Rekindling wins the 2017 Melbourne Cup and claims $3.2m

Rekindling has stormed home to win the 2017 Melbourne Cup, taking home $3.2 million in prize money in the 157th addition of the world’s greatest race.

The four-year-old’s win proved a fairytale for jockey Corey Brown and owner Lloyd Williams, who won the race for a sixth time.

More than $1 billion was plunged on the race by punters across Australia, many who either had the day off or finished work early to watch the event.

Marmelo, the favourite heading into the race, and last year’s winner Almandin could do little to match the equine star over the 3200 metres of the Flemington track.

The four-year-old’s win proved a fairytale for jockey Corey Brown and owner Lloyd Williams who has won his sixth race (Pictured is Williams with his 2016 winner Almandin)

Race organisers were relieved to escape controversy with all runners finishing, after a number broke down in recent years.

But the day wasn’t without controversy with top jockey Joao ‘The Magic Man’ Moreira forced to forfeit his ride on outsider Thomas Hobson after a fall in an earlier race.

The Brazilian-born 33-year-old was riding Regal Monarch when he collided with a horse at the back of the pack, before being trampled by another horse. 

Pictures showed Moreira being treated by paramedics as he lay on the Flemington track. 

The day wasn’t without controversy with superstar jockey Joao Moreira falling during an early race and being forced to pull out of the Melbourne Cup

Pictures showed ‘The Magic Man’ Moreira being treated by doctors as he lay on the Flemington track