The vast racing operation Godolphin, which had the misfortune of having its Melbourne Cup hopeful Cavalryman withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup early on Tuesday morning, did receive some small compensation hours later.
Chad Schofield on Antelucan wins ahead of Michael Walker on Miss Idyllic. Photo: Getty Images
Under the care of trainer John O'Shea first stater Antelucan raced away to win the opening race on Melbourne Cup day.
Cavalryman's injury worsened in the last 24 hours making it impossible for the nine-year-old stallion to make the Cup.
However, Antelucan looks set to be a filly of the future judging by the ease of her victory in the opening race.
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"It's always great to win a race on the biggest day of the year. And she is a very nice little filly with plenty of scope and future," jockey Chad Schofield said.
Later on Tuesday Chad will join with father Glyn to be just the second father/son combination to contest a Melbourne Cup.