WINE DARK SEA TAKES ON THE MELBOURNE CUP FOR BRITISH TRAINER HARRY CHARLTON AND AUSTRALIAN OWNERS
British-bred WINE DARK SEA (GB) will bid for victory in Australia’s the most prestigious race on Tuesday when he lines up in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup for young British trainer Harry Chalton and his Australian owners.
The four-year-old gelding was privately acquired by Queensland-based owner Sonny Grebe and Australian Bloodstock with Melbourne in mind following an impressive 13-lengths in June. He went on to win the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury Racecourse in September, further strengthening his credentials for the race that stops a nation.
Wine Dark Sea then travelled to Victoria to contest the Group 1 Caulfield Cup as a key stepping stone towards his ultimate target. Drawn wide, he had to make an effort early to overcome the draw and avoid racing three wide with no cover. He travelled prominently and turned in the home straight in front before tiring in the closing stages to finish just over six lengths behind the winner.
Charlton has enjoyed a strong 2025, with 50% of his runners finishing in the top four. Based at the historic Beckhampton Stables in Wiltshire, he has also trained winners for owners from seven different countries this season, reflecting the international appeal of British racing.
Charlton spoke to Great British Racing International ahead of the Melbourne Cup:
“Wine Dark Sea ran in the Caulfield Cup and it was a strange race. He was drawn wide and Damien Lane did very well to get him across to a good position. But they went very slowly in the mid part of the race and it just meant other horses rushed up round them before they got to the straight and he had to make a move a little bit earlier than he would have wanted.
“Caulfield is quite a tight track and I think Flemington will suit him better. He is doing well out there and hopefully he gets a low draw. I think there'll be a proper pace with the Irish contingent, and I think that just will suit Wine Dark Sea better. And then it's just a question of him staying the trip, especially if there's a little bit of rain over the weekend into Monday. But I'm excited to get down there and see him.”
The trainer also explained how the connections purchased the horse:
“Sonny Grebe and Australian Bloodstock bought him in July, with Sonny holding the major share and Australian bloodstock having a fair percentage too. When they acquired him, the view was to get to the Melbourne Cup.
“Winning the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes qualified him into the ballot, and he's guaranteed a run on Tuesday. I am glad we got him to the main target and it is all very interesting. I am looking forward to flying down to Melbourne.”