There would be few in racing who would deny trainer Brian Ellison a moment of Melbourne Cup glory. The English horseman has made the long pilgrimage to Flemington for more than 20 years, often only to watch luck cruelly intervene.
His most painful memory dates back to 2005 when Carte Diamond, shaping as a genuine Cup contender, was involved in a tragic trackwork accident at Flemington. Jockey Weichong Marwing fell when the horse shied, and Carte Diamond, running loose, attempted to jump a rail and was impaled, ending his racing career.
Ellison pressed on regardless. In 2006, Bay Story didn’t make the Melbourne Cup field but placed in the 2800m Cup Day race and later ran second in the Perth Cup. He returned the following year only for Bay Story to break down during the Cup Day support event and be humanely put down.
He tried again in 2011 with Moyenne Corniche and Saptapadi, who finished 15th and 16th in the Cup. More than a decade later, Ellison was finally rewarded in Australia when Onesmoothoperator won the Geelong Cup before placing 12th in the 2024 Melbourne Cup.
That gelding returns to Flemington this Tuesday following an excellent victory in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup on October 24.
Ellison says this preparation has been much smoother.
“We had a bad week last year after Geelong,” Ellison said.
“We were clipping him, and he jumped back and caught a heel and pulled a shoe off and got a cut on his heel.
“He was clipped earlier, he’s been tidied up and he’s nice and good and looks better this year.
“He’s also a better horse now and he learned a lot from last year.
“He enjoys being out here. At Moonee Valley he showed a great turn of foot. He’s improved from the race as he hadn’t raced for two months, and I think we’re in a great place.
“At the moment, touch wood, everything has been going to plan, but we’ve still got two days to get through.”
Onesmoothoperator had a final breeze-up at Werribee on Saturday with Harry Coffey, who again rides in the Cup, taking the reins.
The race would mean more than just prize money for Ellison.
“It’s the best place ever to come racing,” Ellison said.
“I’ve been to France, America and this is by far the best place I have ever come.”
The stable is also considering Hong Kong targets or another tilt at the Perth Cup in January.
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