And, making things even sweeter, Pagan himself owns the horse, having bought it for just $ 50,000 pounds – and will pocket the first-place prize of around $ 1.2 million!
Inexperienced jockey Lachlan King was the man above the winning trio of the 2,500m race for the stayers
Pagan is an AFL icon, having coached North Melbourne to prime ministerial positions in 1996 and 1999, after spending 120 games at the club
Ironically, one of his coaching tactics was dubbed ‘Pagan’s Paddock,’ centered around creating space for superstar forward Wayne Carey during his time at the club
When asked how it was compared to winning an AFL Grand Final, a shocked Pagan said: « It’s ten times better a minute »
« It’s an amazing feeling I thought it was low key, I handled it well Had a nice lunch yesterday, probably too much to drink, and I didn’t expect it »
Winning jockey Lachie King said, “To be honest I can’t thank him enough (Pagan) He was the best thing that ever happened to me in my career You know I wasn’t doing too well he six years ago This horse is fair – six months ago This horse kept me awake in the morning, it was so easy and I can’t explain the feeling It’s amazing «
Ashrun booked a spot in the Melbourne Cup after knocking out the Lexus Hotham Stakes from Group 3
Coming from the last place of the turn, Kerrin McEvoy led the horse trained by Andreas Wohler to victory over 2,500m, taking the top prize of $ 120,000, but most importantly a place in the big race next week
The #MelbourneCup dream is alive for Ashrun 🏆 From behind the field, Ashrun stormed home to Pip Sound on the line in the Lexus Hotham Stakes imageTwittercom / 9fEC4T8cQo
Craig Williams brought the stunning filly back first, to her second victory of the day September Run, the daughter of Exceed and Excel coached by Chris Waller, took home $ 4 – her third straight victory in the famous straight of Flemington
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Victoria Derby, Denis Pagan, horse racing
World News – AU – Derby Day LIVE: Pagan, two-time coach of AFL Prime Minister, expresses his shock
