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

The champion mare’s promising career ended in tragedy at the Caulfield Cup, leaving her connections and racing fans mourning a horse remembered for far more than her victories.

The racing world is mourning Ohope Wins after the talented New Zealand mare suffered fatal injuries in a devastating fall during Australia’s prestigious Caulfield Cup on October 17.

Trainer Chris Waller and the mare’s owners, Yulong, shared an emotional tribute after veterinarians were unable to save her. Their words captured the deep bond between a racehorse and the people who cared for her every day.

“Ohope Wins was a true star of the turf, but to the people who looked after her every day, she was so much more,” the statement said.

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

A TRAGIC MOMENT ON THE RACECOURSE

The incident happened during the 2,400-metre Caulfield Cup, with approximately 200 metres remaining. Half Yours, the previous year’s Melbourne Cup winner, fell during a racing incident in the pack.

Ohope Wins, ridden by jockey Jye McNeil, was unable to avoid the fallen horse and also came down.

Veterinarians immediately attended to the mare, but the injuries were too severe to overcome. Racing Victoria later confirmed that she had been humanely euthanised.

Half Yours regained his feet and was assessed by veterinarians. Both jockeys, McNeil and Mark Zahra, were taken to hospital for further assessment.

Racing Victoria confirmed that stewards would investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a separate veterinary review also planned.

A CHAMPION REMEMBERED FOR HER TALENT AND TEMPERAMENT

Ohope Wins had achieved remarkable success during her relatively short career. She won both the New Zealand Oaks and the Australian Oaks, establishing herself as a standout mare over longer distances.

Before joining Waller’s Sydney stable, she was trained in New Zealand by Andrew Scott and Lance O’Sullivan.

Scott remembered her as kind, athletic, willing to learn and exceptionally talented. He said she ranked among the best horses their team had trained and described her as a much-loved member of the stable.

Her success brought pride to the people who bred, owned and trained her. But behind the trophies and Group One victories was a horse whose temperament and character had made her special to those around her.

“WE WON’T FORGET HER”

The loss has been felt across both sides of the Tasman Sea, among the New Zealand and Australian racing communities.

For Waller, Yulong and the staff who cared for Ohope Wins, the tragedy was not simply the loss of a successful racehorse. It was the loss of an animal they had watched develop, worked with daily and grown attached to.

As tributes continue to emerge, her achievements remain part of her legacy — but so does the affection expressed by the people who knew her best.

Ohope Wins will be remembered for the races she won, the talent she displayed and the people whose lives she touched.

💔 Rest in peace, Ohope Wins.