Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted 15 hours ago Journalists Share Posted 15 hours ago Vow And Declare ridden by Craig Williams winning the 2019 Melbourne Cup. (Natasha Morello/Racing Photos) Australia’s beloved stayer, Vow And Declare, has officially been retired, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable racing career that captured the hearts of the nation. The now nine-year-old gelding, trained by Danny O’Brien, will forever be remembered for his unforgettable victory in the 2019 Melbourne Cup, a triumph that etched his name into Australian racing folklore. Vow And Declare’s Melbourne Cup win was a storybook moment. Carrying the weight of Australian hopes amidst a strong international contingent, he surged down the Flemington straight to hold off a late challenge, becoming the first Australian-bred winner of the race since Shocking in 2009. His brave performance under jockey Craig Williams not only secured a place in the history books but also resonated deeply with racing fans who yearned for a local hero in the “race that stops a nation.” Bred by Paul Lanskey and sired by Declaration of War, Vow And Declare’s staying prowess became his trademark. While his career was punctuated by injuries and challenges, his resilience and ability to deliver in high-stakes moments attracted him to connections and punters alike. With earnings exceeding $6 million, he proved himself as one of Australia’s premier stayers of his era. “Winning the Melbourne Cup is what we all aspire to, and it is a moment that I will cherish forever,” O’Brien said in a statement on X. “Every year there are less and less in the Cup that have been bred here, which is why Cups like his, and this year’s as well, underline what is so great about the race and our industry.” “I am proud of the horse and the job my team has done with Vow. To have him performing at the highest level as a three-year-old all the way through to winning in track record time this past winter in Queensland is a testament to their dedication and commitment.” Racing fans will get the opportunity to farewell Vow And Declare at Geelong Racecourse, one of his home tracks, during the club’s standalone Saturday meeting on January 4. Horse racing news View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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