- Without A Fight won the 2023 Caulfield Cup after a thrilling finish
- Mark Zahra rode the Irish stayer to victory, ahead of West Wind Blows
- Punters made their way to the Melbourne circuit before the first race at 12.15pm
Without A Fight was the name on everyone’s lips after winning the 2023 Caulfield Cup in thrilling fashion over 2400 meters on Saturday.
Experienced jockey Mark Zahra rode the gelding from Ireland, an $8.50 odds with bookmakers, to perfection, holding off a fast-finishing West Wind Blows ($2.20), while favorite Gold Trip ($2.40 ) crossed the line in third place before the race.
“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 in the ass this week and said: concentrate on the ride you have and you have a good chance.’
Zahra’s not-so-subtle post-race dig came after connections opted for rival hoop Ben Melham to ride Gold Trip, as opposed to a shattered Zahra, who really had the last laugh in the Group 1 race.
Mark Zahra (left) delivered on the big stage when it mattered, guiding Without A Fight to victory in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday
Zahra rode the gelding from Ireland to perfection, holding off a fast-finishing West Wind Blows ($2.20), while pre-race favorite Gold Trip ($2.40) crossed the line in third.
Zahra holds up the Caulfield Cup trophy after a race he won’t soon forget
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)
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.