“SHE WAS BRAVE. SHE WAS KIND. SHE WAS LOVED.” — CHRIS WALLER’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE TO OHOPE WINS

A champion mare’s story ended in tragedy at one of Australia’s biggest racing events. Now, trainer Chris Waller and owner Yulong have shared an emotional tribute to the horse they say was far more than a champion on the track.

The racing world is mourning Ohope Wins after the four-year-old mare suffered fatal injuries in a fall during the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

With approximately 200 metres remaining in the 2,400-metre race, last year’s Melbourne Cup winner, Half Yours, fell following an incident in the pack. Ohope Wins, ridden by jockey Jye McNeil, was unable to avoid the fallen horse and also went down.

Veterinarians rushed to help, but Ohope Wins’ injuries were too severe, and she was humanely euthanised at the track.

“SHE WAS SO MUCH MORE”

In a moving statement, Chris Waller Racing and owner Yulong remembered Ohope Wins not only for her achievements, but also for the personality that made her special to those who cared for her.

“She was brave. She was kind. She was full of character. But more importantly, she was loved.”

The statement also recognised the people who had looked after the mare throughout her career, extending heartfelt thoughts to everyone affected by the loss.

For the stable staff who worked with her every day, Ohope Wins was not simply a name on a race card. She was a horse they knew, cared for and helped prepare for the biggest challenges of her career.

A TALENTED MARE REMEMBERED

Ohope Wins had established herself as a talented performer, winning both the New Zealand Oaks and the Australian Oaks in 2026.

Her success made her one of the notable mares of her generation, and her appearance in the prestigious Caulfield Cup was another major chapter in her racing career.

Her death has prompted renewed discussion about horse safety and accountability in Australian racing. Racing Victoria stewards said the incident would be examined, with a formal inquiry to follow.

 THE JOCKEYS’ RECOVERY

Both Jye McNeil and Mark Zahra, who was riding Half Yours, were taken to hospital for assessment after the fall.

Racing Victoria later reported that both jockeys had escaped serious injury. Half Yours was able to get back to his feet and was assessed by veterinarians.

While the human riders were fortunate to avoid serious harm, the loss of Ohope Wins has left connections and racing fans grieving. MORE THAN A RACEHORSE

Behind every celebrated racehorse are the people who care for it long before the crowds arrive and long after the race is over.

For Chris Waller, Yulong and the staff who knew Ohope Wins best, her legacy will be about more than trophies and victories. It will also be about the horse they remember as brave, kind and full of character.

May Ohope Wins be remembered for the talent she displayed, the people who loved her and the remarkable journey that brought her to the track.