What a moment! The roar from the Flemington crowd was absolutely deafening as Jamie Melham, aboard the champion stayer Half Yours, crossed the line to win the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
The emotional fallout was immediate, but few captured the sheer magnitude of the achievement quite like veteran sports broadcaster Gerard Whateley. Speaking immediately after the race on RSN, Whateley’s words rang true for every Aussie watching: he declared the history-making jockey the "Most famous person in the country" right now.
💖 A Win for the Ages: Why Whateley’s Praise Rings True
Whateley’s comments weren't just hyperbole; they reflected the culmination of a truly remarkable journey for the star hoop. Melham (formerly Kah), who made history just weeks earlier by becoming the first female jockey to win the Caulfield Cup on the same horse, completed the rare and revered Spring Cups double.
The Historical Weight: Ten years after Michelle Payne’s groundbreaking win on Prince Of Penzance, Melham became only the second woman to win the Melbourne Cup.
The decade-long wait magnified the significance of the moment, placing Melham firmly in the pantheon of Australian sporting trailblazers. The Personal Redemption: Her victory comes after a tumultuous couple of years, including overcoming a life-threatening race fall in 2023.
Whateley noted the immense pressure she carries as one of the most scrutinised athletes in the country. To rise above that adversity and deliver on the biggest stage is the stuff of legends—a true show of courage and sheer grit. The Marriage Milestone: Adding to the unique narrative, Melham raced against her husband, fellow jockey Ben Melham, who was aboard the outsider Smokin’ Romans.
This family rivalry added a captivating, heart-warming, and deeply personal layer to a day already thick with emotion. The "Melham-bourne Cup" truly belonged to them.
“Forget the odds, forget the form guides for a moment,” Whateley passionately stated. “What we have witnessed is the completion of a story that Hollywood would reject as being too far-fetched. Jamie Melham, with all the pressure, all the history, all the past controversies, has delivered the impossible. Right now, she is the most famous person in the country.”
💰 Backing a Champion: Smart Punting with 77luck
While the fairy tale was unfolding on the track, it was a massive result for astute punters who backed Half Yours. The horse, trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, went into the race as one of the genuine favourites after her historic Caulfield Cup win.
Smart punters checking the latest markets and odds at
Expert Insights: The team at 77luck highlighted Half Yours not just for her form, but for the proven jockey-trainer combination and the crucial light weight she carried (53kg).
Massive Collects: For those who backed the Half Yours and Melham double across the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, the return was phenomenal.
This result proves that sometimes, backing the sentiment and the champion jockey who knows her horse inside out is the best approach for the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’. The winning combination of horse, trainer, and history-making rider was simply unstoppable.
🍾 The Legacy Continues
Jamie Melham's triumph in the 2025 Melbourne Cup is more than a sporting achievement; it's a cultural moment that will inspire a generation of young riders. Gerard Whateley's praise is well-earned. For one glorious afternoon, she was Australia's hero, a testament to resilience, talent, and the magic of the turf.
The champagne will flow, the replays will be watched a thousand times, and the legend of Jamie Melham will endure.
Check out the latest racing results and market analysis for the Spring Carnival at
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