Kerrin McEvoy wins the Melbourne Cup on Almandin at Flemington Racecourse

Almandin, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, has won the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse. The 36-year-old Australian became a two-time winner of the prestigious race in front of 100,000 people on the course after previously triumphing on Brew in 2000.

McEvoy was forced to overcome a stiff challenge from Heartbreak City, who finished second after a thrilling head-to-head contest in the closing stages. He subsequently described winning the world's richest two-mile handicap – which carries a A$3.6m (£2.25m, $2.75m) prize – as "a dream come true".

The 16-year gap between McEvoy's Melbourne Cup triumphs is the longest in the history of the event. And after the race, the victorious jockey paid tribute to his wife – who is currently pregnant with their fourth child – for helping him to achieve his latest career landmark.

"My wife, Kathy, has been handling the brunt of the workload with the kids in Sydney while I've been down here riding winners in Melbourne," he explained to reporters. "So I'd like to thank you, my lovely wife."

South Australian-born McEvoy also said he can now turn his attention fully towards the birth of his child. "Funny when I spoke to [the horse's owner] Lloyd [Williams] the other day he said: 'When is the baby due?' and I said: 'Don't worry I'll be there on Tuesday regardless of the situation'," McEvoy said, according to the Huffington Post. "Kathy was aware of that. Great to have it done. They'll be thrilled."