Emirates Stakes 2012 Results: Winner, Top Finishers and Analysis

On the final day of racing for the Melbourne Cup, it was fitting that the $1 million Emirates Stakes, the signature event of the day, came down to a photo finish.

In one of the best races of the year, Happy Trails came from behind to squeak out the win over Fawkner and Secret Admirer, who all crossed the finish line within milliseconds of one another at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia.

Happy Trails was near the back of the pack with just under 300 meters to go when Fawkner made his move into the lead, but jockey Damien Oliver timed his move with Happy Trails perfectly, flying up the outside and getting into the lead pack with about 150 meters to go.

The win for Happy Trails wasn't without distraction, as Oliver, the most successful jockey in the history of Group 1, riding with 97 wins, is under investigation for betting $10,000 on a race he rode in two years ago and many believe this year will be his last atop any horse.

Disappointing races were run in by Free Wheeling, Fat Al, He's Remarkable and Spirit Song, four horses expected to compete for the $1 million prize but which fell back early and never recovered, finishing the day outside of the top 10.

2012 Emirates Stakes Results

Finish	Horse	Starting Gate	Lengths Behind
1	Happy Trails	2	0
2	Fawkner	10	0.10
3	Secret Admirer	8	0.20
4	Yosei	13	1.45
5	Wall Street	5	1.85
6	Solzhenitsyn	4	2.35
7	Ambidexter	6	3,85
8	Rolling Pin	12	4.35
9	Smokin' Joey	15	4.45
10	Happy Zero	11	4.55

You can see the full leaderboard here.