The following year Empire Rose won the Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday 29 October, then made her third attempt at the “Race that stops two nations” in the 1988 Melbourne Cup on the following Tuesday, November the 1st.
Young rider Tony Allan had the mare handily placed all the way and she led the big field around the home turn.
Despite a flashing finish from Natski, Empire Rose refused to give in, winning by a short head on the line.
Later that year as a seven-year-old, Empire Rose finished 3rd in the Cox Plate behind Almaarad and Stylish Century followed by a 5th in the Mackinnon Stakes behind Horlicks.
On 12 March 2002 Empire Rose was euthanized at her birthplace and home, Whakanui Stud, in Hamilton, New Zealand, due to deteriorating health and an incurable foot problem.