Rough, tumble and even stumble featured during spectacular racing over 24hours at Moonee Valley, Lankan Rupee being a major contributor, but Adelaide, benefitting from a trouble-free passage, stole the show on Saturday.
Rarely, if ever, have there been group1 finishes with so many in the photo, as in Friday night's Manikato Stakes, described as one of the best, most exciting races seen, despite the hard-luck stories.
The field of seven ended within two lengths of Lankan Rupee in the major sprint following mayhem in the early stages.
Sure, Irish stallion Adelaide deservedly gets the accolades for the Cox Plate triumph and was the best horse in the contest under the circumstances, but he did have a trouble-free run around the outside.
Certainly Fawkner, beaten a short neck, was given every chance by Nick Hall after stumbling badly atthe start.
"Well, it didn't do him any good," Hall said. Hall was able to get him balanced and into a perfect position.
Hall then had to make the first move towards the lead on a hot pace which he conceded "put him in a spot to be beaten".
Champion rider Damien Oliver, who handled Happy Trails, rated the race as "the most exciting finish I've ridden in since Super Impose [1992]" but "suited horses running on from behind".
But not Criterion, of the David Payne stable, under the circumstances. "It's a rough game, this," Payne said after Criterion struck trouble before ending up seventh. Nash Rawiller [Silent Achiever] was later suspended over the incident.
Tom Berry [Foreteller], too, figured the fifth placegetter should have finished closer.
Of course, it comes as jockeys are being criticised for showing no quarter. The Cox Plate has always been a battleground.
Earlier on Saturday's program Chad Schofield came down at the turn on Albonetti in the Moonee Valley Cup, took a count and got back on his feet. The race was won by Prince Of Penzance, Michelle Payne riding bold.
"When we got the run today it was tight coming around the corner," Michelle Payne said after thesuccess.
Still, before Adelaide came onto the scene, the major turf topic was Lankan Rupee and the Manikato protests. Official race caller Greg Miles commented: "It took forever."
Despite the world's best video technology the hearing, and decision, probably set a record for the time taken to get the result.
"We had to tick all the boxes," Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey said.
Oliver lodged a protest on behalf of Angelic Light, the second placegetter, while Tim Clark, who handled Famous Seamus, also objected against Lankan Rupee in a Manikato riddled with early interference.
Trying to sort out the fracas,e stewards questioned Damian Browne (Buffering) and Tegan Harrison (Temple Of Boom) as well as Newitt and the offended jockeys.
Questions arose regarding witnesses being called but, while not a regular occurrence, it is not unique to get a just outcome. Finally stewards deduced the interference to Angelic Light was a combination of Temple Of Boom initially shifting in before being taken further by Lankan Rupee.
However Newitt straightened his mount and the decision to dismiss was based on interference to Angelic Light not being fully attributed to the winner. Regarding Famous Seamus, the stewards felt the gelding "was being tightened prior Lankan Rupee having an influence".
Newitt was issued with neither asevere reprimand, which did not sit well with many, nor the merit for the victory.
