Defiantly has secured a ballot-exempt berth in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) following a commanding performance in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) at Deauville on Sunday. This victory gives trainer Joseph O’Brien another strong contender for a race where he has previously achieved significant success.
This year marked the first time the Kergorlay served as a Melbourne Cup Golden Ticket, granting the winner automatic entry into the Flemington feature on November 3rd. Defiantly seized this opportunity decisively, following a path previously trodden by notable champions.
Americain claimed the Kergorlay before capturing the Melbourne Cup in 2010, and Protectionist replicated this feat four years later. The latter was acquired by a syndicate including Australia Bloodstock after his Deauville triumph, lending a notable historical significance to Defiantly’s success for his connections.
O’Brien’s personal record in the Melbourne Cup is also impressive. Rekindling delivered his maiden Cup win in 2017, Twilight Payment added another in 2020, and Goodie Two Shoes secured a second placing for the stable last year.
The four-year-old had been steadily progressing through the staying handicap ranks over the summer. He narrowly missed victory, finishing a head behind Kizlyar in the Class 2 Ascot Stakes (two miles and four furlongs) at Royal Ascot, before a three-length win over Berkshire Sundance in the Class 2 Coral Goodwood Handicap (two miles and four-and-a-half furlongs) at Goodwood.
His introduction to Group company saw a further elevation in performance. Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle guided Defiantly to the lead, setting a consistent pace through the early stages. The tempo increased significantly some way from home, stringing out the field approaching the home turn. The leader maintained a composed rhythm as his rivals began to struggle.
When asked to extend in the straight, Defiantly responded with vigour, widening the gap to defeat Santorini Star by five and a half lengths. Double Major finished a further five lengths adrift in third.
“He’s a solid horse and has improved with every run,” McMonagle told Sky Sports Racing. “He’s a strong stayer, he doesn’t do too much and he’s always behind the bridle which helps over this trip. Every question you ask him, he responds good. There doesn’t seem to be a bottom to him, he continues to stay. He’s a solid candidate for the Melbourne Cup and handles the fast ground. He’s got all the right qualities for it.”
An additional Australian lineage exists in the horse’s pedigree. Defiantly is a half-sibling to Group 1 Underwood Stakes victor Buckaroo and to Middle Earth, who secured third place in the 2025 Group 1 Melbourne Cup.
Punters looking to back a strong stayer can explore the racing odds available at Australian betting sites.