He triumphantly marched from the exclusive winner's room at Caulfield with the $150,000 gold cup and filled it with a magnum of champagne before inviting any of the 30,000 race fans to drink from the trophy.

McKenna, a long-time backer of Winslow-raised trainer Ciaron Maher, was overcome with emotion after the mare's three-length win.

“It's just awesome to win the Caulfield Cup,” he said. “I just want to share the victory with my family and friends. There are lots of people from the Western District here and I want them to join in the celebrations.”

Among Jameka's jubilant owners was former Warrnambool identity Malcolm Fallon. The ex-CFA region chief is in the race of his life. He has been diagnosed with polycythaemia – a cancer in the blood which has gone into his bones. There is no cure.

“Jameka has given me plenty of thrills,” Fallon said. “I never thought we could top winning the VRC Oaks last year but now we've won the Caulfield Cup.

“We're at the peak now and the pinnacle – the Melbourne Cup – is in our sight. I can assure you I will die a happy man if Jameka could win the Melbourne Cup with me as an owner.”

Another owner Dennington milk factory worker Steve Priestley was also trackside.

“I can’t stop pinching myself,” Priestley said.

“Jameka is the first horse that I've owned. The experience of having such a top horse is a bit overwhelming.

“It's all a dream that we've gone this far but if we can win the Melbourne Cup it would be unbelievable.”