Japan-based Delta Blues edged Japanese stablemate Pop Rock to win the 3,200-meter Melbourne Cup on Tuesday and give trainer Katsuhiko Sumii a 1-2 finish in Australia's most prestigious horse race.

"Very happy, very happy," said jockey Yasunari Iwata in halting English after he crossed the finish line on 6-year-old Delta Blues at Flemington just ahead of second favorite Pop Rock, ridden by Australian jockey Damien Oliver.

Iwata, who has ridden more than 3,000 winners in Japan, said through an interpreter he would celebrate "Australian-style: elbow-bending," indicating he would have a few drinks with friends.