Australian jockey Damian Lane is close to securing a riding licence that only two others have earned, Christophe Lemaire and Mirco Demuro, a notable honour in international racing circles.
The news comes as 23 runners remain in contention for the Cox Plate at Flemington, with Sir Delius and Aeliana both yet to be scratched. The race is shaping into a strong field, with connections backing the view that the best horse on the day will prevail.