Might And Power, a $40,000 bargain buy, made all the running to land the Melbourne Cup at Flemington yesterday. The favourite for Australia's most famous race, and attempting the trip for the first time, he had to withstand the flying finish of the 1995 winner, Doriemus, by a short half head. Greg Hall, Doriemus's rider, prematurely raised his arm aloft in triumph, but it was the Jim Cassidy-ridden Might And Power that had hung on.

A little over a length covered the first five home, with Lady Herries' Harbour Dues doing well to be fourth under Ray Cochrane after getting hampered.

Arabian Story (Frankie Dettori) also ran well in sixth, as both raiders obtained the best-ever finishing positions by British runners.

Might And Power, who races in the colours of Greek emigre Nick Moraitis who has made his fortune in the fruit and vegetable trade, became the 10th horse to complete the Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double.

The victory was also tinged with emotion for rider Jim Cassidy, who returned from a lengthy ban this year in the wake of the "Jockey Tapes" affair to win a race he had won 14 years earlier on Kiwi.

Cassidy acknowledged his debt of gratitude to trainer Jack Denham, who very much in the Andre Fabre mould, steadfastly refuses to talk to the media.

Cassidy also aknowledged the support of his wife, Helen, during the dark times, and even took to show jumping to alleviate the boredom.

"To win for Jack Denham is better than the icing on the cake. Jack's support since I have come back has been overwhelming," said Cassidy.

Harbour Dues rallied well from the off the pace and was only beaten slightly over a length, in a run which will surely encourage more European raiders.

Cochrane said: "He was checked at the five-furlong marker and it certainly cost him a place. He was a bit unlucky." Lord Huntingdon hasn't ruled out a return trip next year for Arabian Story, with the grey being beaten just over three lengths.

The trainer said: "He ran a good race, although he slightly missed the break. He was further back than we intended to be.

"By the same token we are not claiming it cost us the race, but he could and should have been closer."

Dettori later revealed that Arabian Story had got upset in the stalls in a race in which a massive 90 million dollars (around £45 million was bet in TAB outlets.

Dance Design was yesterday confirmed a definite starter in the Breeder's Cup Turf on Saturday. The filly has been resting at Santa Anita since running in the Yellow Ribbon Stakes on Sunday, wheh she endured a rough passage.