Victoria Derby: Riff Rocket wins coveted Group 1 after 2500m photo finish at Flemington – with Japanese contender Obamburumai storming home to clinch the $10 million Golden Eagle
- Heavily backed Riff Rocket won Victoria Derby in a photo finish
- Apulia made a late jump and just missed, Sunsets finished a brave third
- First Victoria Derby triumph for champion hooper James McDonald
- Japanese participant Obambarumai claimed Golden Eagle worth $10 million
Riff Rocket won the $2 million, Group 1 Victoria Derby in thrilling scenes at Flemington on Saturday.
With champion jockey James McDonald on board, the pre-race favorite ($2.10) was the standout selection for many punters, delivering in the 170th leg of the feature race after a photo finish.
Apulia ($1.35) was desperately unlucky to finish second after a jump in the final step, while Sunsets ($3.55) came third.
“It would have been a great race to watch,” said a delighted McDonald after the race.
“I saw a bit of movement and positioned myself… it got stuck and to be honest I was a bit lucky, but I accept it.”
Champion jockey James McDonald rode Riff Rocket to victory in the Victoria Derby
The win was the third Victoria Derby for master trainer Chris Waller, who was understandably all smiles after taking home $2 million in prize money
James McDonald continues to dominate the Spring Carnival and shows why he is widely regarded as the best jockey in the world
This glamorous racegoer made sure she was a head turner with her fashion choice
One-time reality TV star and author Pettifleur Berenger was spotted letting her hair down in Flemington
Brooke Warne – daughter of late cricket legend Shane Warne – was also spotted mingling with other VIP guests
AFL cult hero Bailey Smith was impossible to miss in his sharp gray suit (pictured left)
Eager punters made their way through the gates of Flemington ahead of the first race at 12.20pm
The win was master trainer Chris Waller’s third Victoria Derby success, with McDonald securing another Group 1 race.
The Kiwi Hoop also won the Cox Plate aboard Romantic Warrior and the Group 2 Mooney Valley Cup to ensure its dominance at the Spring Carnival.
Eager punters made their way through the gates of Flemington ahead of the first race at 12.20pm, where the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Kaizad won in an overheating event.
The crowd continued to grow before the main 2500m race started at 4.20pm, with AFL stars Toby Greene and Bailey Smith shaking heads with other VIP guests.
Brooke Warne, daughter of the late spin king Shane Warne, was also seen trackside, as was former reality TV star and author Pettifleur Berenger.
Meanwhile, at Rosehill in Sydney’s west, Japanese newcomer Obamburumai stormed home to claim the $10 million Golden Eagle ahead of Pericles and Golden Mile.
In a chaotic ending, jockey Joshua Parr found some space when it mattered, fleeing to the winning post to leave his overseas connections in delight.