Vow And Declare added another chapter to his remarkable career when he won Saturday’s $200,000 Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm
The Danny O’Brien-trained galloper etched his name onto the honour roll for the second time, five years after his initial victory, which came in its final edition as a 3000-metre race.
The son of Declaration Of War went on to win the Melbourne Cup that year and while O’Brien and the owners have abandoned plans to target Australia’s most famous race, the rising nine-year-old continues to provide them with immense satisfaction.
“I’m lost for words, it’s really got to me,” part-owner Geoff Corrigan said.
“I was confident he would win, but you never really know until they get there.
“I looked through those Melbourne Cup results and not one of those horses that ran against him (in 2019) are still racing.”
Vow And Declare stretched his career earnings to $7,641,760 with the sixth win of a 44-start career that stretches back to an eight placing in a 1500m Cranbourne on 26 August 2018.
The gelding has taken his place in four editions of the Melbourne Cup, finishing 18th as the defending champion in 2020 before finishing 10th and ninth the past two years.
His staying prowess came to the fore at Eagle Farm when the $7.50 chance with betting apps he looked set to be gobbled up by $4 favourite Young Werther in the final furlong only to rally and get home by a half-neck from his stablemate.
Third, three-quarters-of-a-length away, was Knight’s Choice ($4.40).
Billy Egan has settled into position as Vow And Declare’s regular rider late in his racing career and was thrilled to celebrate his first win aboard him.
“He’s a champion,” Egan declared.
“I’ve ridden him his last eight starts, (been) second in Group Ones, but this is actually my first victory aboard him.
“I’m absolutely rapt to ride a winner on a Melbourne Cup winner.”
