New Zealand's Ethereal became only the second mare ever to claim a Caulfield/Melbourne Cup double when she edged out Godolphin hope Give the Slip in the Melbourne Cup today.
English stayer Persian Punch held on doggedly to take third in Australia's richest horse race, some six lengths behind the winning pair after racing wide throughout.
In the rain-affected race, Richard Hills took Give the Slip - unwanted in betting at 30-1 - straight to the lead from the barrier.
Turning for home Hills surged his mount four lengths clear, prompting premature celebrations from Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Suroor.
"I felt sure he was going to win," Suroor said. "He ran a bit keen in the race, too hard, I think, in the middle stages.
"But I'm very happy, and he was beaten by a better horse. She's a great horse, the winner, and it was a great ride from the jockey".
Jockey Scott Seamer brought the winner, a firm second favourite at 10-1, to the middle of the track in the straight. She gathered pace quickly to pick up Give the Slip in the shadows of the post and win running away.
AFP