Huge Favourite Falls Short As Verry Elleegant Wins The 2021 Melbourne Cup

On the day, it just wasn't to be for Incentivise.

The heavy, heavy favourite ended up finishing second as the $8 million Melbourne Cup was won by Verry Elleegant.

Spanish Mission ended up coming third, while Floating Artist finished fourth.

PA

Incentivise ($2.80) was the shortest-priced Melbourne Cup favourite since the legendary Phar Lap way back in 1930 at $1.73.

But for Incentivise, he fell agonisingly short of clinching victory as Verry Elleegant stormed home to upset the odds.

The incredible run earns high-profile trainer Chris Waller his first victory in the race that stops the nation.

It also continues fan favourite jockey James McDonald's red hot streak in the saddle, bringing his total career wins to 1778 from 9686 starts.

"I never thought I'd ever win one, I always dreamed of it," McDonald said after the race.

"I can't believe it. This is what dreams are made of. I'm speechless really.

"She was trained by a master. She's a superstar and I'm so proud of her.

"I love her to bits... her fight and determination takes her so far."

2021 MELBOURNE CUP FINISHING ORDER:

1st - Verry Elleegant

2nd - Incentivise

3rd - Spanish Mission

4th - Floating Artist

5th - The Chosen One

6th - Grand Promenade

7th - Delphi

8th - Selino

9th - Tralee Rose

10th - She's Ideel

11th - Twilight Payment

12th - Miami Bound

13th - Great House

14th - Sir Lucan

15th - Explosive Jack

16th - Master of Wine

17th - Pondus

18th - Carif

19th - Knights Order

20th - Persan

21st - Port Guillaume

22nd - Johnny Get Angry

23rd - Ocean Billy

Topics: Odds, Betting, Horse Racing, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry