Sports Betting Solutions

As the horses approach the finish line, neck-and-neck, the crowd rises to their feet, stretches on their toes to get a better view and a crescendo of voices cheering the riders and mounts home builds to a deafening roar, as the winner is declared' or not. Anyone who attends the Melbourne Cup must enjoy the rush of a good photo finish ' well, unless they have high stakes running on the horse that doesn't quite make it ' but it's also a frustrating moment, and the difference between being richer or poorer, not just winning or loosing. Since the Melbourne Cup began in 1861, there have been a number of close shaves at the winning post. Here are five of the most famous heart-stopping moments.

1. RIMFIRE, 1948

Image: The Age and Grapevine

Ridden by 15-year-old Ray Neville, Rimfire was not expected to win at all, with staggering odds of 80/1. Classed as one of the closest finishes in racing history, it was difficult to tell which horse won and there was much furore about the position of the camera at the finish line. It was not helped that this was the first time a camera had been used in deciding the cup winner, so not everyone was convinced the final outcome was conclusive. Jack Thompson, riding Dark Marne, who came second, swore at the time he was the rightful winner. Young Neville had only attended the race to gain some experience, having raced just nine times before the big day.

2. EVENING PEAL, 1956

Images of Flemington Racecourse in 1950s: Picture Victoria

Beating Redcraze by only a neck, Evening Peal broke a number of records in the 1956 Cup. She became the first mare to win the Melbourne Cup since Rainbird in 1945, and was the first horse to win both the Oaks Cup and Melbourne Cup in the same year. The prize money that year was £15,500.

3. EMPIRE ROSE, 1988

Empire Rose Wins Melbourne Cup

Known for her stamina, Empire Rose was a huge chestnut mare, only just fitting into the stalls at Flemington. Trained by one of New Zealand's lead trainers, Laurie Laxon, Empire Rose showed promise when she came 5th and 2nd in the Melbourne Cup in 1986 and 1987, respectively. On top form in 1988, she snatched victory from a fast running Natski by just half a head. The crowd were convinced Natski actually won the race as her rump was ahead of English Rose at the end, but photos showed English Rose stretching her huge head to come just across the line. She was the first mare to win the race for 23 years, since Light Fingers claimed victory in 1965.

4. MIGHT AND POWER, 1997

Images: Courier Mail and Horse Race Australia

Thought to be one of the closest race wins ever, in 1997, Might and Power beat strong contender Doriemus by a nose to claim the Melbourne Cup. Often referred to as one of the greatest Thoroughbreds of Australian racing in the 1990s, Might and Power dominated the fixtures during 1997 and 1998, when he won the Caulfield Cup the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup. His jockey, Jim Cassidy became as famous as the horse, earning the title The Pumper to reflect his antics on the track. Cassidy rode in all three wins. In 2002, Might and Power was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

5. VIEWED, 2008

Sebastian Costanzo and Meet Dave Lee

One of the greatest thrills of recent times has got to be the race of 2008, when five-year-old Viewed, at odds of 40/1 piped front runner Bauer at the post to take first place. The favourite Mad Rush was nowhere in sight. It was a day for all-round celebrations as the win also secured a place in the history books for legendary trainer Bart Cummings, with his 12th win at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. And with the prize money then at a staggering $5,560,000, no doubt the celebrations went on for some time.

For more information on this year's Cup, and who to bet on be sure to visit Sport Bet Australia

About the Author: