Trainer’s tribute to ‘brave, kind’ horse after Caulfield Cup tragedy
Champion trainer Chris Waller has paid tribute to Ohope Wins as a “brave” and “kind” horse after a fatal fall during Saturday’s Caulfield Cup.
The four-year-old was euthanised following the incident, which also saw 2025 Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours go down in the race.
Ohope Wins. Twitter/@cwallerracing
A statement was posted via Waller’s social media channels on Saturday night after the New Zealand-bred mare was put down by veterinarians.
“Few words can express our current emotions,” the statement said.
“Our wonderful Ohope Wins was sadly brought down in today’s Caulfield Cup, and despite all efforts from the on-course veterinarians, could not be saved.
“Ohope Wins was a true star of the turf, but to the people who looked after her everyday, she was so much more. She was brave. She was kind. She was full of character. But more importantly, she was loved.
“Our hearts go out to all involved throughout her career, especially those who cared for her on a daily basis. Thank you for all the kind messages.”
Kingswood won the feature race at Caulfield, leading home fellow grey Saint George in front of a packed crowd, but the race was overshadowed by tragedy.
Ridden by Mark Zahra, defending champion Half Yours was first to go down after contact with Kings Valley. Zahra himself also fell heavily onto the turf.
Ohope Wins was at the back of the field, and with little chance of avoiding a collision, clipped hooves, and fell heavily.
Half Yours was chased down by course clerk and then led back to his stall and reportedly escaped the race without a major injury.
Both Zahra and Ohope Wins jockey Jye McNeil were taken to hospital for observation, but are believed to have also escaped major injuries.
Stewards will investigate the cause of the fall, which reportedly also involved the Rachael King-ridden Green Spaces.
The crash occurred in front of a packed crowd of 30,051 – the biggest Caulfield Cup crowd in a decade.
On the winner Kingswood, jockey John Allen was on the outside and mounted his charge as the field hit the straight.
John Allen rides Kingswood to victory in the Caulfield Cup. Getty Images
He was still two lengths back with 300m to go as the riders fell behind him, but took the lead 100m from home.
Kingswood paid $24 for the win and $8.30 for the place. Enfjaar finished third ahead of Cosmic Crusader.
Winning trainer Gavin Bedggood shed tears of joy, and paid tribute to his stepdaughter and partner, who are also part of his team.
“We haven’t had to do anything with him all week. He’s just been about managing him … thanks to the owners for backing me,” Bedggood said on Seven.
