Warrnambool’s Peter Lynch finished centimetres away from winning the $6 million Melbourne Cup with Heartbreak City when the Irish stayer ran second in the famous race on Tuesday.
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Almandin claimed the 2016 cup with Hartnell in third place. Lynch, a long-time owner, breeder and Warrnambool Racing Club committeeman, joined in the ownership of Heartbreak City only months ago on the advice of Warrnambool-born horse syndicator Darren Dance.
“Its just a thrill to see a horse you part-own fight out the finish of this great race,” an emotional Lynch said.
“I thought in the run to the line we might win but Almandin was just a bit too strong. It was sensational ride by Joao Moreira. He's a world-class rider on a top horse. I've got to thank Darren Dance for getting me into the ownership. I've raced various horses with Darren; he's a great operator.”
Dance, who has been syndicating horses since 1994, said Heartbreak City’s effort was sensational.
“We jumped into the ownership of Heartbreak City after his Ebor win in August,” he said.
“Full credit to Tony Martin. He's a great trainer.”
Ciaron Maher's Jameka finished in 15th place, weakening in the run after travelling midfield until the home corner.
“I would say she never ran out a strong 3200 metres,” Maher said. “It was a top ride by Nick Hall. We were just not good enough.”
Hall told connections Jameka didn't see out the distance.
“She's still a young mare and probably needs a bit of grounding,” he said.
“I knew at the 600-metre mark we were out of contention.”
Almandin’s victory gave high-profile owner Lloyd Williams his fifth win in the Melbourne Cup.
