ALL the way back in 1993, the pioneering Dermot Weld and Vintage Crop secured a never-to-be-forgotten victory in the Melbourne Cup.

In the years that have followed, the race has been the focal point for international interest like no other and last month it yielded a result like no other as Joseph O’Brien sent out Rekindling to lead home an Irish one-two-three in Australia’s most iconic prize.

Some 17 months and one day after his training career began with an across-the-card four-timer at Listowel and Gowran, O’Brien pulled off one of the great international victories. He did so at the expense of his father’s Johannes Vermeer, with Willie Mullins’ Max Dynamite completing the placings for the raiders.

POINT OF NO RETURN

In becoming the third Irish horse to claim the race, after Vintage Crop and fellow Weld inmate Media Puzzle, O’Brien etched his name into racing folklore as Rekindling became the youngest winner of the race since Skipton in 1941.

For his part, Rekindling went to Australia off a busy season which began with a Ballysax Stakes triumph in April. He also won a Curragh Cup during the summer and ran very well in the St Leger

It is testament to his young trainer’s abilities that he was produced in such tremendous shape off a busy season competing against some of the luminaries of his generation.