The 2021 Melbourne Cup was a big one for several reasons. The crowds were back, the sun was out, and we had one of the best-backed favourites in the great race’s history. But who won the Melbourne Cup in 2021?
Incentivise was the punters’ pick several weeks out. Going off at $2.80, the five-year-old gelding was touted as the shortest-priced elect since Phar Lap. On sheer volume of money, Incentivise was the best-supported horse in Melbourne Cup history.
For a long while, it looked like the market had it spot on. But Verry Elleegant had other ideas. Under a superb steer from James McDonald, the champion mare burst from midfield in the straight and had it won with a couple of furlongs to go.
With that, Verry Elleegant brought up her 10th Group 1 victory and cemented her status as one of Australia’s great racehorses, while McDonald and trainer Chris Waller each claimed their first Melbourne Cup win.
Incentivise ran a strong race to finish second, holding off the international Spanish Mission in third and the lightweight chance Floating Artist in fourth. See the complete 2021 Melbourne Cup results.
Verry Elleegant wins the 2021 Melbourne Cup
2021 Melbourne Cup results & dividends
| Place | No. | Colours | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Win | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 |  |
Verry Elleegant | Chris Waller | James McDonald | $16.50 | $4.50 |
| 2nd | 2 |  |
Incentivise | Peter Moody | Brett Prebble | $2 | |
| 3rd | 3 |  |
Spanish Mission | Andrew Balding | Craig Williams | $3.30 | |
| 4th | 22 |  |
Floating Artist | C Maher & D Eustace | Teo Nugent | ||
| Quinella | $18.60 | ||||||
| Trifecta | $356.10 | ||||||
| First Four | $4829.70 | ||||||
