British stayer Cross Counter won the 158th running of the Melbourne Cup, handing the powerful Godolphin stable a first win in Australia’s most famous horse race after 20 years of frustration.

On a heavy Flemington Racecourse, Cross Counter took the race ahead of Marmelo and A Prince of Arran.

Cross Counter came out of the pack in the last 200 metres after Runaway led for much of the race, and it was timed to perfection to win on the line ahead of Marmelo.