Critics of Cup-winning trainer told to 'cop that'

A group of punters who struck gold after backing Prince Of Penzance in the Melbourne Cup have told critics of the gelding's trainer to 'cop that'.

Dom Straney and Meg Harrington, along with one of their friends, collected $30,000 after laying a $300-each-way bet on the 101-1 rank outsider.

They were ecstatic as Michelle Payne passed the post to become the first female jockey to win a Melbourne Cup, but said much of their glee was born from the doubters who'd constantly knocked Prince of Penzance's trainer Darren Weir.

"Everyone doubted us, everyone doubted us but we knew, Prince Of, we knew it," Straney said.

"I think we were the only people in the whole stadium celebrating."

"We were jumping, we were jumping and they were standing still," his friend added.

Harrington, whose family has a long history with the Weir stables, said the win was a stunning vindication.

"My dad races his horses with Weiry and he's the best f---ing man ever," she roared.

"Cop that everyone who ragged s--- on Weiry years ago."