Mullins has return to Melbourne in mind

Willie Mullins already has one eye on next year’s Melbourne Cup for Max Dynamite, following his fantastic effort to fill the runner-up spot at Flemington on Tuesday.

The five-year-old was beaten just half a length by 100-1 shot Prince Of Penzance as Michelle Payne become the first female rider in history to win the great race.

Max Dynamite will now be considered for trips to Japan and Hong Kong, before being aimed at the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot next summer and another trip Down Under.

Mullins told Radio TAB: “Looking at him, I wouldn’t have any fears about coming back on firm ground.

“We’re invited to Japan and we’re invited to Hong Kong.

“I’ll have a chat to see what the plan is, but our main plan for next season would be Ascot Gold Cup, Melbourne Cup, with one or two races in between.

“You must remember this guy was training to go jumping all winter and it was an afterthought to come Flat racing.”

Ascot head of international racing Nick Smith expects Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne to be a “fantastic addition” to next year’s Shergar Cup.

Girls’ team

After her historic win in Melbourne, Smith did not waste any time in approaching Payne in an attempt to lure her to the popular fixture next summer, and is thrilled she has agreed to be part of the girls’ team.

He said: “I had a chat with Michelle and she was absolutely charming and said she really wanted to come over and have an invite.

“At the end of the day, for a woman to win the Melbourne Cup is is one of the most important things ever to happen in racing.

“She is a really good jockey and has shown such enthusiasm to ride in our event, which is great to see.

“I’m sure she will be a fantastic addition to the girls’ team next year.”

Payne will line up alongside Canadian rider Emma-Jayne Wilson in the Shergar Cup at Ascot next August, with the third member of the girls’ team to be confirmed in due course.