Mare Ohope Wins Euthanized After Fall in Caulfield Cup

Racehorse Ohope Wins was euthanized following a severe fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday. The incident occurred near the 250-meter mark of the 2,400-meter race.

Kingswood, trained by Gavin Bedggood and ridden by John Allen, ultimately won the $6 million Caulfield Cup, crossing the finish line ahead of Saint George and Enfjaar. Pre-race favorite Cosmic Crusader finished fourth.

Ohope Wins fell after being brought down by Half Yours, the previous year's Caulfield and Melbourne Cup champion. Racing Victoria veterinarians confirmed that Ohope Wins was euthanized on the track. Half Yours was able to stand and returned to the mounting yard, appearing to have superficial lacerations.

The jockeys involved, Mark Zahra (Half Yours) and Jye McNeil (Ohope Wins), were uninjured but were taken to a hospital for observation.

Trainer Tony McEvoy described the fall as "terrible to watch" but noted that Half Yours seemed "bright" and "composed" despite some abrasions.

Kingswood, a seven-year-old grey, secured the victory by half-a-length from Saint George. Enfjaar, one of three UK competitors, finished third.

For trainer Gavin Bedggood, this marks his first major race training triumph. He acknowledged the hard work of his team, stating, "I don't get the results that I'm getting without good people behind me."

Kingswood, starting from barrier 17, overcame a wide run throughout the race to achieve the upset win, paying $26 on the TAB. Jockey John Allen, based in Ballarat, timed his run to perfection, adding this major win to his 2021 Cox Plate victory with State Of Rest.