Japanese horses have stolen the show at the 2006 Melbourne Cup, recording a remarkable quinella with Delta Blues nosing out Pop Rock.
In a dramatic finish to the famous two-mile race, Delta Blues held off a strong challenge from its compatriot.
Both horses were trained by Katsuhiko Sumii and the Japanese 1-2 finish is sure to spark massive interest from Japan in the Melbourne Cup in coming years.
File photo of ''Delta Blues'' in the mounting yard prior to another race
The Japanese owned ''Delta Blues'' ridden by Iwata Yasunari has won the AU$5.1 million 2006 Melbourne Cup. Trainer Katsuhiko Sumii also achieved the Quinella winning bet with stablemate ''Pop Rock'', ridden by Damien Oliver, placing second in the race. ''Maybe Better'' came in at third, with ''Zipping'' posting a fourth place finish. Pre-race favourite ''Yeates'' missed the start, finishing seventh. 

After the race, jockey Iwata joyfully shouted "Very happy, very happy. My biggest winner ever."

''Zabeat'' was the last finisher in a 23-horse field that was reduced in number after the early morning scratching from the race of ''Efficient'' with leg soreness.

Australians bet over $50 million dollars on the race, with ''Delta Blues'' paying $17.50 for the win, which made it the first horse from Japan to have won the race in the 145 year history of the Melbourne Cup.