Half Yours Dominant in 2025's Melbourne Cup

There are few greater testaments to digital disruption than a $305,000 online purchase turning into a $10m Melbourne Cup winner, but that's precisely the story now etched into the annals of Australian racing thanks to Half Yours and Inglis Digital. In just less than a year since changing hands via a virtual bidding platform, the lightly raced 5YO has delivered a story for the ages, one steeped in poignancy, family pride and an improbable rise through the staying ranks. Trainers, the McEvoys - Tony and Calvin - were emotional trackside at Flemington as their St Jean gelding stormed to Melbourne Cup glory, adding the most prized trophy in Australian sport to a remarkable campaign that already included wins in the Caulfield Cup, Naturalism Stakes and Caloundra Cup. Half Yours, offered through the Halo Racing Unreserved Reduction Sale following the passing of Colin McKenna, was bred by McKenna's wife Janice and purchased by Belmont Bloodstock/McEvoy Mitchell Racing in November last year. At that time, the horse had won just two minor races at Geelong and Cranbourne from five starts and had barely topped $40,000 in prizemoney. Fast forward twelve months and his record now reads 10 starts, six wins, $9.2m in earnings and a rare place in racing folklore - becoming just the 13th horse to complete the Caulfield/Melbourne Cup double. His journey from online listing to staying stardom reflects both the potential of virtual sales and the sharp eye of the McEvoy stable. Tony McEvoy, who has long regarded the Melbourne Cup as the pinnacle, could barely contain his joy. "What a joy. This is our great race and it's just so special to win it," he said, noting the Cup's special place in the family. "It's been a great race for the McEvoy family - Kerrin has won it three times, my brother owned a horse that ran second in it, and now we've won it." Calvin was equally overcome. "Unbelievable. Wow, I don't know what to say. He's come out of nowhere and done the double," he said. "At the 600 I saw he was still on the bridle and thought 'wow, just stay the trip' - and he did. What a horse. He just keeps raising the bar." Inglis Digital's Nick Melmeth described the result as both humbling and historic. "We're so pleased for Tony, Calvin and Damon - what an unbelievable result for them, and for us. This is a proud day. To now have claim to a Melbourne Cup winner is amazing," he said. Winning jockey Jamie Melham, who also rode Half Yours to Caulfield Cup success, became just the second female rider to win a Melbourne Cup. Bidding for the Inglis Digital November (Early) Sale closes on Wednesday at 10am, with 302 lots catalogued - including a share in VRC Oaks hopeful Morisu Ojo, and the progressive colt Equerry, a Randwick winner on Tuesday.