In a remarkable turn of events, Robbie Dolan, a former part-time jockey turned aspiring musician, secured a stunning victory at Australia's prestigious Melbourne Cup, riding 90-1 longshot Knight's Choice to triumph in the US$5.6 million Group 1 race at Flemington on Tuesday.
Dolan, who moved to Australia in 2016 seeking better prospects, found success with horses like Profondo and Shelby Sixtysix, both of which clinched Group 1 titles in 2021 and 2022. His dream of a musical career was briefly highlighted during an appearance on The Voice, but his Melbourne Cup win has now redefined his career.
Reflecting on his victory, Dolan expressed disbelief: "Well, pinch me, I think I'm dreaming," he said. This marked his debut ride in the Melbourne Cup, and he managed to channel his prior racing visions into a winning strategy. "I feel like I've ridden it 10 times because I've run the race over in my head before I got here," he shared, noting that the race unfolded precisely as he had envisioned.
Celebrating alongside him were his partner Christine, their young daughter Maisie, and his father Bobby, a longtime associate of two-time Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Dermot Weld. The 28-year-old executed a masterful ride, steering the John Symons and Sheila Laxon-trained gelding to an unforgettable victory, one that will be remembered in the annals of racing history.