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Shocking wins the 2009 Melbounre Cup - Source: Getty Images -
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Corey Brown has won the Melbourne Cup aboard the Mark
Kavanagh-trained Shocking, making up for the heartache of his
narrow defeat on Bauer 12 months ago.
Shocking and international raider Crime Scene pulled away from the
pack in the straight and had the race between them before the
four-year-old got the better of the Godolphin galloper.
Another international, Mourilyan, ran on late for third.
Brown had been booked to ride Vigor in the Cup but picked up the
mount on Shocking when Vigor didn't make the final field.
The Sydney-based Brown said winning the Cup was a dream come true
after seconds aboard Bauer, who was beaten a nose by Viewed in a
photo finish last year, and Mr Prudent in 2002.
"Last year was very disappointing but I've got it," Brown
said.
"I've finally won the Melbourne Cup.
"My dream has come true, I can't describe it, it's
unbelievable.
"Great job Mark Kavanagh and the horse, he travelled three deep
with no cover, I know he had the light weight but he toughed it out
so well."
Shocking's victory was also a tonic for Kavanagh who has endured a
frustrating spring.
His top galloper Maldivian suffered a campaign-ending injury,
Whobetgotyou started favourite in the Cox Plate but was unplaced
while pre-post Victoria Derby favourite Shamoline Warrior was ruled
out of the Classic on race morning with a temperature.
Kavanagh said he gave Shocking, who won Saturday's Lexus Classic at
his final Cup lead-up, little chance in the run.
"I didn't give him a hope in the run when he was trapped deep," he
said.
"He was so good on Saturday and he'd improved since that run.
"His preparation was timed to perfection and he came right at the
right time.
"I didn't expect to win it. It hasn't sunk in yet."
Sentimental favourite Viewed settled well back in the field and
made late ground but never seriously threatened.
Melbourne Cup first past the post:
1. Shocking
2. Crime Scene
3. Mourilyan
