Though as a two-time winner of the Melbourne Cup, Dermot Weld would deserve a place on the all-time greats list.
In the Irishman’s case however, he makes our list for being a groundbreaker. Weld was the first trainer to seriously attempt, and win, the Melbourne Cup from the Northern Hemisphere. Vintage Crop’s win in 1993 is part of racing folklore.
We look closer at Dermot Weld’s achievements, especially in Melbourne.
About Dermot Weld
Dermot Weld is a household name in Britain and Ireland. Born in 1948, he is a former jockey and one of the most successful trainers ever.
Weld has trained thousands of winners around the world. Over the jumps, he has won an Irish Grand National among other things. On the Flat, he has taken three Classics in England and 17 in Ireland as well as winning in France, Hong Kong, USA and of course, Australia.
Melbourne Cup Achievements
The headline is that Dermot Weld won two Melbourne Cups as a trainer. That does not tell the full story, however.
In training Vintage Crop to become the first Northern Hemisphere winner of the race, he essentially broke down the doors and showed others how possible the feat was. Since then, eight of 29 Melbourne Cups have been won by overseas trainers.
Dermot Weld’s Melbourne Cup Wins
Dermot Weld did so much to break the Melbourne Cup wide open. His two winners were:
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Horse Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Media Puzzle | 6 | Damien Oliver | Mr N W Smurfit et al | 3:16.97 |
| 1993 | Vintage Crop | 7 | Michael Kinane | Mr N W Smurfit | 3:23.40 |
1993 Melbourne Cup
Once something has been achieved, it seems so obvious. Vintage Crop had been having a wonderful 1993 and had won the Irish St Leger. These days, that is an obvious route to the Melbourne Cup.
Back then however, very few overseas horses attempted the trip. Certainly, no Northern Hemisphere horse had won the Cup.
Though unfancied by many, Vintage Crop was given a typically brilliant ride by Mick Kinane at Flemington. Winning by three lengths, Vintage Crop made history in the race and for his trainer.
2002 Melbourne Cup
Having paved the way for so many, Dermot Weld had to watch mostly from the sidelines for nine years.
His Media Puzzle had been an OK handicapper in Ireland. Prepared for the Melbourne Cup, he took in the 2002 Geelong Cup first, winning that impressively.
Media Puzzle was then sent off a well-backed $6.5 shot at Flemington where again he scored, this time from George Hanlon’s Mr Prudent.
