Kris Lees takes Guard for Lloyd Williams in the Melbourne Cup 2025

Changingoftheguard may not be among the more fancied runners for Tuesday’s $10 million Melbourne Cup, but his participation alone is a meaningful milestone for Kris Lees.

The Newcastle horseman will line up his first Melbourne Cup starter in the famous navy and white colours of champion owner Lloyd Williams.

Williams, who holds the record with seven Melbourne Cup wins, is part of the ownership group behind the European import, who will attempt to deliver the owner yet another triumph at Flemington.

Lees has trained horses for Williams since the owner wound back his use of a private training setup, and he thought he would get his chance in 2023 with Cleveland—before illness forced a race-eve scratching.

“Two years ago we were scratched the day before with Cleveland, who got crook on the Sunday,” Lees said.

“It’s an honour to be training his horses, but to have one in the Cup and those colours is very special.

“They’ve got a lot of history behind them and I’m very respectful of the history and very respectful of the team.”

Williams has had Cup winners trained by the likes of Tommy Smith, Graeme Rogerson, Robert Hickmott and Joseph O’Brien, and Lees will try to join that elite list.

Changingoftheguard arrives at big odds after finishing sixth under topweight in the Geelong Cup, but Lees is willing to overlook that run.

“He just really struggled on what was a ‘gluey’ track at Geelong with a 60 kilos,” Lees said.

“I’m really pleased with his work. He’s had a good foundation, he’s been up since June, and I think he’s in good order.

“In a proper run two-mile race with no weight and a good on speed jockey, I think he’ll run a bold race.”

He drops sharply to 53kg and will break from the widest gate with Tim Clark taking the reins.

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