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The 1998 Caulfield Cup, run on 17 October, was the first running of this time honoured event that included international runners. The event was not without controversy, with the well fancied Our Unicorn missing a start, being 1st emergency, the inclusion of the unqualified internationl runner, Taufan's Melody, at the discretion of the VATC Committee, and the last minute scratching of the NZ mare, Fayreform. The controversy did not end there, with the race being won by Taufan's Melody, who caused severe interference to the New Zealand mares Jezabeel and Champagne. Jezabeel recovered to finish 6th, and her jockey Chris Munce protested unsuccessfully against the winner. Poor Champagne was put right out of the race, and in fact, almost over the running rail. These two mares put matters right at Flemington however, with Champagne winning the MacKinnon in brilliant style, and they then ran one-two in the Melbourne Cup, with Jezabeel coming again to prevail narrowly on the line. Taufan's Melody is trained by Lady Herries, and was ridden by Ray Cochrane, who was later suspended for one month and given a reasonably hefty fine for failing to straighten his mount in the straight. Tie the Knot was third, and Lisa's Game ran second.
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