“I had three runners that year, but was confident on that Melbourne Cup Day that I had the right horse. Second Coming got to the front early but I knew it was too soon. Brew got a glorious run.
I was watching from the stand, and walking down the stairs after the race I was stopped and congratulated by so many people that I didn’t even get down to the yard to lead the horse in with the owners. From then on it was interviews and press conferences as well as the presentation. Mum and dad were there but I didn’t see them for three hours!
Later as we left the course, the security guard accompanying the trophy was in front of us, so a group of young blokes who didn’t know who we were engaged us in conversation and told us how they had backed the Cup winner.
They explained their logic; barrier 24, 24 horses in the race; 24 beers in a slab; and a horse called Brew!
My life changed after that win.
It was busy attending functions while training a full stable, but it was great. I especially loved to hear people from all generations tell their own story about what the Cup meant to them.
Wherever I go, I am known as a Melbourne Cup-winning trainer and every trainer strives to be a part of.
