Fiorente wins 2013 Melbourne Cup

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In a race dominated by horses who came from the back of the field, Fiorente came from off the pace to atone for his second in last year's Melbourne Cup, and become the first horse since Empire Rose in 1988 to win a Melbourne Cup after running second the previous year.

The $7 favourite beat brave English visitor Red Cadeaux ($61), who was also second to Dunaden in 2011, while Luca Cumani had to settle for another placing in Australia's greatest race with Mount Athos ($13) finishing third.

It is Sydney trainer Waterhouse's first triumph in the Melbourne Cup after three minor placegetters.
For Oliver, it adds to his wins on Doriemus in 1995 and Media Puzzle in 2002.

Both have overcome controversial years to achieve Melbourne Cup success.

Waterhouse was embroiled in an ugly dispute with prominent owner John Singleton earlier this year.

And Oliver returned for the Spring Carnival after a 10-month ban for putting a sizeable bet on a rival horse in a race he was riding in.

Oliver rated the win one of his most emotional moments in racing.

"It's a really special moment," Oliver told the Seven Network.

"Gai was one of the first people to really get behind me when I came back, and I can't thank her enough for helping getting me going again."

The race was marred by a serious leg injury to European stayer Varema, who fractured a cannon bone at the 2000m mark and was subsequently put down.

The slick early pace was set by Saturday's Lexus Stakes winner Ruscello and Waterhouse's other import Tres Blue, but the leaders gave in quickly and Red Cadeaux and Simenon charged to the lead on straightening.

But Oliver had ridden an excellent ride and got Fiorente into the clear at the 300m mark and he ran quickly to Red Cadeaux. The British horse fought hard, but Fiorente simply had too much power.

Mount Athos, who had been caught wide early, boxed on well for third, while Irish stayer Simenon ran a brave race for fourth. Dandino was luckless, charging late for fifth ahead of Caulfield Cup winner Fawkner.

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