### Historic Melbourne Cup 2025: Jamie Melham Makes History with Half Yours The 2025 Melbourne Cup, held on November 4 at Flemington, witnessed a historic moment as Jamie Melham became only the second female jockey to win this prestigious race, riding Half Yours to victory. This win not only marked a significant achievement for Melham but also made her the first woman to secure both the Melbourne Cup and the Caulfield Cup, a rare double in Australian horse racing history. The event, often referred to as "the race that stops a nation," showcased the growing prominence of female jockeys in a traditionally male-dominated sport. ### Structure of the Melbourne Cup 2025 Event 1. **Overview of the Race** - The Melbourne Cup is Australia's most famous horse race, with a prize pool of A$10 million (approximately US$6.5 million) [https://www.ftimes.com/news/national/jamie-melham-on-half-yours-only-second-woman-to-win-melbourne-cup/article_21f5bbdd-9229-51f4-a1dc-a40ef89f7300.html]. - Held annually on the first Tuesday of November, it attracts significant attention from both local and international audiences. 2. **Jamie Melham's Historic Win** - Melham's victory on Half Yours not only made her the second woman to win the Melbourne Cup but also the first female jockey to achieve the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double [https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331424/trailblazer-melham-rides-half-yours-melbourne-cup-glory-completes-rare-double]. - Her win is seen as a milestone for gender representation in horse racing, inspiring future generations of female jockeys [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/Horse-racing-Inspired-by-Payne-Melham-savours-crowning-moment-at-Melbourne-Cup]. 3. **Emotional Tribute and Personal Significance** - Following her win, Melham paid tribute to her late grandfather, who was a significant supporter of her career, highlighting the personal stakes involved in her victory [https://thenightly.com.au/sport/horse-racing/jamie-melham-pays-emotional-tribute-to-late-grandfather-after-winning-melbourne-cup-c-20572182]. - This emotional connection adds depth to her achievement, showcasing the intertwining of personal and professional milestones in sports [https://thenightly.com.au/sport/horse-racing/melbourne-cup-2025-half-yours-salutes-as-jamie-melham-becomes-second-female-to-win-australias-biggest-race-c-20570985]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Statistics from the Race:** - **Winner:** Half Yours, ridden by Jamie Melham. - **Prize Money:** A$10 million (US$6.5 million) [https://www.thetimes.com/sport/horse-racing/article/melbourne-cup-jamie-melham-nrls0wv53]. - **Historical Context:** Melham is the first female jockey to win both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, a feat achieved by only 13 horses in history [https://www.afr.com/companies/sport/billionaire-s-massive-bet-creates-new-melbourne-cup-favourite-20251103-p5n7cj?instance=2025-11-04-11-58-AEDT&jobid=31977265&list_name=EBE726C6-38DF-4725-9BE4-5091999D8384&mbnr=MzI2MzUyODY&promote_channel=edmail]. ### Conclusion: A Milestone in Horse Racing History **Jamie Melham's victory in the 2025 Melbourne Cup represents a significant milestone in the world of horse racing, particularly for female jockeys.** 1. **Historic Achievement:** Melham's win on Half Yours not only adds her name to the list of Melbourne Cup winners but also sets a precedent for future female competitors [https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331424/trailblazer-melham-rides-half-yours-melbourne-cup-glory-completes-rare-double]. 2. **Inspiration for Future Generations:** Her success serves as an inspiration, encouraging more women to pursue careers in horse racing [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/Horse-racing-Inspired-by-Payne-Melham-savours-crowning-moment-at-Melbourne-Cup]. 3. **Emotional Resonance:** The personal significance of her win, marked by a tribute to her grandfather, adds a heartfelt layer to this historic achievement [https://thenightly.com.au/sport/horse-racing/jamie-melham-pays-emotional-tribute-to-late-grandfather-after-winning-melbourne-cup-c-20572182]. This event not only celebrates Melham's individual success but also highlights the evolving landscape of horse racing, where female jockeys are increasingly making their mark.