Gold Trip was worth the wait for Mark Zahra as the stayer powered to victory in the 2022 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
The jockey, who missed out on riding last year's winner due to suspension, brought the 20-1 shot with a swooping run down the outside.
In front of the packed enclosures, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace's horse crossed the line two lengths ahead of Emissary.
High Emocean finished third, one place ahead of the favourite, British-trained runner Deauville Legend.
Asked to sum up the achievement, 40-year-old Zahra said: “I can’t. I feel like crying. It’s unbelievable. What a day.
“He’s a horse that when you go, you don’t give him a chance to think about it. I was hoping no-one would come near he. It’s just elation when I crossed the line.”
Zahra was due to be aboard Verry Elleegant 12 months ago, but was forced to watch the mare's heroics from the sidelines after breaching coronavirus regulations.
'This time last year in Byron Bay and I was getting told off for drinking too much and it could have been my ride. Redemption day today. Just a miracle,' he added.
Covid-19 restrictions capped the attendance at 10,000 people 12 months ago, however for 2022 the carnival atmosphere returned to Flemington Racecourse.
There was drama in the build-up as heavy rain fell and a substance was sprayed on the turf in an apparent protest against the Victoria Racing Club.
The track was repaired and cleared to be fit to race as police probed the incident.
Two runners, Lunar Flare and Point Nepean, were pulled out as 22 horses made it to the start line.
And it was top weight Gold Trip, fourth to Sottsass in the 2020 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe when trained in France, who stayed on best for the £2.5 million first prize.
'This horse who was so unlucky in the Caulfield Cup and so gutted when he got beat. And I thought he would get beat again. It's just quite incredible,' said co-trainer Eustace.
Another fancied British runner, the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Without A Fight, weakened out of contention in the straight and finished 13th.
Camorra, Serpentine and Numerian walked over the line of the 3200m contest, while Interpretation was pulled up.
Melbourne Cup full result
1 Gold Trip 20-1
2 Emissary 25-1
3 High Emocean 40-1
4 Deauville Legend 17-5f
