THE crowd saw a performance of equine excellence, the owners picked up a cheque for $2.1 million - and the hero of the hour was richly rewarded . . . with a Polo mint.
Considering how the cake was carved up, it does look as if River Verdon came out with very little for his sterling efforts in the Champions and Chater Cup but we have it on the best authority that he wasn't complaining.
Joint-owner and Jockey Club Steward Ronnie Arculli was sought out by the media after the brilliant Triple Crown win but looked almost non-plussed.
''It must be one of the very few times that a lawyer is caught short of words. I don't know what to say other than it was absolutely magnificent,'' said Arculli, who then confirmed River Verdon's bonus.
''He really does like them, you know,'' said Arculli, talking of the mint with the hole.
With $18.6 million in stakemoney won, River Verdon is certainly worth a Mint. Of the Royal variety.