After such a performance he was duly accepted to run in the Melbourne Cup of 2006, looking to become the first horse since Skipton in 1941, to win the Derby and back up and win the Cup on the Tuesday. However, connections erred on the side of caution and the horse was scratched on the morning of the race.
Efficient returned in the autumn for a light campaign of only two runs, including a credible fifth in a star-studded Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), behind super filly Miss Finland, and others including Haradasun, Casino Prince and Kiwi star Joker’s Wild.
He then went unplaced in all four runs leading into the 2006 Melbourne Cup, but reunited with jockey Michael Rodd to take the honours in Australia’s greatest race. Settling in the second half of the field, Efficient came with a burst down the centre of the track, reeling in international runner Purple Moon to win by a half-length.
“He’s a world-beater!” - Jockey Michael Rodd
He provided the highest win dividend for a Melbourne Cup winner in over 10 years, at $22.70, and provided owner Lloyd Williams with his third Cup success.