HISTORY OF THE DERBY
PENFOLDS VICTORIA DERBY
The Penfolds Victoria Derby is the oldest race of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, first run in 1855, six years before the inaugural Melbourne Cup. This 2500-metre blue-riband event identifies Australia’s most promising stayers. Some of the greatest names in racing have won this event, including Briseis, Grand Flaneur, Poseidon, Phar Lap, Tulloch, Dulcify, and Mahogany. Recent victors like Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Efficient, Cup runner-up Nothin’ Leica Dane, globetrotter Elvstroem, and stallions such as Rebel Raider and Tarzino have also made their mark. The Victoria Derby has occasionally been a Lexus Melbourne Cup lead-up, with Arena (1998) the most recent horse to back up in the Cup, and Skipton (1941) being the last to complete the Derby-Cup double. In 2023, Riff Rocket, trained by Chris Waller, claimed an emotional victory in the Derby in a thrilling photo finish. Riff Rocket left an indelible mark on Australian racing before his untimely passing in September 2024 from colic. He was posthumously honoured as Champion 3YO Colt/Gelding at the Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards in October, a testament to his talent and impact on the sport. 2023 PENFOLDS VICTORIA DERBY WINNER RIFF ROCKET
Brett Holburt/Racing Photos
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