Carbine's victory in the Melbourne Cup in 1890 engendered great enthusiasm in New Zealand. Carbine, known as Old Jack, was born near Auckland and won all his five starts as a two-year-old in New Zealand. He then went to Australia and in 1889 and 1890 as a four- and five-year-old he won 17 of his 18 starts. His victory in the Melbourne Cup was a remarkable achievement since he carried a record weight of 66 kilograms (24 kilograms more than the second place-getter), won in record time and defeated 38 other horses. Despite the fact that he had been in Australia for three years, was owned by an Australian and 38 of his 43 races had been across the Tasman, he had a huge following in New Zealand and the New Zealand newspapers hailed his success as a 'Maoriland' triumph.