Brad was on board Viewed, reigning champion and favourite and the horse that seemed destined to give Bart Cummings an incredible Spring Racing Carnival treble.

But from the start to the finish of the 3200m race, Viewed never threatened.

You could tell simply by watching Nance Rawiller’s feet, which did not tap as they usually do when she watches her grandsons race.

Brad was the third of her grandsons to race in a Melbourne Cup.

Nash Rawiller has ridden in several cups, and Colin Browell rode Pacific Mirage in 1989.

Browell died of leukemia in 2005.

“I never thought they’d ever do what they’re doing,” Nance said.

“I get the shakes when they are on.”

Nance, 84, has been twice to the Melbourne Cup but won’t go again.

She also kept her money yesterday - unlike many Australians - by sticking to her custom of not betting on horses her grandchildren are riding.

“Brad’s mother and I, we didn’t bet on him, we just want to see him get around without an accident.”

She has high hopes for her grandsons again next year and is hopeful of seeing one of them - or fellow jockey and sister Stacey Rawiller - claim the Melbourne Cup.

“They’ve worked pretty hard to get where they’ve got to,” Nance said.

“Hopefully they’ll have better luck next year.”