the way for the home team was 2022 champ Gold Trip, who had been running well enough to suggest a bold defence of his crown may be in store. Gold Trip had, however, been deserted by his winning rider, Mark Zahra, who instead opted to ride the impressive Caulfield Cup winner Without A Fight. Disappointing when in the hands of Simon and Ed Crisford in the 2022 edition, would he fare any better for new trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman? Others to note included Soulcombe, who had excellent form in the book but a worrying habit of blowing the start, the improving Future History, who had the services of Hollie Doyle in the saddle, and Vow And Declare, who claimed the prize in 2019.
Result
- 1st – Without A Fight 7/1, Jockey: Mark Zahra, Trainer: Anthony & Sam Freedman
- 2nd – Soulcombe 17/2, Jockey: Joao Moreira, Trainer: Chris Waller
- 3rd – Sheraz 150/1, Jockey: Beau Mertens, Trainer: Chris Waller
- 4th – Ashrun 25/1, Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy, Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st – £2,485,875.71
- 2nd – £621,468.93
- 3rd – £310,734.46
- 4th – £197,740.11
- 5th – £129,943.50
- 6th – £90,395.48
- 7th – £90,395.48
- 8th – £90,395.48
- 9th – £90,395.48
- 10th – £90,395.48
- 11th £90,395.48
- 12th – £90,395.48
Tote and Forecast Payouts
- Tote Win – $8
- Exacta – $94.60
- Trifecta – $9,441.30
Recap
The race began with a familiar sight, with Soulcombe once again opting to give his rivals a three-length head start with a poor exit from the stalls. A pair of Classic winners set out to make the early running in the shape of former Epsom Derby winner Serpentine and ex-Irish Oaks queen Magical Lagoon. Vauban broke nicely from stall three and looked well positioned just off the pace on the rail, whilst Without A Fight was held onto in midfield.
Moving into the first bend, Serpentine had secured the lead, with Hollie Doyle and Future History moving into second, and Vow And Declare bustled around the outside into third. The field was well strung out as they entered the backstretch, with Vauban and Without A Fight opting to take the shortest way around tight against the inside rail.
Kalapour added to the leading pack around the long turn for home, with a gap of around five lengths opening up to the bulk of the field. As is so often the case, the pace began to collapse as the runners entered the straight, as those in behind began their charge. Vauban moved ominously into contention, but when Ryan Moore asked for everything, there appeared to be little left. It was instead left to Without A Fight to switch wide and quickly put distance between himself and his rivals. Found out for stamina in 2022, this time, the Teofilo gelding powered to the line, with Soulcombe flying home from the rear to grab second. Outsider Sheraz ran a cracker in third, but Vauban could manage only 14th.
It was a brilliant display from the winner, who became the first horse to complete the Caulfield Cup/Melbourne Cup double since Ethereal in 2001. Back-to-back successes for a jubilant Mark Zahra and a first win for father and son training duo Anthony and Sam Freedman – brother and nephew of five-time winning trainer Lee Freedman.
Runners
- 1. Gold Trip – SP: 11/2, Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Jockey: James McDonald
- 2. Alenquer – SP: 20/1, Trainer: Michael Moroney, Jockey: Damien Oliver
- 3. Without A Fight – SP: 7/1, Trainer: Anthony & Sam Freeman, Jockey: Mark Zahra
- 4. Breakup – SP: 17/1, Trainer: Tatsuya Yoshioka, Jockey: Kohei Matsuyama
- 5. Vauban – SP: 9/2F, Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Ryan Moore
- 6. Soulcombe – SP: 17/2, Trainer: Chris Waller, Jockey: Joao Moreira
- 7. Absurde – SP: 8/1, Trainer: Willie Mullins, Jockey: Zac Purton
- 8. Right You Are – SP: 30/1, Trainer: Ciaran Maher & David Eustace, Jockey: John Allen
- 9. Vow And Declare – SP: 30/1, Trainer: Danny O’Brien, Jockey: Billy Egan
- 10. Cleveland – Non-runner
- 11. Ashrun – SP: 25/1, Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
- 12. Daqiansweet Junior – SP: 50/1, Trainer: Phillip Stokes, Jockey: Daniel Stackhouse
- 13. Olita Soushi – SP: 100/1, Trainer: Joseph O’Brien, Jockey: Dylan Gibbons
- 14. Sheraz – SP: 150/1, Trainer: Chris Waller, Jockey: Beau Mertens
- 15. Lastochka – SP: 25/1, Trainer: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr, Jockey: Criag A Williams
- 16. Magical Lagoon – SP: 100/1, Trainer: Chris Waller, Jockey: Mark Du Plessisli>
- 17. Military Mission – SP: 25/1, Trainer: Gai Wayerhouse & Adrian Bott, Jockey: Rachel King
- 18. Serpentine – SP: 40/1, Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, Jockey: Jye McNeil
- 19. Virtuous Circle – SP: 150/1, Trainer: Liam Howley, Jockey: Craig Newitt
- 20. More Felons – SP: 25/1, Trainer: Chris Waller, Jockey: Jamie Kah
- 21. Future History – SP: 17/1, Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Jockey: Hollie Doyle
- 22. Interpretation – SP: 40/1, Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Jockey: Teodore Nugent
- 23. Kalapour – SP: 40/1, Trainer: Kris Lees, Jockey: Zac Lloyd
- 24. True Marvel – SP: 150/1, Trainer: Matthew A Smith, Jockey: Ben E Thompson
Non-Runners
Cleveland (elevated temperature)