Godolphin will ‘keep trying to win’ Melbourne Cup as wait for victory extends to 18 years

Hartnell, second left, comes home in third place at the Melbourne Cup – the highest placed Godolphin horse. Paul Crock / AFP

Godolphin’s wait for a Melbourne Cup winner may be extended for another year, but chief executive John Ferguson has said the Dubai-based operation is “absolutely delighted” with its horses’ efforts.

Godolphin had five runners in the 2016 Melbourne Cup, including race favourite Hartnell — who finished third — and fourth-placed Qewy.

The UAE-stable has had interest in the Melbourne Cup since 1998 and the closest it has come to victory are three runner-up placings.

Although 2016 proved not to be the year to end their wait, Ferguson said there is plenty of reason for optimism.

“He’s come into the straight full of running and hasn’t quite got home,” Ferguson said of Hartnell.

“Qewy, after his Geelong Cup win has stepped up again and ran an absolute blinder to finish fourth. So we’re absolutely thrilled with them.

“Secret Number was a bit too keen. Oceanographer didn’t back up. Chad (Schofield) said he was a bit flat. And the mare (Beautiful Romance) stumbled coming out of the gates.

“Overall, to finish third and fourth is tremendous, and Charlie bringing a team over for the first time has been huge for us.

“We always believed we could come and be competitive, and it’s great that it’s happened. It’s something we’ll continue to do. “We’ll keep trying to win it. It’s a tough race to win and that’s what makes it so special.”

Almandin beat Heartbreak City by a nose in a thrilling finish to give Australian owner Lloyd Williams a record fifth win in the race.

It was a second Melbourne Cup triumph for local trainer Robert Hickmott, who rehabilitated Almandin over 18 months off the track following a tendon injury after acquiring it in Germany.

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport