Their secret, backing the horse being ridden by relative Corey Brown, who rode home the winner Shocking, and last year placed second on Bauer. It continued an outstanding Melbourne carnival for Corey, having won the Victoria Derby, the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup.

Sarah and Andrew Maurer, cousins to the jockey, said they usually put a few dollars on Corey and this year it served them well. Sarah pocketing $100, Andrew $260.

Andrew’s mother Jenny admits to having a few tears as she watched the race and Corey’s winning ride.

Corey’s mother Dixie Brown (nee Burke) was raised in Gloucester and lived in Manning Street with her parents Daphne and Roy Burke. When she married, she lived in Wingham with husband Jack and raised Corey and his sister Kelly. Corey’s parents now live on the Gold Coast.

Corey left school early and became a jockey, following in his father’s footsteps. Jack was a jockey for around 15 years and Daphne’s two brothers, Bobby and Billy Smith were known as outstanding horsemen in the Gloucester region.

Corey has many relatives still in Gloucester as his grandmother Daphne came from a large Gloucester family.

He still has strong links to the area, his great aunt Shirley Maurer and husband Morris are still in Gloucester and their children still regularly catch up with Corey and his family.

Dolly Hayes who lived in Philip St for many years was another great aunt.

Corey is now Sydney based with wife Kylie and three young daughters Charli, Maddi and Holly.