In an astonishing victory at the 2024 Melbourne Cup on November 5 at Flemington Racecourse, Knights Choice conquered the race, with its Irish-born jockey Robbie Dolan taking home the prestigious prize. Buckaroo and Vauban were considered favourites to win; however, neither made the top three, with Warp Speed and Okita Soushi taking the second and third placings instead. Before the race, Robbie Dolan cracked a joke that he might retire if he won, but later assured he would be back next year. “I won’t be giving up. That feeling was too good,” Dolan expressed post-race.
Furthermore, in a post-race interview with NRL legend Billy Slater, Dolan expressed his joy and shock in winning the Cup. “Pinch me, I’m dreaming. It is incredible. I can’t believe it. I don’t even know what to say,” Dolan said. “I watched every Melbourne Cup for the last 40 years. I thought my best chance was to get him to stay the trip and hopefully he can run home and do the quick sectionals he can on a good track, and he proved everybody wrong.”
This year’s Melbourne Cup included four female jockeys, with none able to become the second female to win the Melbourne Cup after former jockey Michelle Payne won back in 2015. In 2022, Dolan featured on the TV show The Voice but didn’t progress past the sing-offs.
