Jye McNeil hopeful of Melbourne Cup victory on Valiant King after silent triumph on Twilight Payment in 2020
Jockey Jye McNeil dreams of a tumultuous Melbourne Cup winning reception on Valiant King tomorrow after his silent triumph five years ago in the iconic Flemington race which stops a nation.
Victorian-based McNeil, confident he will be hard to beat on the Chris Waller-trained second favourite, wrote his name into Australian history books aboard 2020 victor Twilight Payment.
But a COVID lockdown had been enforced when the Irish stayer raced clear and Flemington was virtually deserted. Only jockeys, trainers, selected officials and restricted stable staff were permitted oncourse.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.There were no cheers or adulation as Twilight Payment and McNeil, who was then 26, hit the line.
“A Melbourne Cup win had for years been only in my wildest imagination,” McNeil said on Monday. “But when my lifetime ambition was spectacularly fulfilled and I returned to scale, instead of sky high elation, it was eerily quiet in an empty mounting yard.
“It was so strange to have no roar of the crowd. However, I will always remember the unique circumstances as being incredibly powerful. Other jockeys and the few available officials warmly congratulated me.
“While the Melbourne Cup crowds are up to 100,000, it seemed like only about 10 people were there for the biggest moment of my career.”
Twilight Payment’s trainer Joseph O’Brien stayed in Ireland because of COVID limitations.
“Joseph phoned me on cup eve with tactics instructions. I was calm and confident, with clear plans,” McNeil said.
“Twilight Payment was in the zone and I made a move on him at the 1200m. The home straight felt like it was forever, but Twilight Payment kept fighting on.”
McNeil is highly optimistic of repeat glory when riding Valiant King, after his last-start third in the Caulfield Cup (2400m).
“Valiant King is the right horse, in the right shape at the right time,” McNeil said. “He’s tough, genuine, stays all day and is prepared by master trainer Chris Waller. If we get the forecast heavy rain, he’ll swim.
“He’s come through the Caulfield Cup in great order and is drawn better this time. In the Caulfield Cup, we had an outside barrier and got back in the field.
“Valiant King feels great every time I sit aboard him and his work on Tuesday was outstanding.”
