McEvoy at ease before Melbourne Cup win

Melbourne Cup winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy says he felt no pressure riding for Lloyd Williams in the Melbourne Cup.

McEvoy guided Almandin to victory in Tuesday’s Cup giving the rider his second victory, 16 years after his first on Brew in 2000 and the leviathan owner as record fifth.

“I’ve been riding for Lloyd for many years and more so in the last 12 to 18 months,” McEvoy said.

“Yesterday he really put me at ease.

“We spoke briefly on Monday about the race and how it might unfold.

“He said basically there’s no point me telling you how to do it because Melbourne Cups can change dramatically over 50 or 100 metres and he left me with a blank canvas.

“I went out with a few scenarios in my head how I wanted it to play out and I was pretty much able to that.”

McEvoy described Tuesday’s victory as sweeter than his first.

“I was spoilt going to my first Melbourne Cup and being able to win,” he said.

Banner error, could not find casino id "william-hill-sport"

“The 16 years since highlights just how hard it is to win.

“The stature of the Melbourne Cup has just grown over the years.”

McEvoy said he was thankful to Williams and the Macedon Lodge staff for producing Almandin in fantastic order ahead of Tuesday’s race.

The jockey was at Macedon Lodge on Wednesday for the first time and noticed how relaxed the horses were.

He said he was keen to ride Almandin after his win in the Bart Cummings at Flemington on October 2 and knew the stayer was prepared really well for the race.

The jockey also complimented Joao Moreira who leaned over to pat McEvoy on the back after finishing second on Heartbreak City following a neck and neck struggle over the final 300 metres.

“It was a nice moment and Joao’s a great competitor and a really nice man,” McEvoy said.

“I won’t forget that for sure.

“He gave his a great ride and there were no hard luck stories.

“The best horse won on the day.”