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

The four-year-old mare’s life was cut short in a devastating fall at the Caulfield Cup, leaving her trainer, stable team and racing fans mourning a champion 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 fall during the Caulfield Cup in Australia on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

With only around 300 metres remaining, last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours fell during a crowded stretch of the race. Ohope Wins, ridden by jockey Jye McNeil, was unable to avoid the fallen horse and also went down.

Veterinarians rushed to assist the mare, but her injuries were too severe to save her. Racing Victoria confirmed that she was humanely euthanised at the track.

A tribute that captured the horse behind the champion

Trainer Chris Waller and Ohope Wins’ owners, Yulong, shared an emotional tribute that reflected the deep bond between the mare and the people who cared for her.

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

Those words offered a glimpse of what Ohope Wins meant to her connections beyond the racecourse. To the people who worked with her every day, she was not simply a successful racehorse — she was a much-loved member of their team.

The tribute also extended heartfelt condolences to everyone who had been part of her journey, particularly the stable staff who cared for her throughout her career.

 A remarkable career cut short

Ohope Wins had already made her mark in racing, earning major victories including the New Zealand Oaks and the ATC Oaks. Her achievements established her as a standout mare, but her loss has reminded fans that behind every racing champion are people who devote countless hours to their care and preparation.

The same incident also involved Half Yours, whose jockey, Mark Zahra, was thrown from the horse. Both Zahra and McNeil were taken to hospital for assessment. Subsequent reports said both jockeys escaped serious injury.

What the inquiry found

On October 20, Racing Victoria stewards concluded their inquiry into the fall. After reviewing race footage and hearing evidence from the jockeys involved, stewards said they could not attribute the incident to the careless actions of any one rider.

The inquiry found that contact between two horses caused them to become unbalanced, eventually leaving Half Yours with insufficient room before falling. Ohope Wins was brought down when she could not avoid the fallen horse. The incident was also referred for a veterinary review.

 Remembering Ohope Wins

For those who loved and cared for Ohope Wins, the heartbreak goes beyond the trophies and results. Her legacy includes the daily work, affection and special moments shared with the people who knew her best.

Her achievements will remain part of racing history, but the words in her farewell say what mattered most to those closest to her: she was brave, she was kind, and she was loved.

Rest peacefully, Ohope Wins. 🕊️