Melbourne Cup 2022: First pictures emerge of Gold Trip back in Ciaron Maher Racing stables after Cup victory

While his connections are lapping up a stunning Melbourne Cup victory, winning horse Gold Trip’s night is a more low-key affair.

The five-year-old has been pictured back in his stables with a hand-written sign on the gate which reads “2022 Melbourne Cup winner”.

Gold Trip, ridden by Western Australian jockey Mark Zahra was a $21 outsider before the race, but stormed home to win ahead of Emissary and High Emocean.

It is the French-bred horse’s second career win.

The picture was posted to Ciaron Mahor Racing’s social media accounts with the caption “good boy”.

The race was run without incident, with all 22 starting horses being cleared of injury. That includes Interpretation, the only runner not to finish.

Winning trainer Ciaron Maher has heaped praise on jockey Mark Zahra, revealing Gold Trip wasn’t an easy ride, and said the West Aussie jockey rode to a clear plan.

“A fantastic effort by the whole team. This horse is quite dicey and he’s done a fantastic job,” he said.

“And to run in three of the big ones and have him present in the Cup like that was fantastic.

“We had a plan going out, Mark. He was very good on him in the Caulfield Cup. We just wanted to wait, wait, wait and we know he got that good turn of foot. He was fantastic.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s a dream come true. I’m just thrilled.”