All was silent as jockey rode to victory
Tony Wright Michelle Payne doesn't remember hearing a thing as she and Prince of Penzance thundered towards the winning post.
Spring Racing Carnival news
Prince of Penzance owners to try 'space travel'
![All smiles: Connections of winner Prince Of Penzance celebrate moments after the Melbourne Cup.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/r/1/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkq5a8.118prl.png/1446606327558.jpg)
Matt Murnane Having won the Melbourne Cup with the first horse they ever bought into, it's hard to know where to go from here for the minority owners of Prince of Penzance.
Advice sought on Red Cadeaux treatment
![Gerald Mosse on Red Cadeaux.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/q/q/4/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkq5vy.118prl.png/1446623702225.jpg)
Patrick Bartley Red Cadeaux's trainer Ed Dunlop will seek advice from veterinary surgeons around the world about the best course of treatment for his brave English-born stayer.
Reality eclipses dreams of Cup-winning pair
![Michelle Payne celebrates her winning ride with brother and strapper Steven Payne.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/t/z/o/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkpy9d.118prl.png/1448589957814.jpg)
Peter Hanlon Darren Weir, trainer of Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance, dreamed when he started out of winning a Stawell Cup, a Ballarat Cup, a Swan Hill Cup.
A beautiful Australian story, says top trainer
![Michelle Payne rides to the front on Prince of Penzance to win the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/p/4/0/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkpyd7.118prl.png/1446599776186.jpg)
Patrick Bartley Champion trainer Gai Waterhouse said that all Australian's should rejoice and celebrate the Melbourne Cup-winning performance of Michelle Payne and her family.
Prince of Penzance wins the Melbourne Cup
![Breakthrough: Michelle Payne is the first woman to ride a Cup winner.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/o/x/g/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkpj0v.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Michael Lynch Michelle Payne became the first ever woman jockey to win the Melbourne Cup when she pulled off a 100-1 shock to win Australia's greatest race aboard Prince of Penzance.
Internationals close, but no cigar in Cup
![The internationals didn't have it all their own way in the Melbourne Cup. French horse Max Dynamite did best, coming in ...](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/x/z/x/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkpxdc.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Michael Lynch For the international raiders who have become such a prominent part of the Victorian spring carnival, it was a race of near triumph.
Fairytale win a fitting reward
![Michelle Payne celebrates her winning ride with brother and strapper Steven Payne.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/t/z/o/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkptoh.118prl.png/1448589957814.jpg)
Tony Wright On a perfect day, Michelle Payne, a young woman who has had to shoulder her elegant way through what has long been a man's game, took Prince of Penzance to the front in the main straight and stayed there.
Trainer confirms Red Cadeaux retirement
![Red Cadeaux.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/g/a/9/6/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkpohb.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Patrick Bartley Three-time runner-up Red Cadeaux has been rushed to a veterinary clinic at Werribee after breaking down close to the winning post during his fifth attempt at winning a Melbourne Cup.
Outsider salutes at record odds
![Prince of Penzance's win was a massive shock.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/s/0/i/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkprwa.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Daniel Cherny It was a historic Melbourne Cup in numerous respects, not least the price of the winner.
Part-owner and jockey defy all the odds
![Andrew Webster headshot dinkus](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/2/1/w/m/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkpwfp.118prl.png/1465550547685.jpg)
Andrew Webster The female hoop's amazing win is an inspiration for others.
Melbourne Cup 2015: As it happened
![Michelle Payne described horse racing as a "chauvinistic" sport.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/p/3/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkp6ly.118prl.png/1446772457628.jpg)
Live coverage of the 2015 Melbourne Cup from Age reporters trackside, in the Birdcage and behind the scenes at Flemington Racecourse.
Snow Sky classified last finisher in Cup
![The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Snow Sky.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/p/w/2/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkpq27.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Michael Lynch English trained blueblood Snow Sky was the horse classified as the last to finish in the Melbourne Cup.
Dettori fined $20,000 and outed
![Jockey Frankie Dettori](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/y/u/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkpyu8.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
​Frankie Dettori's equal best performance in a Melbourne Cup has ended with a hefty fine and a month on the sidelines for the flamboyant Italian jockey.
Doubters can 'get stuffed', says jockey
![Michelle Payne described horse racing as a "chauvinistic" sport.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/p/3/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkpouv.118prl.png/1446772457628.jpg)
Tom Decent Prince of Penzance has won the Melbourne Cup, ridden by the only woman in the field Michelle Payne and the first woman jockey to win racing's most prestigious race.
'Two-paced' Flemington track cops criticism
![Generic horse racing.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/6/2/q/z/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkpi1g.118prl.png/1450226456454.jpg)
Scott Spits The Flemington race track is expected to even out ahead of the Melbourne Cup, after an inspection found a section in the middle remains softer than the inside.
Cummings, Freedman to the fore
![Young gun: James Cummings poses with the trophy after Zarzali won at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/l/j/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkpj8i.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Michael Lynch On a day forever synonymous with the memory of the late, great Bart Cummings, it was not just appropriate but surely ordained that his grandson James should have a winner early in the afternoon.
Tom Waterhouse's $5 million punt
![Sertorius has been backed by Tom Waterhouse to the tune of $5 million.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/0/w/i/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkovae.118prl.png/1446634226710.jpg)
Adam Pengilly Bookmakers continue to wind out the price of Melbourne Cup favourite Fame Game as the race's outsider is the subject of a sensational bet at the Call Of The Card.
Officials talk down soft track concerns
![Live coverage of the 2015 Melbourne Cup.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/p/3/o/w/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkp3rl.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Patrick Bartley Rail for the big race at Flemington will be moved out due to wet weather and effects of heavy Derby Day traffic
Melbourne Cup trading hours Melbourne: What’s open, what’s closed
![Hats are the finishing touch to a great race-day outfit.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/c/y/s/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkf9b9.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Robyn Grace November 3 is a public holiday for the Melbourne Cup. This means restricted trading hours for many businesses.
Racing in Dunlop's DNA
![Ed Dunlop with Red Cadeaux and Trip to Paris.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/o/t/8/o/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkod8m.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Peter Hanlon Ed Dunlop and Red Cadeaux are back, and this year he doubles his chances of a longed-for victory in a place he first visited at a time of great sadness.
Melbourne Cup is the sport of kings ...
![Andrew Webster headshot dinkus](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/2/1/w/m/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkop9w.118prl.png/1465550547685.jpg)
Andrew Webster The day of the battler winning the Melbourne Cup is over.
Williams' brave leap ready to be rewarded
![The great traveller: Jockey Craig Williams has succeeded at every turn.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/9/i/i/d/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gko848.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Adam Pengilly To Craig Williams the Melbourne Cup is "just another handicap". But if Hokko Brave can win it will become "the greatest race on earth".
Lesson set to deliver Hartnell Melbourne Cup
![Godolphin's Hartnell will run at the Melbourne Cup.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/o/u/a/j/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkop39.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Chris Roots Godolphin trainer John O'Shea believes Hartnell being beaten as an odds-on favourite in the Sydney Cup could be the lesson needed to deliver him a lifelong dream in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday.
Spencer's retirement plans shelved
![The Michael Bell trained Big Orange works in trackwork at Werribee Racecourse on Sunday morning.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/o/q/t/j/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkog3i.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Michael Lynch Twelve months ago former English and Irish champion jockey Jamie Spencer was waiting for the curtain to come down on his career.Â
Internationals dominate Cup
![The Yoshitada Munakata-trained Hokko Brave during a trackwork session for international horses competing in the ...](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/o/v/z/1/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkob3d.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Michael Lynch There have been numerous overseas trained winners of the Melbourne Cup since Vintage Crop's historical performance in 1993, when the Irish trainedÂ
Latest odds and field for the Melbourne Cup
![Melbourne Cup favourite Fame Game is put through his paces by Zac Purton at Werribee Racecourse.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/n/k/g/q/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkp6u9.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Select any horse to get live field information, tips and up to the minute odds.
Fame Game scores ideal Cup draw
![Fame Game's racing style is that he prefers to race inside horses.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/n/r/z/v/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gknrzm.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Patrick Bartley Melbourne Cup favourite Fame Game has drawn ideally in barrier 12 for Tuesday's $6.1 million Melbourne Cup.
Gai to the fore as racing's clouds lift
![Centre of attention: Gai Waterhouse holds court after the Lexus.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/n/s/2/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gknqei.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Peter Hanlon Some familiar old faces are smiling as Flemington's big week begins.
Welcome to Flemington and gates within gates
![Punters enjoy the races at Flemington.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/n/r/d/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gknnva.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Timothy Boyle There are a variety of experiences to be had by a seasonal punter at Flemington but most of them amount, eventually, to a grab at a grand idea that never quite sticks.
The spring reign: Lady Gai, track queen
![Gai Waterhouse](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/n/i/w/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkniwt.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Jim Bourke It's a busy time of the year for the public figure and icon of Australian racing.
Tarzino wins $1.5 million Victoria Derby
![Jockey Craig Newitt takes Tarzino to victory in the Victoria Derby.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/n/p/o/g/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gknpos.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Andrew Garvey and Patrick Bartley The $1.5 million Victoria Derby had been a frustrating race for Caulfield trainer Mick Price but that was all forgotten on Saturday as the trainer finally went home a winner with Tarzino outstayed his rivals to takeout the 2500m group 1 classic.
An excess of Cup joy for Gai Waterhouse
![Lexus Stakes](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/n/m/r/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gknowg.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Michael Lynch Nobody ever dies wondering about the chances of a Gai Waterhouse runner. In any race, at any time, on any track.
Lane mounts case, but Gai has knowledge
![Gai Waterhouse](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/n/i/w/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gknnbc.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Michael Lynch Sometimes the greatest drama and action can take place off the track.
2015 Melbourne Cup: The final field
![Trainer Gai Waterhouse with the Cup](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/n/i/w/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gknpv3.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
The final field of 24 horses for the 2015 Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington racecourse.
Cassidy to quit after Melbourne Cup carnival
![Andrew Webster headshot dinkus](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/2/1/w/m/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkmkic.118prl.png/1465550547685.jpg)
Andrew Webster The Pumper reveals he will retire at the end of this Melbourne Cup carnival.
Spring carnival: When tragedy strikes
![Tragic day: A screen shields one of the distressed gallopers after the 2014 Melbourne Cup.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/m/u/l/k/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkmrnn.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Peter Hanlon The loss of two runners left an indelible mark on last year's Melbourne Cup – and those connected with the horses.
Why Sydney horses can rule at Flemington
![Max Presnell](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/z/s/1/7/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkmx4w.118prl.png/1464242954218.jpg)
Max Presnell It's Derby Day - one of best race days of the year. Here's what to get on.
The bookmakers' war for your dollar
![Before the race that stops the nation, the RBA will announce its rates decision.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/m/q/a/1/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkmmm0.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Anne Davies There's a war raging for the gambling dollar as multinational online gambling houses slug it out for a share of a lucrative but overcrowded sports betting market in Australia, and it's pushing the boundaries of the law, writes Anne Davies.
Stratum Star can overcome wide draw
![Top pick: Stratum Star is favoured for the Mackinnon.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/b/p/4/o/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkn3ef.118prl.png/1446591805660.jpg)
Chris Roots Stratum Star has group 1 weight-for-age placing and group 1 win this preparation, but the target for the four-year-old as always been the Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington on Derby day.
Master and apprentice back together
![Top NSW jockey Brenton Avdulla is making a rare visit to Canberra.](/web/20160612072242im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/n/g/x/e/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gkmrje.118prl.png/1451300302245.jpg)
Adam Pengilly Brenton Avdulla had "never touched a horse" before he signed up to the John Moloney school of finishing. Now he has the chance to return the favour in the Victoria Derby.