Time for Brian Ellison to shine in the Melbourne Cup 2025

Few participants in the Melbourne Cup story have endured more setbacks in pursuit of the great race than UK trainer Brian Ellison. For two decades he has travelled to Flemington with hope, only for misfortune, injury or timing to intervene.

His Cup journey began in heartbreak. In 2005, Carte Diamond injured himself tragically after dislodging jockey Weichong Marwing during trackwork and attempting to jump a rail. It was a devastating blow to Ellison’s first serious tilt at the race.

He returned with Bay Story, who ran well in support races across Cup week and later in the Perth Cup, but disaster struck when the gelding broke down the following year.

In 2011 he saddled up Moyenne Corniche and Saptapadi — they finished 15th and 16th in the Cup. And then it was another long absence until the emergence of Onesmoothoperator, who claimed the Geelong Cup in 2024 before finishing midfield at Flemington.

This year, the gelding returns on the back of a strong win in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, and Ellison says everything has gone perfectly.

“We had a bad week last year after Geelong,” Ellison said.

“We were clipping him, and he jumped back and caught a heel and pulled a shoe off and got a cut on his heel.

“He was clipped earlier, he’s been tidied up and he’s nice and good and looks better this year.

“He’s also a better horse now and he learned a lot from last year.

“He enjoys being out here. At Moonee Valley he showed a great turn of foot. He’s improved from the race as he hadn’t raced for two months, and I think we’re in a great place.

“At the moment, touch wood, everything has been going to plan, but we’ve still got two days to get through.”

His final gallop at Werribee under Cup jockey Harry Coffey pleased connections.

Ellison says the Melbourne Cup means more to him than any other race he's travelled to contest.

“It’s the best place ever to come racing,” Ellison said.

“I’ve been to France, America and this is by far the best place I have ever come.”

Depending on how he performs, Onesmoothoperator could head to Hong Kong or return west for the Perth Cup.

If you’re having a flutter on the Melbourne Cup, be sure to compare the top Australian betting sites for the best offers.