Champion mare Let’s Elope was represented by her fifth winner at Mildura on Monday.  The 1991-92 Australian Horse of the Year is 24 and enjoying a quiet retirement at Lauriston Park in Euroa.

Let’s Elope won 11 races in Australia and USA including the 1991 Caulfield – Melbourne Cups double.

Outback Joe (4g Elvstroem – Let’s Elope by Nassipour) stormed home to win the IASBet Maiden Plate over 2000m.  The mare’s other winners have been Yes I Will (Danzig), Over The Moon (Storm Cat), Ustinov (Seeking The Gold) and Caught Courting (Danehill).

The win rekindled some wonderful memories for trainer Patrick Payne and owner-breeders Dennis and Margaret Marks.

Payne partnered numerous winners for Marks during his riding career.  One of the highlights was the G2 AAMI Vase aboard Ustinov on Cox Plate day in 2001.  He also trained Galileo mare Olimpica to wins at Seymour and Bendigo last year.  She is a daughter of Yes I Will.

Marks pensioned Let’s Elope in 2008.  Her last foal is unraced three year-old Elvstroem filly Karata.