Joseph O’Brien has beaten his famous father to Melbourne Cup glory, training Rekindling to win Australia’s greatest race.
In a father-and-son finish the younger O’Brien’s Rekindling overhauled Johannes Vermeer, trained by his dad Aidan O’Brien, in the closing stages.
Max Dynamite completed an Irish trifecta in taking the minor placing.
Ridden by Sydney jockey Corey Brown, Rekindling saluted as a $15 chance to give owner Lloyd Williams a sixth win in the race.
“I chased the ride about six weeks ago and with a light weight I was a big chance to get on him,” Brown said.
“It is so special, I have my family with me and the girls are old enough to come to the races and enjoy it. I am lost for words.”
Rekindling came from midfield and just when Johannes Vermeer ($13), also jointly owned by Williams, was being hailed the winner, he had no answer to the four-year-old’s challenge.
Max Dynamite ($20), runner-up in 2015, ran bravely for trainer Willie Mullins to finish in the placings again.
The Irish trio were part of an 11-horse overseas contingent taking their place in the Melbourne Cup field.
Big Duke was the first Australian-trained horse across the line, finishing fourth.
1. Rekindling – 22 – Trainer: Joseph O’Brien. Jockey: Corey Brown.