The race that stops the nation — the Lexus Melbourne Cup — reached 2.4 million TV sets across Australia and raked in a total TV national average audience of 2.2 million.
Broadcasted on Nine, one of the favourites Point of Law stormed home late to win a thrilling Melbourne Cup. Point of Law’s trainer Ciaron Maher etched himself into the history books by becoming the first trainer in the 166-year history of the race to train first, second and third.
QMS chief executive John O’Neill is a part-owner of the wining horse.
Point of Law, ridden by jockey Ethan Brown, crossed the line first after chasing down the bolter Royal Supremacy, who broke away early and took a huge 20-length lead running into the straight.
Also trained by Maher, Zahrann finished second, ahead of Juja Kibo.
After the race Maher spoke to Nine about his triumph.
“I certainly didn’t know that Royal Supremacy would lead by that far, but nothing is better than a true staying test and Point Of Law just thrived,” he said.
“It’s been a whirlwind, really. To get three horses in the first three spots. I don’t even know where the rest finished yet, but I’m very proud of the team.
“I’ve got my mum and dad here. For her to be here and win the biggest race in the country, one of the biggest in the world, it’s pretty special.”
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It was a big day of racing yesterday, with Seven also broadcasting Horse Racing. Except the broadcaster showed the Sydney races at Randwick. These races didn’t attract the same audience as the race that stops the nation, but the late coverage did manage to reach 1.4 million people.
