Efficient edges Moon in Melbourne

Efficient edges Moon in Melbourne

Efficient, ridden by Michael Rodd, won the 147th Melbourne Cup on Monday with a devastating sprint past UK-trained Purple Moon.
The 12-1 shot came from behind to edge out Purple Moon and the Irish-trained Mahler, which finished third after leading into the final straight.

The £2.26m handicap took place in front of a crowd of 120,000 at Flemington.

Efficient had not won a race since last year's Victoria Derby, despite being favourite for last year's Cup.

The four-year-old gelding was withdrawn on the morning of the event in 2006 after going lame and had not won a race since.

I know I've done it but it's going to take a while to sink in; I feel numb at the moment

Winning jockey Michael Rodd

His connections were so worried that his trainer Graeme Rogerson recently started putting him over the hurdles but Efficient found his best form at the right time.

"I had to chase down Damien Oliver, who was riding on Purple Moon which was one of the favourites," said Rodd.

"I knew he'd be tough to get past, but I had such a soft run, a bit light on the weights too and it's just unbelievable.

"I know I've done it but it's going to take a while to sink in; I feel numb at the moment."

Cancellation threatened the Cup after an equine flu outbreak two months ago.

Melbourne Cup officials were given the go-ahead to proceed after the highly contagious disease was partially contained and they agreed to major concessions.

Coolmore's Tom Magnier was full of praise for Mahler's effort and is expecting the Aidan O'Brien-trained three-year-old to rank highly next term.

"Stephen gave him a great ride - the run was absolutely the way we wanted, we knew he had to take it up," said Magnier.

"Aidan is delighted with the run and thinks he's going to be a serious horse.

"Efficient is a good horse who won the Derby down here and Purple Moon has been the talking horse down here all week.

"The two of them gave great runs - we wouldn't be disappointed with Mahler."