Without A Fight wins Caulfield Cup

It was nearly a photo-finish with second-placed West Wind Blows, followed by bookie’s favourite Gold Trip, ridden by Mr Zahra in last year’s Melbourne Cup win, in third.

“What a moment, I’m so happy,” Mr Zahra told Seven.

“I don’t really celebrate much but with the week I’ve had, some of the things that have gone on.

“My wife gave me a kick this week and said just focus on the ride you have got, it’s a good chance.”

Without A Fight pulled off the 2400m run in front of thousands of racegoers enjoying Caulfield Cup Day 2023, arguably the biggest race day of the Spring Racing Carnival after the Melbourne Cup.

People could be seen pushing their way through the gates on Saturday morning, racing to secure prime seating for the day’s events.

Earlier, Brave Mead won the first race of the day, the 1400m Lamaro‘s Hotel Plate, followed by Sunsets and Irish jockey John Allen claiming the 2000m Ned’s Classic.

Schweppes Ethereal Stakes (Group 3) was won by Autumn Angel, while Damien Oliver atop Arkansaw Kid claimed the fourth race, the Stow Storage Gothic Stakes, after a protest was dismissed by the stewards.

Richmond AFL premiership teammates Jayden Short and Tom Lynch, as well as retired champion Jack Riewoldt, were spotted hanging around the track early Saturday morning.

Their five-year-old gelding Soulcombe ran in the main event.

Ahead of the race, Mr Riewoldt told Seven it was “as close to a grand final as I’ve felt.”

Of course with a major race day, comes race day fashion.

Women in bright springtime colours accessorised with elaborate fascinators could be seen in the sea of attendees, alongside gents in sharp suits and formalwear.

The forecast top of 23C and cloudy conditions meant there was some variety among the outfits, thanks to it being not-too hot and not-too cold with little chance of rain over Caulfield.

As usual, protesters with the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses set-up camp outside the gates.

Campaign director Elio Celotto told The Age they want to educate racegoers on what he described as a “ruthless, brutal” industry.

“People go to the races and think it’s a harmless day out, but what they’re really supporting is animal cruelty,” Mr Celotto said.

“Without us here, without us doing the important research being done we wouldn’t know that 168 racehorses were killed this year.”

The Caulfield Cup was first run in 1879, and has become one of Australia’s richest thoroughbred horse races.

Originally published as Without A Fight wins Caulfield Cup as thousands frock up for major racing event