German import Almandin won a thrilling sprint to the line to claim the A$6.2 million (US$4.75 million) Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse yesterday.

Roared on by a festive crowd of more than 100,000 people, Almandin emerged at the final turn to haul in Heartbreak City by a neck at the end of the gruelling two-mile handicap.

It gave local businessman Lloyd Williams a record fifth Melbourne Cup as an owner and jockey Kerrin McEvoy his second truimph after his win on Brew in 2000.

The seven-year-old gelding’s Australian trainer Robert Hickmott also claimed his second Cup in its 156th running, having prepared 2012 winner Green Moon.

“He travelled well,” McEvoy said from the saddle, having timed the 11-1 shot’s run to perfection.

“How lucky am I, mate? The elation is just unreal.

“Just a dream, mate, to win my second Cup. It’s just a dream come true. I love these staying races, I love the Melbourne Cup.”

McEvoy set a record for the longest gap between Cup wins for a jockey and his triumph came less than a week before his wife Cathy Payne, the sister of last year’s winning jockey Michelle Payne, was due to have their fourth child.

“Cathy’s at home, love you guys, hope you didn’t cheer too loudly and the baby popped out,” the 36-year-old said.

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