Knight's Choice ridden by Robbie Dolan returns to the mounting yard after winning the Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos)
An Irish jockey who considered a singing career instead of the turf has won one of the biggest races of the year at 90/1 odds.
Robbie Dolan, who was a finalist in The Voice Australia 2022, won the Lexus Melbourne Cup with outsider Knight’s Choice, for trainers Sheila Laxon and John Symons.
It was a first ride in the race for Robbie, who moved to Australia from Ireland eight years ago, and said he could not quite believe his victory.
“Well, pinch me. I think I’m dreaming,” he said. “This is the biggest race in the world, and to win it is just incredible.
“I’ve got my family here, my partner Christine, our little baby Masie. My dad flew over from Ireland, and now you’ve got me in tears.”
Robbie appeared on The Voice two years ago and made it to the last 24, mentored by singer Rita Ora. He said after his Melbourne Cup win that he could “easily have given up riding” to sing, but that his love for racing and horses drew him back. But it was music that led him to trainer Sheila Laxon, as he met her while he was singing on the Melbourne Cup-themed cruise.
“What an amazing ride by Robbie,” Sheila said. “He’s not just a good singer!”
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Robbie added that many had doubted the five-year-old Knight’s Choice but he kept the faith.
“He’s only a small little horse, but he gives his all every start, and that’s half the battle with him,” he said. “And he’s proved a lot of people wrong.”
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
