France weren't able to take the Rugby World Cup back to the northern hemisphere but for the second straight year they're taking a Melbourne Cup home after Dunaden prevailed in a thrilling nose-to-nose yesterday at Flemington.
It was several minutes before Dunaden, one of the favourites, was declared the winner over the British-trained outsider Red Cadeaux in the closest finish in Melbourne Cup history.
The race was a personal triumph for the winning jockey Christophe Lemaire who didn't know he'd be riding in the Cup when he flew into Melbourne on Monday morning.
His mount was confirmed when Craig Williams had to forego the ride on the winner later on Monday after failing with his appeal against a suspension.
