WATCH: Strong Limerick links to Lexus Melbourne Cup winner and runner-up Down Under

THERE was a strong Limerick link to the winner of the famed Lexus Melbourne Cup in Australia, the race that stops a nation Down Under.

Half Yours scored a thrilling two-and-three-quarter-length victory in the €5.65million Group 1 handicap at Flemington on Tuesday for jockey Jamie Melham who became the second female jockey to win the prestigious race.

Half Yours, an 8/1 shot for the big race, is trained by the father-and-son partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy. Their assistant trainer at the yard is Limerick man, Fionnan (Finn) McCarthy from Fedamore.

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Finn has been in Australia for the past seven years, starting out as a work rider for the McEvoys before progressing to the roel of assistant trainer. 

HerStory @jamieleemelham becomes the first female jockey ever to complete the Cups double, guiding HALF YOURS to victory in the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

@wwos | #MelbourneCup | #MelbCupCarnival pic.twitter.com/1PXMggTqVV

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 4, 2025

McCarthy has strong racing links as his mother Patricia is a sister of Limerick-based trainer Charles Byrnes. 

He began riding with Limerick Pony Club before progressing to show jumping, hunting and pony racing.

McCarthy won a prestigious leadership Award at the 2024 Godolphin Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

Limerick owner JP McManus claimed second spot in the Lexus Melbourne Cup when Goodie Two Shoes finished runner-up in the race for trainer Joseph O'Brien. It was the first time for McManus to have a runner in the prestigious race. 

Wayne Lordan's mount was sent off a 40-1 shot but hit the front in the home straight before being headed with a furlong to run by the winner Half Yours.

Six-year-old Goodie Two Shoes was bred by Noreen McManus.