Jamie Melham becomes second woman to win Melbourne Cup after Half Yours victory

Jamie Melham made history as the second female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, guiding Half Yours to victory

Jamie Melham has become only the second woman jockey to win the $10 million Melbourne Cup, riding Half Yours to victory in what is often called “the race that stops a nation.”

The Australian rider steered the five-year-old gelding to triumph at Flemington on Tuesday, finishing 1.5 lengths ahead of Goodie Two Shoes and Middle Earth over the 3,200-metre handicap.

“Oh my God, this is what we do it for,” said Melham, who also won the Caulfield Cup on Half Yours last month. “This is why we get up out of bed every morning at 4am, it’s tough, it’s not all glorious and perfect as everyone can see sometimes.”

Melham, 29, described 2025 as “an amazing year,” having recently married fellow jockey Ben Melham, who finished 14th on Smokin’ Romans. She also became the first woman to achieve the Caulfield Cup–Melbourne Cup double.

Her victory places her alongside Michelle Payne, who made history in 2015 by winning the Cup on 100-1 outsider Prince of Penzance.

Payne, who was commentating on the race, said, “Welcome to the club,” and praised Melham’s success as “so fitting” for a hard-working athlete who inspires young women in racing.

Half Yours, trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, entered as a strong contender and delivered under cool, overcast conditions. “What a horse. He’s continued to raise the bar. I’ve got no words,” said co-trainer Calvin McEvoy.

First held in 1861, the Melbourne Cup remains a central part of Australian sporting culture, drawing large crowds every first Tuesday of November. Despite wet weather, thousands gathered at Flemington to witness Melham’s historic win.