Albert The Fat has run the biggest race of his life at Flemington today to win the $1 million Emirates Stakes.

The seven-year-old gelding proved that his best years were not behind him as he shot to the lead in the closing stages of the race.

King’s Rose had to be content with second after just missing out on the line, while Secret Admirer finished in third.

Jockey Mark Zahra was thrilled to have taken out his first Group 1 race in Melbourne.

“I haven’t won a Melbourne Group 1,” Zahra said.

“This is it, this is what it’s all about.”

“King’s rose shot through like he was going to win but Chris Waller has this horse a treat.”

Trainer Chris Waller had been quietly confident going into today’s race after Albert The Fat produced an impressive second behind Love Conquers All in the Group 3 Betfair Stakes last start.

“It’s certainly a thrill to be part of this big day and big carnival,” Waller said.

“Full credit to mark… He’s a very professional jockey.

“Last start the writing was on the wall and all he had to do was get the 1600 metres and thankfully he did.

“He’s a seven-year-old but you wouldn’t know it, he’s jumping around like a two-year-old.”

However, this year’s Emirates Stakes wasn’t all fairy-tale endings.

Rick Hore-Lacy’s Pinnacles broke down late in the race and has been taken away for assessment after fracturing his sesamoid.