Geelong Cup: Amade shocks the field in Group 3 race over 2400m after thrilling finish
- Amade won the 2023 Geelong Cup in a shock result
- Group 3 race, $500,000 in prize money to be won
- Amade could now race in the Melbourne Cup
Irish stayer Amade has won the 2023 Geelong Cup in a shock result and could now feature in the Melbourne Cup on November 7.
Under Zac Spain, the $34 chance flew home late to land the Group 3 event and $500,000 in prize money.
Magical Lagoon – with veteran Damien Oliver on board – set the tone early, but when you head straight home it’s anyone’s race.
Spain found some space when it mattered and surged towards the winning post, finishing ahead of Ashrun ($1.85) and Sir Lucan ($4.60).
There was plenty of drama before the race, with the heavily backed First Immortal receiving a vet examination after appearing to hit his snout as the field prepared to jump off the barriers.
Irish stayer Amade won the Group 3 Geelong Cup over 2400 meters with a shock result on Wednesday
Jockey Zac Spain bided his time and found his way to the line to win the Geelong Cup
Trainers Mark Kavanagh (pictured, right) and Levi Kavanagh had high hopes for First Immortal, but he failed to act when it mattered
Jockey Jamie Kah kept her composure and gave him every opportunity, but this turned out to be a huge flood for Amade’s race.
After the race, a jubilant Spain said the wet track would always suit his ride ‘as an older horse’.
“The sting from the job would always help him,” he said.
Trained by Phillip Stokes, Amade can now compete in the Melbourne Cup in thirteen days’ time if connections choose to go that route.