The Mares of the Melbourne Cup: Neigh Saying Never to Victory
The Melbourne Cup – Australia's "race that stops a nation" – is all about the drama, the fashion (questionable fascinators and all), and of course, the magnificent horses. But have you ever stopped to whinny about how many female horses have actually crossed that finish line first?
Well, saddle up, because we're about to gallop into the fascinating world of mares in the Melbourne Cup.
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| How Many Female Horses Have Won The Melbourne Cup |
Against All Odds: Mares Making History
It's a bit of a sausage fest, truth be told. Stallions tend to dominate the Melbourne Cup winner's circle. But fear not, there have been some phenomenal fillies and mares who have kicked down the stable doors and shown those boys a thing or two about winning.
Makybe Diva is the reigning queen of the Melbourne Cup mares. This superstar mare did the unthinkable – not once, not twice, but three times (2003, 2004, 2005) she claimed the Cup! That's some serious girl power, right there.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
Verry Elleegant joined the winner's circle in 2021, proving that the mares are still a force to be reckoned with.
So, How Many Mares Have Actually Won?
Now for the big reveal! Drumroll please... Sixteen females have taken home the Melbourne Cup glory throughout history. That might seem like a small number compared to the total number of races, but these mares have carved their names in Melbourne Cup history.
It's worth noting: Out of those sixteen victories, only thirteen were by unique mares. Makybe Diva, the champion we mentioned earlier, holds the record for most Melbourne Cup wins by a single mare.
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Mares on the Rise?
The tide might be turning! With Verry Elleegant's recent win and some seriously talented mares on the racing scene, we might see more female horses taking the Melbourne Cup by storm in the years to come.
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Fun Fact: While mares might be a bit outnumbered in the winner's circle, they aren't completely shut out! Michelle Payne, a phenomenal jockey, rode Prince Of Penzance to victory in 2015, proving that girls can definitely rule the racecourse too.
FAQ: Melbourne Cup Mares Edition
Got a hankering for some Melbourne Cup trivia? Buckle up, because we've got the answers to your burning mare-related questions:
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
How to tell a mare from a stallion? Mares are female horses, while stallions are males. Mares are generally smaller than stallions and don't have the same prominent ridge on their necks.
How many times has Makybe Diva won the Melbourne Cup? Three times! This legendary mare is the queen of Melbourne Cup wins for female horses.
Can fillies win the Melbourne Cup? Yes! Fillies are young female horses, and while not as common, they can absolutely win the race.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Who was the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup? Michelle Payne rode Prince Of Penzance to victory in 2015.
When is the next Melbourne Cup? The Melbourne Cup is held annually on the first Tuesday of November. Mark your calendars!
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