Efficient takes centre stage
Friday, 07 Nov, 2007
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Efficient, trained by Graeme Rogerson, came with an incredible late run to get up on the line to claim the Emirates Melbourne Cup on Tuesday afternoon at Flemington Racecourse.
Under a powerful ride by Michael Rodd, Efficient denied the Luca Cumani-trained Purple Moon from becoming the first British horse to win Australia’s greatest race.
Purple Moon, ridden by dual Emirates Melbourne Cup winning jockey Damien Oliver, took the lead 200 metres from home and looked the likely winner; however the four-year-old could not match the finish of Efficient and was beaten half a length into second. Aidan O’Brien’s Mahler, the mount of Stephen Baster, finished three lengths back in third.
As Title Sponsor of the Emirates Melbourne Cup and Principal Partner of the 2007 Melbourne Cup Carnival, Emirates matched the quality action on the track with one of the most sophisticated marquees and many of the most stylishly turned-out guests on the day.
Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline and Group, represented Emirates at the presentation of the Emirates Melbourne Cup to the connections of Efficient.
Mr. Flanagan said, “In a year that brought its special challenges, Flemington has shown the world once again that the first Tuesday in November is a day that Australia celebrates like no other. The 2007 Emirates Melbourne Cup was a nation stopper, like all those that have gone before.
“Emirates too has a history of supporting the very best sporting action. We love the drama of world class sports events; they are all about emotion and passion.
As an airline we hold to the same values, a passion for excellence and a determination to exceed expectations.
“The Emirates Melbourne Cup is an iconic and legendary day in the world’s sporting calendar and Melbourne has once again shown the nation and the world that few settings can match Flemington in the spring.”
The Emirates marquee was the definitive haunt for celebrities and the most sought-after of the exclusive “birdcage” enclosure, with its unique Venetian theme and high-level, deluxe appeal. Guest attendees included celebrity favourites such Italian singer Patrizio Buanne, Australian runner up in this year’s Tour de France, Cadel Evans, celebrity chef Curtis Stone, Australian motorbike champion Mick Doohan and special guest Melissa George from upcoming US hit ‘30 Days of Night.’
Twin sister pop stars ‘The Veronicas’ were also present along with singing sensation Tina Arena. Other guests included Australian television and music celebrity Mark Holden, horse trainer Gai Waterhouse, AFL great James Hird and personality Jules Lund.
The marquee has been meticulously designed to reflect the brand’s reputation for world-class quality, luxury, service and style as well as Emirates’ unrivalled offering of new experiences and locations. Inspired by Emirates’ new destination of Venice and after extensive research into the history and architecture of one of the world’s richest cities, this year’s marquee invites guests to experience and enjoy the most ambitious marquee ever seen in Cup history.
[Pictured: Efficient wins the Emirates Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, Purple Moon, trained in Britain, finished second after looking the winner 200 metres out.]
Pictured below: Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline and Group, addresses over 100,000 race fans gathered at Flemington Racecourse during the Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy presentation.
Since its launch in 1985, Emirates Airline has received more than 300 international awards in recognition of its efforts to provide unsurpassed levels of customer service. Emirates is the world’s third most profitable and among the fastest growing and 20 largest international airlines. It is based in Dubai, one of the few cities in the world that pursues an open-skies policy, with more than 110 airlines in free and fair competition.
Emirates operates services to 97 cities in 61 countries in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Asia-Pacific. New routes for 2007 include Venice, Sao Paulo, Ahmedabad, Newcastle, Toronto and Houston.
From Sydney, Emirates currently operates 14 flights per week to Dubai – a daily non-stop service as well as seven flights per week from Sydney via Bangkok. The airline also flies double-daily services from both Melbourne and Perth, and seven flights per week from Brisbane, via Singapore.
Emirates operates 28 flights per week into New Zealand – daily into Christchurch from Sydney and thrice daily into Auckland from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Visit Emirates online at: www.emirates.com/au
A special report by The Mole on location at the Emirates Melbourne Cup.
John Alwyn-Jones
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