Martin's Heartbreak pipped at the Melbourne Cup winning post

Meath trainer Tony Martin was only centimetres away from a sensational victory in the 156th running of Melbourne Cup this morning when his gallant six-year old Heartbreak City and the winner Almadin flashed past the post stride-for-stride following a breathtaking battle up the home straight.

Heartbreak City was ridden by “magic man” Joao ­Moreira and has a collection of new Aussie owners with Darren Dance’s Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock purchasing a share ahead of the race from owners Niall O'Reilly from
Stamullen, Aidan Shiels from Delvin and Charlie Gavigan from Castletown-Geoghegan in Westmeath

Heartbrealk City was previously owned by George Swan, an Englishman who passed away last year.

Almandin gave Australian jockey Kerrin McEvoy a second win in the race which is the world's richest two-mile handicap with Heartbreak City in second and pre-race favourite Hartnell in third.

Almandin had to dig deep to see off Heartbreak City after a thrilling duel through the closing stages.

Heartbreak City's jockey was Brazilian-born Joao Moreira who started in an unfavourably wide stall (23) and commented post-race: 'In the last 50 metres my horse got a little bit weak.'

If Heartbreak City had won the first place money was worth Aus$ 3,600,000 (approx €2,500,000), but for second it dipped to Aus$900,000 (€621,000).