The ambulance has literally beaten the favourite home in a distance race at Flemington with Nash Rawiller forced to struggle with a slipping saddle and ride without irons aboard Opinion in the Carnival Handicap.

The 2800 metre race on the Melbourne Cup day program, which was telecast all over the country, was not the ideal setting for such a painful experience but Rawiller managed to make light of his situation.

"We could all see what happened out there," Rawiller said in his best falsetto.

"He stepped back when the gates opened and the saddle slipped on the near side. I couldn't get any leverage."

With Opinion ($3.20) up annoying Mujadale ($15) in the lead in the early part of the race, the latter's trainer Paul Jones admitted he was concerned.

But Rawiller let Opinion drop out of the race and Mujadale went on to give the young Stawell trainer a win on Cup day under Stephen Baster.

Lika A Carousel ($21) held his position for second 2-1/2 lengths away with English visitor Caravan Rolls On ($8) another length away third.

"I was a bit worried when Opinion was up there with my horse in front," Jones said.

"But Mujadale is a horse who likes to win and it was good to see him do it."

Corporate bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au announced after the race it would refund all bets taken on Opinion.