Empire Rose from New Zealand held off...

Empire Rose from New Zealand held off a late challenge from co-favorite Natski and became the first mare in 23 years to win Australia’s richest horse race, the $1.3-million Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

Empire Rose, owned by Fred Bodle and trained by Laurie Laxon, became the first mare in history to sweep the New Zealand and Melbourne cup races in the same season when she completed 2 miles in 3:18.9.