What A Nuisance staged one of the most extraordinary comebacks in turf history

It was an extraordinary comeback that captivated the racing world. What A Nuisance, despite his advanced age and physical limitations, demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination for the 203 seconds it took to secure victory in the 1985 Melbourne Cup. The skillful and strategic riding of Pat Hyland played a pivotal role in achieving this remarkable triumph - at 44 the oldest jockey in the race. The 77,383 crowd - depleted by the train strike and the early rain, rose to What A Nuisance, although he was a comparative outsider at 15-1. A horse, who sustained severe injuries that led to a dire prognosis, and a jockey whose medical team had grave doubts about his ability to resume his riding career, combined to win the million dollar Melbourne Cup. It was not possible to obtain a clear view of the royal couple, Charles and Diana, without the aid of powerful binoculars, but most were there for the race, and they witnessed a Lazarus type performance, one for the ages.

Foaled in 1978, What A Nuisance was a bay horse with a white sock on his right hind foot bred in New Zealand and sired by St Puckle, a British-bred son, out of the 1960 Epsom Derby winner St. Paddy. His dam, Fashion Bell was a descendant of The Witch, a British mare who was exported to Australia in the late 19th century, making her the grand-dam of the 1902 Melbourne Cup winner The Victory.

In early 1984 What A Nuisance, trained by Ken Rogerson won four consecutive races and was made favourite for the Sydney Cup in April despite being treated for a leg injury on the eve of the race. What A Nuisance had recently been one of a group of fifteen horses bought from Rogerson's stable by the businessman Lloyd Williams who along with Dennis Gowing co-owned the gelding for the remainder of his racing career. Williams had previously owned the 1981 Melbourne Cup winner Just A Dash. Attempts to bring What A Nuisance back in the spring failed, as he developed problems with his suspensory ligaments and was kept off the track for a further nine months. He was then sent to be trained by John Meagher. He would have a short preparation in the spring of 1984, before having a long spell in preparation for the Melbourne Cup of 1985.

In the winter of 1985, What a Nuisance returned to racing at Bendigo where he ran five times, winning once. What A Nuisance had a promising career early, and was held in high regard as a stayer. With four straight wins in the autumn of 1984, including victories in the Duke of Norfolk Stakes (3200m) on the Melbourne Cup track and the Chairman's Handicap (2600m) at Randwick, he was set to open as one of the early favourites for the 1984 Melbourne Cup. However, a terrible leg injury suffered in the Sydney Cup when running 6th as favourite hampered him for the rest of his career. He returned in 1985 and finished second to Black Knight at Moonee Valley in September and then finished sixth in the Gr.1 Caulfield Stakes. He completed his Cup preparation by running fifth in the Mackinnon Stakes.

At Flemington Racecourse on 5 November 1985, What A Nuisance started at odds of 15/1 in a field of twenty three runners for the Melbourne Cup. The race was sponsored for the first time by the Foster's Group and carried record prize-money of over A$1,000,000, making it the most valuable race ever run in Australia. When betting opened in mid August, the early favourite was Perth Cup winner Phizam. However, he was withdrawn at the first declaration stage, and the new favourite was Our Sophia followed by 1983 Melbourne Cup winner Kiwi, with past placegetter, Mapperley Heights and Caulfield Cup winner Tristarc. Ridden by the veteran Pat Hyland, What A Nuisance was drawn badly but appeared well-suited by the wet conditions. Hyland allowed the gelding to relax in the early stages before producing a powerful late run to win the great race by a nose from the tough New Zealand mare, Koiro Corrie May, with Tripsacum in 3rd place. Despite being written off due to his injury, his remarkable comeback demonstrated his exceptional abilities and strength.

What A Nuisance was retired to Pat Hyland's property at Clyde, near Cranbourne, Victoria. The popular hoop won more than 2300 races in a career in the saddle that spanned some 30 years, including the grand slam of the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Golden Slipper while he is best known for his association with the superstar Vain. What A Nuisance died suddenly on 19 April 2005 at the age of 26. An emotional Hyland described him as "a truly honest and game racehorse"

RACE RECORD - 57: 10-7-9

EARNINGS - New Zealand: NZD $4,235

Australia: AUD $89,695

AJC Chairman's Handicap (1984)

Melbourne Cup (1985)