Melbourne Cup winner’s insane finish after horse led by 20 lengths

Point Of Law has bolted in to win the Lexus Melbourne Cup in just his sixth career start and his second race on Australian soil.

The three-year-old colt, who won the Geelong Cup last month after arriving at the Ciaron Maher stable, flew home with Ethan Brown in the saddle.

Zahrann finished second and local runner Juja Kibo crossed the line third, giving Maher the trifecta in the $10 million Flemington feature.

Royal Supremacy – another one of Maher’s runners – led the majority of the race and was clear by 20 lengths at one stage, but faded late and missed a placing.

Speaking to Nine after the race, Brown said he knew from 300 metres out that Point Of Law was in with a chance, despite being so far back.

“I looked up and Royal Supremacy was about ten in front and thought ‘oh no, I’ve left my run too late here’ but I had full confidence in the horse,” he said.

“I saw Royal Supremacy on tired legs and when he quickened the way he did, my confidence grew. He had the best turn of foot in the race and the rest is history.

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“He’s a superstar horse and I was just the beneficiary. It’s every jockey’s dream to do this. I can’t believe it.”

Maher told Nine that it became a “true staying test” which proved the difference for the winner, who had the stamina and speed to get over the top.

“I certainly didn’t know that Royal Supremacy would lead by that far, but nothing is better than a true staying test and Point Of Law just thrived,” the trainer said.

“It’s been a whirlwind, really. To get three horses in the first three spots. I don’t even know where the rest finished yet, but I’m very proud of the team.

“I’ve got my mum and dad here. For her to be here and win the biggest race in the country, one of the biggest in the world, it’s pretty special.”

It marks the second Melbourne Cup victory for Maher after Gold Trip in 2022.