Without A Fight has taken out this year's Melbourne Cup, beating home the likes of Soulcombe and Sheraz to claim the coveted $8 million feature race at Flemington.
The seven-year-old gelding from the Anthony & Sam Freedman stable came out on top in the 3200m event in front of a raucous crowd in Melbourne, with Mark Zahra in the saddle for the ride.
Without A Fight took a comfortable win in the end, surging ahead in the last straight to back up a Caulfield Cup win with a Melbourne Cup.
French gelding Vauban had a promising run but faded late, finishing in 14th despite starting the race as a $5 favourite. Last year's winner Gold Trip also struggled, coming in 17th.
Anthony & Sam Freedman's Without A Fight entered the race at $8, per Dabble.
It’s a win for the ages as WITHOUT A FIGHT takes out the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup!
— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 7, 2023
📽 @10SportAU | #MelbourneCup pic.twitter.com/JEVLReYG8o
Who won the Melbourne Cup?
Without A Fight won this year's $8 million Melbourne Cup, finishing ahead of Soulcombe and Sheraz.
The winner paid $8 with Dabble.
Who finished last in the Melbourne Cup?
Right You Are was the only horse not to finish, of the 23 runners in this year's Melbourne Cup. Magical Lagoon was the last to cross the line at 22nd place.
Right You Are is all OK thankfully. Just struggled on the hot day. But he’s all good! #MelbourneCup pic.twitter.com/6A7wvzBc61
— Andrew Hawkins (@AndrewNJHawkins) November 7, 2023
Melbourne Cup 2023 full finishing order
- Without A Fight (16)
- Soulcombe (4)
- Sheraz (22)
- Ashrun (11)
- Daqiansweet Junior (12)
- Interpretation (17)
- Absurde (8)
- True Marvel (10)
- Vow And Declare (19)
- Military Mission (5)
- Okita Soushi (20)
- More Felons (24)
- Lastotchka (21)
- Vauban (3)
- Future History (13)
- Breakup (18)
- Gold Trip (2)
- Virtuous Circle (6)
- Serpentine (1)
- Kalapour (14)
- Alenquer (9)
- Magical Lagoon (7)
DNF Right You Are (15)
Melbourne Cup recent winners
| 2022 | Gold Trip |
| 2021 | Verry Elleegant |
| 2020 | Twilight Payment |
| 2019 | Vow And Declare |
| 2018 | Cross Counter |
| 2017 | Rekindling |
Melbourne Cup prize money
The total prize money for the Melbourne Cup sits at $8 million, with the connections of the winning horse set to pocket $4.4 million.
The jockey, trainer and owner of the winning horse will also receive their own version of the Melbourne Cup trophy.
Melbourne Cup prize money breakdown
| 1st | $4.4 million |
| 2nd | $1.1 million |
| 3rd | $550,000 |
| 4th | $350,000 |
| 5th | $230,000 |
| 6th-12th | $160,000 |