90 Years Ago: Wotan’s 100/1 Melbourne Cup triumph

Wotan became just the second horse to win the Melbourne Cup at 100/1 odds, following The Pearl (1871) and preceding Old Rowley (1940) and Prince of Penzance (2015). Although his form leading into the race was modest, his pedigree suggested elite staying power; he was a half-brother to Gaine Carrington (1933 Caulfield Cup winner) and Peter Jackson (1933 Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner). Connections always knew he would stay two miles.

Despite his long price, Wotan’s New Zealand owners, the Smith brothers, won over £35,000 by strategically placing small bets across the ring to avoid attracting attention. Well-known Victorian jockey Ossie Phillips only secured the ride late after regular rider Jack O’Brien broke his arm. Phillips, expecting little more than a losing rider’s fee, was stunned by the victory.

The horse was trained by Jack Fryer, who later achieved further success training Skipton to a Victoria Derby and Melbourne Cup double in 1941. As well as the 1943 Caulfield Cup.