O’Brien proud of Goodie Two Shoes

Joseph O’Brien’s quest for a third Melbourne Cup came up just short when runner-up Goodie Two Shoes was overpowered by winner Half Yours late in the Melbourne Cup, but the trainer was more than pleased with his mare’s effort.

Goodie Two Shoes looked the likely winner at the 200-metre mark, but a canny ride from Jamie Melham saw Half Yours slip up along the inside of the Irish mare and Wayne Lordan before powering clear.

“She’s run a blinder. I’m very proud of her and delighted for JP (McManus) and his family. Everyone got a great thrill out of her,” O’Brien said.

“You have to take your chances in a big field. I thought Wayne got a great spot from the draw and gave her a wonderful ride. There’s one horse better handicapped than us.”

O’Brien said Al Riffa, who finished seventh, had performed well but did not have the the race run to suit.

“Al Riffa ran a good race, he just didn’t get an ideal set up. But that’s racing and hopefully he pulls up good and we can make plans for him in the next week or 10 days,” he said.