Flemington

21 At his final appearance, after a year’s break, he finished a close fourth. Here is his tally: 1929 Sixth (ridden by Jack O’Brien) behind Nightmarch 1930 Third (Pat Tehan) behind Phar Lap and Second Wind 1931 Second (William Scanlon) to White Nose 1932 Third (Ernie Baxter) behind Peter Pan and Yarramba 1933 Second (Scobie Breasley) to Hall Mark 1935 Fourth (Scobie Breasley) behind Marabou Six-time Melbourne Cup contender Shadow King. (Australian Racing Museum) The only other horse until recent times to achieve three Cup minor placings was the mare Sarcherie, in 1934, 1935 and 1937. The British galloper Red Cadeaux scored three second-places, in 2011, 2013 and 2014. He competed again in 2015 but injured himself in the running. Prince of Arran, recently retired, finished third, second and third in the last three editions of the Lexus Melbourne Cup. Apart from these, only the great Makybe Diva with her three victories from 2003 to 2005 can boast three placings in the Cup. This leaves Shadow King in a category all of his own. By the end of his turf career at age 10, he had become ‘Old Shadow’ to the public, cheered at every appearance. His final race was at Flemington, unplaced in the Bagot Handicap, New Year’s Day 1936.