JOSEPH O’Brien has beaten his famous father to Melbourne Cup glory, training Rekindling to win Australia’s greatest race.
In a father-and-son finish the younger O’Brien’s Rekindling overhauled Johannes Vermeer, trained by his dad Aidan O’Brien, in the closing stages.
Max Dynamite completed an Irish trifecta in taking the minor placing.
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READ NOWRidden by Sydney jockey Corey Brown, Rekindling saluted as a $15 chance to give owner Lloyd Williams a sixth win in the race.
“I chased the ride about six weeks ago and with a light weight I was a big chance to get on him,” Brown said.
“It is so special, I have my family with me and the girls are old enough to come to the races and enjoy it. I am lost for words.”
Rekindling came from midfield and just when Johannes Vermeer ($13), also jointly owned by Williams, was being hailed the winner, he had no answer to the four-year-old’s challenge.
Max Dynamite ($20), runner-up in 2015, ran bravely for trainer Willie Mullins to finish in the placings again.
The Irish trio were part of an 11-horse overseas contingent taking their place in the Melbourne Cup field.
Big Duke was the first Australian-trained horse across the line, finishing fourth.