The connections of Vauban have moved to explain his disappointing performance after the Melbourne Cup favourite failed to live up to the hype.
The European raider was a short quote earlier in the buildup before drifting to $5.50+ on race day, with the run justifying the betting drift.
Jockey Ryan Moore had to ask Vauban for an effort more than a kilometre from home and despite hitting the front with 400 metres to run, faded badly to finish 14th.
Trainer Willie Mullins couldn’t offer much more beyond 'that’s racing'.
“I thought Absurde (seventh) ran a cracker, he was in a position to win at some stage didn’t see it out,” he told Racing.com when asked about his two runners.
“I thought Vauban was a little disappointing… he was beaten too far out for my liking.
“When I saw him at six furlongs out with Ryan having to give him a little niggle I thought that’s too far out for him to be niggling him. He just flattened out and ran very disappointing.
“But here we are, that’s the nature of this game.”
Mullins had admitted pre-race that the warm weather was a concern for Vauban, who also was said to be a better horse on rain-affected ground.
However, the horse did parade well.
Star hoop Moore was also approached for comment.
“Obviously a disappointing run from him. Maybe he didn’t fire today, the winner was very good,” he remarked.
The 2023 Melbourne Cup was taken out by Without A Fight for Anthony and Sam Freedman, who won the race eased down.
Soulcome, who missed the start yet again, charged home for second, while one of the rougher chances in the race, Sheraz, filled the minor placings.
It’s understood there were no injuries suffered in the running of Tuesday’s great race, while there were no whip violations or interferences reported.