Karl Stefanovic's crude question for Melbourne Cup-winning jockey
Alison Langdon was forced to cut Karl Stefanovic off before things got too X-rated during an interview with Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil on Wednesday.
Less than 24 hours after McNeil rode Twilight Payment to victory in the Melbourne Cup, the young jockey was on the Today Show discussing his heroics.
‘NO ACCIDENT’: Brutal truth about Melbourne Cup horse death
‘ASSAULT’: Fan's 'disgusting' act in Melbourne Cup live cross
However things got a little naughty when Stefanovic asked McNeil how he celebrated with his wife.
“I couldn’t get many words out,” the 25-year-old said of seeing wife Jessica after the Cup.
“She just said she was very proud and all my hard work has paid off. Yeah, it was a great moment and one that I’ll never forget.
“Jess actually filmed (her reaction) - she had her phone up, I am not sure why. I don’t think she knows why.
“She had her phone up next to the TV and they were cheering me up on and I got emotional seeing that as well when I got home last night.”
McNeil said he had an early night so he “wasn’t looking too dusty for today”, but Stefanovic wanted more information.
When asked if he saw his wife, McNeil said: “I did, yeah. She was waiting back at home. That was a very special moment.”
Stefanovic then started to ask “did you have...”, before he was quickly cut off by Langdon.
“No! Well we’re very glad she’s so proud of you, it was a wonderful race,” Langdon said.
“I’m just going to zip Karl right there, and I’m sure you had a glass of champagne to celebrate the win in style. Well done, Jye.”
They all laughed as Stefanovic added: “Exactly, that’s all I’m saying, that’s all I’m saying.”
Jye McNeil still pinching himself after Melb Cup
McNeil became the toast of Australian racing with his daring front-running ride to win the two mile feature on Irish-trained raider Twilight Payment.
One of the rising stars in Melbourne's jockey ranks, McNeil says the win still feels surreal.
“I have to keep telling myself and pinching myself but I'm sure it will sink in over the space of today,” he said.
“I'm just enjoying the moment for now and I'm just so grateful to be holding this Cup.
“It means the world. It's something that we as jockeys really work towards our whole career and I feel very grateful it has happened to me.”
The jockey celebrated his memorable win at home with partner Jess Payne and infant son Oakley, along with some close friends.
There were the post-Cup media rounds to attend to on Wednesday, ahead of preparations for his seven rides at the VRC Oaks meeting at Flemington a day later.
The worldwide pandemic has given the Cup carnival a different ambience this year with only trainers, jockeys and necessary workers allowed on track, leaving the usually thronging grandstands silent and empty.
But not even the tempered atmosphere could detract from McNeil's thrill in winning Australia's most famous race.
“It's certainly different but it's something we're getting used to now because it has been like it for quite a while,” he said.
“But the emotion of winning the Melbourne Cup overwhelmed me and that was enough for me.”
with AAP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
