Vow And Declare and Craig Williams return to scale victorious, after claiming the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup. (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)

Vow And Declare: a champion’s farewell

9 January 2025 • Written by Celia Purdey

Vow And Declare, the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup winner, retired from racing in December, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable career. The nine-year-old’s retirement was confirmed after his final race at the Pakenham Cup, where he finished last. Despite this, his legacy remains strong, with a history of perseverance and triumph.

Trainer Danny O’Brien expressed pride in the horse’s achievements, particularly his Lexus Melbourne Cup victory that showcased the potential for Australian-bred horses to shine on the international stage.

“Winning the Melbourne Cup with a local horse will always be one of my proudest moments, it shows the strength of Australian breeding.” - Danny O'Brien

Vow And Declare’s career saw him take on some of the world’s best, claiming six wins and twelve placings from 50 starts. His versatility was evident in his success across a range of distances and conditions. His 2019 Melbourne Cup victory, ridden by Craig Williams, was the pinnacle, cementing his place in Australian racing history.

“He’s given us so much, and he’ll have a wonderful life post-racing.” - Managing owner Geoff Corrigan

Managing owner Geoff Corrigan described the retirement as bittersweet but highlighted the horse’s soundness as a fitting end to his career. “He’s given us so much, and he’ll have a wonderful life post-racing,” Corrigan said.

Part-owner Paul Lanskey, who bred Vow And Declare, reflected on the emotional journey. “To have been part of his story, watching him grow and achieve, has been incredible,” he said.

Vow And Declare will be remembered not only for his Lexus Melbourne Cup win but also for his resilience and the joy he brought to racing fans. His farewell was marked by a tribute at Geelong Racecourse, where fans gathered to celebrate the enduring champion’s legacy.

Vow And Declare claimed the TCL TV Stakes (1800m) as a three-year-old on Oaks Day in 2018. He was ridden to victory by legendary jockey, Damien Oliver. (John Donegan/Racing Photos)

The closing stages of the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup. (Wayne Taylor/Getty Images)

He's done it for Australia! Craig Williams delighted with his first win in the race that stops a nation®. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Track rider Kieran Roche jumping Vow and Declare over some logs at the Mount Duneed Pony Club in preparation for the 2022 Spring Carnival. (Jay Town)

Billy Egan was on Vow And Declare the most of any jockey, riding him on fourteen occasions, the highlight being a win in the 2024 Tattersall's Cup at Eagle Farm, Vow And Declare's last win. (George Sal/Racing Photos)

VOW AND DECLARE

Chestnut Gelding

Foaled 17/10/2015

Sire Declaration Of War (USA)

Dam Geblitzt (Testa Rossa)

Trainers Danny O'Brien

Breeder Mrs R D Peacock

Owners G Corrigan, Mrs S Corrigan, P J Lanskey, Mrs H R Hueston, T C Lanskey, J P Lanskey, K T Goodman, W R Leitch, A F Lanskey, B T Lanskey, S W R Knipe, L J Lanskey & S A Livingstone

CAREER STATISTICS