RV Stewards' Report - Caulfield Cup

Racing Victoria Stewards have today concluded an inquiry previously adjourned following the running of the Caulfield Cup on Saturday, 17 October 2026 where near the 300m, Half Yours fell and Ohope Wins that was trailing was brought down by the fallen Half Yours.

On Saturday, 17 October 2026 initial evidence was taken from Ethan Brown (Zahrann), Rachel King (Green Spaces), and apprentice Jabez Johnstone (Kings Valley), assisted by Matthew Hyland, Chief Executive Officer Victorian Jockeys' Association. The inquiry was adjourned due to riders Mark Zahra (Half Yours) and Jye McNeil (Ohope Wins) being transported to Hospital.

At today’s hearing conducted at the offices of Racing Victoria, evidence was taken from Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil along with all riders who gave evidence at the initial hearing. Matthew Hyland again assisted Jabez Johnstone.

On the evidence Stewards established that near the 300m Kings Valley shifted out marginally and Green Spaces shifted in slightly under pressure when tiring resulting in both horses making contact. As a result of this contact, Green Spaces became unbalanced after being brushed on the hindquarters by Kings Valley. Green Spaces when unbalanced was turned inwards and shifted in making further contact with Kings Valley which also became unbalanced and was taken in tightening the running of Half Yours.

As a result, Half Yours was tightened for room between Kings Valley and Zahrann which had established clear running around the tiring Royal Supremacy. A short distance later, Half Yours subsequently fell.

Ohope Wins that was trailing was subsequently brought down when unable to avoid the fallen Half Yours.

Following a thorough review of the evidence of the riders along with Mr Hyland, which was inclusive of numerous camera angles, Stewards could not attribute the incident to the careless actions of any one particular rider. The Stewards are of the view that the marginal shifts from both Green Spaces, when under pressure, and Kings Valley resulted in both those runners becoming unbalanced and shifting in ultimately resulting in Half Yours being tightened and falling. Further, Stewards were satisfied Zahrann and Half Yours had both established a clear run prior to Half Yours meeting with interference.

Stewards found that Rachel King and Jabez Johnstone had both taken the necessary corrective measures to straighten and relieve any pressure caused by their mounts to Half Yours. Furthermore, Ethan Brown rider of Zahrann had not contributed to Half Yours being tightened for room.

As is routine practice, prior to resuming racing Stewards conducted an inspection of the track where the incident occurred and found no safety issues with the racing surface. Race 10 was subsequently conducted without incident.

The inquiry is now closed, and no further action will be taken against any rider.

Ohope Wins sustained a serious racing injury and despite veterinary attention could not be saved. This incident has been referred to the RV Veterinary Services Department as is standard practice.

Co-Trainer Mr Tony McEvoy advised that Half Yours had received treatment for lacerations and abrasions and was recovering well, however would now be spelled.

Rider Jye McNeil has subsequently been cleared of any injury and is expected to resume race riding at the Geelong Cup race meeting on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

Rider Mark Zahra is meeting with his doctors again today, with a decision on his likely return to riding expected after that.