Shocking, the racehorse trained by South Australian Mark Kavanagh, put in an amazing staying performance to defy a wide run and the late challenge of European raider Crime Scene to win today's Melbourne Cup.
Ridden by Corey Brown, the Lexus Stakes winner was well supported on course.
However, he looked like he would be lucky to run a place when he tracked three-wide into a stiff breeze throughout the race.
Crime Scene ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, looked the winner at the 200m, but was outstayed by Shocking in the run to the line.
Mourilyan flashed home for third, with Master O'Reilly finishing fourth for the second successive year.
Race favourites Alcopop and defending champ Viewed were disappointing in the run to the line and did not figure.
Shocking is owned by Laurence Eales, who bought the Street Cry entire at the same time as his other star galloper, Whobegotyou (also by Street Cry).
The horse's victory capped off a brilliant training performance by Kavanagh. In two runs against Alcopop this preparation on the way to the Cup, he was beaten comfortably by the Jake Stephens-trained galloper.
It was also a welcome tonic for Kavanagh, who's endured a luckless spring this year.
Firstly, his 2007 Cox Plate winner Maldivian sustained a serious injury and had to be scratched from this year's running of the race, while Whobegotyou failed to live up to punters' expectations when finishing out of a place.
Last Saturday, the misery continued when he was forced to scratch his outstanding three-year-old Shamoline Warrior from the Victoria Derby. The horse had been a short-priced favourite for the race.
Kavanagh said winning the race was a better feeling than winning the Cox Plate.
"This is Australia's race. It's a public holiday here, everyone in Australia has a bet on the Melbourne Cup. I'm feeling pretty good right now'," he said.
Kavanagh said he wasn't perturbed by Shocking's two successive defeats by Alcopop earlier in his preparation.
"The Melbourne Cup is won by the horse that peaks on the day - not the horses that peak one month before," he said.
"I went to the races today pretty confident that he had improved from Saturday (when he won the Lexus Stakes in convincing fashion).
"I didn't come here thinking about winning the Melbourne Cup - I came here thinking he's at least improved from Saturday."
Kavanagh said he wasn't at all worried on Saturday when the horse drew barrier 22.
"If you look at the stats, they all win from out there anyway, it doesn't make any difference."
Sydney-based jockey Brown said winning the Cup was a dream come true, given two previous second placings (on Bauer last year, beaten a nose by Viewed, and Mr Prudent in 2002).
"Last year was very disappointing but I’ve got it," Brown told reporters.
"I’ve finally won the Melbourne Cup.My dream has come true, I can’t describe it, it’s unbelievable.
"Great job Mark Kavanagh and the horse, he travelled three deep with no cover, I know he had the light weight but he toughed it out so well."
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