The Caulfield Cup: Without A Fight emerges victorious in the coveted Group 1 race in epic scenes

Without A Fight was the name on everyone’s lips after winning the 2023 Caulfield Cup in thrilling fashion over 2400 meters on Saturday.

Mark Zahra rode the gelding from Ireland, a $7 odds with bookmakers, to perfection, holding off a fast-finishing West Wind Blows ($7.50), with pre-race favorite Gold Trip ($6.50) over the line came in third place.

“What a moment, I’m so happy,” a jubilant Zahra told Channel Seven after the race.

“I don’t really celebrate much, but with the week I’ve had there are some things that have happened.

‘My wife gave me a kick this week and said: focus on the ride you have and your chances are good.’

It came after connections opted for rival hooper Ben Melham to ride Gold Trip, as opposed to a shattered Zahra, who truly had the last laugh.

Jockey Mark Zahra impressed early in the day as he piloted Brave Mead (left) to victory

Zahra delivered on the big stage when it mattered and guided Without A Fight to victory in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday

Eager punters (pictured) packed the track ahead of the first race at Caulfield from 12.15pm

Champion jockey Damien Oliver races his final Spring Carnival after recently announcing his retirement in December (pictured left, with his family)

Punters looked sharp, with a number that stood out with their dress sense along the track (pictured)

The number of spectators grew by the hour as anticipation for the Group 1 race built

Gamblers of all ages mingled on Saturday as the Spring Carnival was clearly in full swing (pictured)

Bec Judd – wife of AFL legend Chris Judd – dazzled in a daring blue dress (pictured) with a matching hat and clutch

AFL legend turned radio identity Brendan Fevola (pictured left) enjoyed himself with his wife Alex in the VIP section

As the afternoon progressed, some punters became more animated trackside (pictured)

First held in 1879, the Group 1 Caulfield Cup is a time-honored race that many Australian racing fans eagerly scribble onto their sporting calendars.

And with a prize pool of three million dollars waiting for the winner, elite figures from the sport of kings were spotted in every direction, seemingly etched into the history books.

With the Spring Carnival officially in full swing, eager punters poured onto the track for the first race at 12.15pm, where Japanese pre-race favorite Brave Mead saluted the Gai Waterhouse-trained The Instructor.

Veteran jockey Damien Oliver – who recently announced his retirement in December, was a popular winner of race four aboard Arkansaw Kid.

As the day progressed, drinks flowed in some areas as punters hung their heads and enjoyed a day trackside.

A number of celebrities were spotted in the VIP sections, including model Bec Judd, AFL legend Brendan Fevola and comedian/TV presenter Andy Lee.