Jamie Melham’s Unstoppable Ride Toward Melbourne Cup Glory
Every now and then, a story comes along that feels like it’s meant to define a moment in sport—and right now, that story belongs to Jamie Melham. The 2025 Melbourne Cup isn’t just another race for her; it’s the chance to cement her name in racing history.
Just over two weeks ago, Jamie etched her name into the record books by becoming the first female jockey to win the Caulfield Cup, guiding Half Yours to victory. Now, she’s on the brink of achieving something that’s never been done before—the Caulfield Cup–Melbourne Cup double, both won by a woman. And if her form, determination, and focus are any indication, she might just pull it off.
At a Melbourne Cup event earlier this week, surrounded by big names like Chris Waller and Gai Waterhouse, it wasn’t the trainers or owners who drew the spotlight—it was Jamie. Despite her quiet, humble demeanor, there’s a magnetic confidence about her. She doesn’t chase the limelight, but it seems to follow her anyway. After the formalities ended, she slipped away to continue her meticulous Cup preparations. This will be her fifth ride in the Melbourne Cup, having already placed third twice, including her impressive debut in 2020.
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Her approach is all about routine and calm. “I don’t like changing too much,” she shared. “I’ll ride trackwork in the morning, help Ben at the gym later, maybe a sauna at night, and just go through the form as usual.” That discipline has been her anchor through the highs and lows of her extraordinary journey.
Before racing, Jamie was a showjumping prodigy and the daughter of Olympic speed skaters—a mix of natural athleticism and fearless drive. She burst into prominence early in her career, dominating South Australian racing before moving to Melbourne in 2019. Within months, she captured the Australian Cup, and by 2021, she’d made history again—becoming the first jockey in Victoria, male or female, to ride 100 metropolitan winners in a single season.
Now, at 29, she’s not only one of the most successful jockeys of her generation but also part of racing’s ultimate power couple. She and her husband, fellow jockey Ben Melham, will make history as the first married pair to ride in the same Melbourne Cup—Jamie on the favorite Half Yours and Ben on outsider Smokin’ Romans.
Her connection with Half Yours seems almost effortless. The gelding, trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, has been in sparkling form leading up to the Cup. After strong performances in the Naturalism Stakes and Turnbull Stakes, he stormed home to win the Caulfield Cup. With a favorable draw in barrier four, Jamie’s plan is simple: find a good position early, stay calm, and unleash at the 400-metre mark.
When asked what winning the Melbourne Cup would mean to her, Jamie smiled and said, “I’ll tell you after three o’clock tomorrow.” Confident, composed, and completely focused—she’s not just chasing history, she’s ready to make it.
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