Jockey Jye McNeil is poised to capture the Melbourne Cup once again, this time aboard Valiant King, after experiencing a subdued victory in 2020 with Twilight Payment. The iconic race, held at Flemington, is set to take place on November 7, 2023, and McNeil is optimistic about his chances riding the second favourite trained by Chris Waller.
McNeil made history in 2020 when he rode Twilight Payment to victory, but the celebration was muted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With strict lockdown measures in place, only a handful of individuals, including jockeys, trainers, and selected officials, were present to witness the race. “A Melbourne Cup win had for years been only in my wildest imagination,” McNeil reflected. “But when my lifetime ambition was spectacularly fulfilled and I returned to scale, instead of sky-high elation, it was eerily quiet in an empty mounting yard.”
The 2020 race saw McNeil, then aged 26, cross the finish line without the roar of a cheering crowd. He described the moment as surreal, noting, “While the Melbourne Cup crowds are up to 100,000, it seemed like only about ten people were there for the biggest moment of my career.” Even Joseph O’Brien, the trainer of Twilight Payment, was unable to attend in person due to travel restrictions, instead providing McNeil with tactical instructions over the phone.
Looking ahead, McNeil is confident in Valiant King’s potential, particularly following a strong performance where he finished third in the recent Caulfield Cup. “Valiant King is the right horse, in the right shape at the right time,” McNeil stated. He praised the horse’s toughness and stamina, adding, “If we get the forecast heavy rain, he’ll swim.”
Preparation for the Melbourne Cup has been positive for Valiant King, who has come through the Caulfield Cup in excellent condition. McNeil noted an improvement in the horse’s barrier draw compared to his previous race, which will allow for a more strategic run. “In the Caulfield Cup, we had an outside barrier and got back in the field,” he explained. “Valiant King feels great every time I sit aboard him, and his work on Tuesday was outstanding.”
As the Melbourne Cup approaches, McNeil is eager to experience the thrill of victory amidst a lively crowd, something he missed during his first success. With the stakes high and the anticipation building, he remains hopeful that this year’s race will bring the celebration he has always dreamed of.
