1929 Victoria Derby presentation to Harry Telford, the trainer of Phar Lap, with strapper Tommy Woodcock and jockey Jim Pike. (VRC Collection)
uniquely in Australian racing history – also won a Melbourne Cup and the VRC Oaks in the same week. Auraria almost matched this feat in 1895: she finished third in the Derby to the great Wallace, son of Carbine, before stepping out to win the Melbourne Cup three days later, and then the VRC Oaks. She ran again on the final Saturday, dead-heating with Wallace in the C.B. Fisher Plate. No trainer would dare follow that script today! In the 145 years since the victory of Briseis, only five other fillies won the Derby, and none since Frances Tressady 99 years ago. The last filly to be placed was Born To Be Queen in 1985. In earlier days it was no surprise for Victoria Derby winners to come out three days later and win the Melbourne Cup. Skipton in 1940 was the last to do this. He followed in the footsteps of Hall Mark, Trivalve, Patrobas, Prince Foote, Poseidon, Merriwee, Newhaven, Martini- Henry, Grand Flaneur and Chester, champions all. The 1995 Victoria Derby winner Nothin’ Leica Dane came close, finishing third to Doriemus in the Cup. Derby winners Phar Lap in 1929 and Efficient in 2006 also won a Melbourne Cup, but in the following year, as four-year-olds. Other Derby winners who went on to win the Cup as older horses are Spearfelt, Delta and Comic Court. Racing royalty, all.
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