Kingswood claimed the $6 million Caulfield Cup in a dramatic 150th running of the Melbourne race, while the meeting was overshadowed by the death of mare Ohope Wins after a fall.
Trained by Gavin Bedggood and ridden by John Allen, Kingswood produced a strong finish to beat Saint George in the 2,400-metre handicap on Saturday.
Enfjaar finished third, while pre-race favourite Cosmic Crusader was fourth.
Kingswood was the widest runner entering the straight but avoided the incident and surged to victory as thousands of racegoers watched from the stands.
The race was marred when Ohope Wins fell alongside Half Yours at the 250-metre mark. Racing Victoria veterinarians later confirmed that the mare, trained by Chris Waller, was euthanased on the track.
Half Yours was brought back to his feet and returned to the mounting yard. His jockey, Mark Zahra, and Ohope Wins’s rider, Jye McNeil, were reported to be uninjured and were taken to hospital for observation.
Half Yours suffered abrasions and lacerations, according to trainer Tony McEvoy, who said the injuries appeared to be superficial.
“That was terrible to watch,” Mr McEvoy said.
“The horse, he’s got a couple of lacerations, he seems bright, he seems composed in himself.
“He’s got a laceration under his arm, he’s got a laceration on a hind leg. They look superficial.”
Despite the distressing incident, the Caulfield Cup drew a large crowd in warm spring sunshine, with racegoers dressed formally for the occasion.
Among those attending were My Kitchen Rules personality Zana Pail, who wore a pink outfit comprising a cropped vest and full-length skirt, and former AFL player Nathan Buckley, who attended with Kate Dickins.
Chloe and Toby Pink were also at the event after recently announcing their pregnancy news.
