Melbourne Cup 2020: Twilight Payment wins Melbourne Cup ahead of Tiger Moth and Prince of Arran

Twilight Payment has caused an upset in the 2020 Melbourne Cup, winning a close finish ahead of Tiger Moth and Prince of Arran. 

Paying $29.10, Twilight Payment hit the front early and held onto a six-length lead with 1000m to race.

Tiger Moth, which had sat third for most of the race, put in a strong finish in the straight, but couldn't kick to the line.  

Prince of Arran sprinted down the outside, and was closing in the final 50m but ended up in third. 

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Winning jockey Jye McNeil, who had his first son earlier in the year, said running from the front was always the plan. 

"I had to be positive, because he was a touch slow to find his rhythm. I encouraged him to go forward, because that was the plan," he said. 

"He found such a lovely tempo and the top and got into a fantastic rhythm, breathing really well. Then it was just a matter of amping the tempo up at the right stage. 

"I'm just glad it all worked out."

While Twilight Payment was unfancied, McNeil was confident it had the strength to hold on at the finish.  

"They wanted me to be a step ahead of the field, and really get them chasing," he said.  

"What he lacks in class, he really makes up for in his staying ability. 

"I was very vocal trying to encourage him in the final 200m metres. I just had goosebumps. 

"It's been a lifetime dream to get this moment and to be the winner is very surreal." 

In worrying scenes, Anthony Van Dyke pulled up in the home straight and was unable to finish. We'll bring more updates on Anthony Van Dyke as they come to hand. 

2020 MELBOURNE CUP RESULTS, FINISHERS LIST