Melbourne Cup: Craig Williams wins after 17 attempts

Vow and Declare has won Australia’s most prestigious horse race, the Melbourne Cup, giving Australian jockey Craig Williams his first win at the event in 17 attempts.

The Australian-bred horse saw off rivals in a field of 24 to take the Cup, at the annual blockbuster event at Flemington Racecourse.

READ ALSO Saracens appeal against heavy-handed sanction for breaching salary cap rules

Trained by Danny O’Brien, Vow and Declare gave Australia a much longed for victory at the 3,200-meter (1.98 mile) race after a decade of foreign winners.

Williams and O’Brien take the top prize of AU$4.4 million ($3 million), according to News.com.au. Total prize money, including trophies, came to a record AU$8 million ($5.5 million) this year.

Always held on the first Tuesday of November, the Melbourne Cup is one of the world’s most revered races and the highlight of a week-long carnival of racing, fashion, food and culture.