McEvoys Bid to Win Caulfield-Melbourne Cup Double with Home-Bred Half Yours

Strategic Insights -

Tony and Calvin McEvoy are seeking to make history by training a home-bred horse, Half Yours, in this year's $10 million Melbourne Cup. The father-and-son duo, who have a long-standing partnership, will team up with jockey Jamie Melham in a bid to win the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double. Half Yours, an improving gelding purchased for $305,000, will face off against 10 international and 13 imported horses in the prestigious event.

Key Takeaways:

  • The McEvoys will be the first father-and-son duo to attempt the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double with a home-bred horse.
  • Half Yours, bred in Warrnambool by the late Colin McKenna, has been improving with each race and has "another really big run in him."
  • The horse's performance in the Caulfield Cup has likely earned the McEvoys greater acceptance in the industry, potentially attracting larger syndicates and business opportunities.
  • Winning the Melbourne Cup would be a life-changing event for both Tony and Calvin McEvoy, both personally and professionally.
  • The McEvoys have demonstrated their expertise in training staying horses, having previously won the Melbourne Cup with Vow And Declare in 2019 and Knight's Choice last year.

Statistics:

  • Half Yours was purchased for $305,000 in an online auction.
  • The McEvoys will be competing against 23 horses in total, including 10 internationals and 13 imports.
  • Chris Waller's stable will field five of the staying expats in this year's Cup.
  • Ciaron Maher is chasing his second Melbourne Cup with three former international runners.
  • Michelle Payne, the first female winner of the Melbourne Cup, captured the hearts of the nation on Princess Of Penzance in 2015.

Sources:

  • Tony McEvoy, interviewed by [source not explicitly stated]
  • Calvin McEvoy, interviewed by [source not explicitly stated]
  • Chris Waller, stable owner [source not explicitly stated]
  • Ciaron Maher, trainer [source not explicitly stated]
  • Michelle Payne, Melbourne Cup winner [source not explicitly stated]