The ATA extends its congratulations to Mark Kavanagh, after Shocking’s spectacular win in the 2009 Melbourne Cup, following a remarkable change of fortune and thrilling a crowd of over 102,000 people.
It’s been a roller-coaster ride for Kavanagh, who lost Cox Plate chance Maldivian just prior to the weight-for-age championship, then having to cope with the disappointment of Cox Plate favourite Whobegotyou's lackluster run in the Plate, and then the scratching on Saturday of Victoria Derby favorite Shamoline Warrior with a temperature.
Kavanagh didn’t think the four-year-old could win the Cup given the run he had, and was amazed at how he ran away at the finish.
“I didn't give him a hope in the run,” Kavanagh said. “But he went so good on Saturday and had improved. He's just come good at the right time.”
Despite the tough run Shocking drew clear over the final stages to score over the Godolpin-trained Crime Scene, South African galloper Mourilyan, prepared by Herman Brown, who stayed on strongly for third while Master O'Reilly flew home late to finish fourth.
