With just one week until the Lexus Melbourne Cup, the excitement surrounding this iconic race intensifies. As more jockeys fill the slots, we take a look at who is in the saddle so far.
Zac Purton is set to ride Land Legend, who secured his spot by winning The Lexus Bart Cummings. The champion Australian jockey is based in Hong Kong, where he is a dominant force in Hong Kong racing, having won the Hong Kong Jockeys’ Premiership multiple times. Purton is known for his tactical brilliance and strong riding style. He’s also ridden successfully in Australia and other countries.
While everyone waits to see if Cox Plate star Via Sistina (56kg) will feature, James McDonald will partner her if so, hoping to replicate the history they made last week.
William Buick will partner with Vauban for Willie Mullins as the horse returns for a second attempt at the Cup. Buick has consistently been among the leading jockeys in the UK and has won many major races, including the Epsom Derby and the 2,000 Guineas. He’s known for his strong partnership with the Godolphin racing stable.
Kerrin McEvoy, aiming for his fourth Melbourne Cup win, will ride Absurde, also trained by Willie Mullins and returning for another shot after placing seventh in 2023. A highly respected Australian jockey with a long and successful career, McEvoy has won many of Australia’s biggest races. He is known for his experience and his ability to ride in a variety of different races.
Akira Sugawara will ride Warp Speed, a Japanese stayer with strong performances over long distances. Sugawara is a Japanese jockey who competes internationally and is a rising star in the racing world. His career took a major leap in June 2024 when he secured his first Group 1 victory at the prestigious Takarazuka Kinen aboard Blow the Horn. His riding style is described as ‘bold and tactical’.
Jamie Kah, who has picked up the ride on Okita Soushi (51kg) for Ciaron Maher after Point King was ruled out, is ready to make her mark in this year’s race.
Zac Purton is set to ride Land Legend, who secured his spot by winning The Lexus Bart Cummings. The champion Australian jockey is based in Hong Kong, where he is a dominant force in Hong Kong racing, having won the Hong Kong Jockeys’ Premiership multiple times. Purton is known for his tactical brilliance and strong riding style. He’s also ridden successfully in Australia and other countries.
While everyone waits to see if Cox Plate star Via Sistina (56kg) will feature, James McDonald will partner her if so, hoping to replicate the history they made last week.
William Buick will partner with Vauban for Willie Mullins as the horse returns for a second attempt at the Cup. Buick has consistently been among the leading jockeys in the UK and has won many major races, including the Epsom Derby and the 2,000 Guineas. He’s known for his strong partnership with the Godolphin racing stable.
Kerrin McEvoy, aiming for his fourth Melbourne Cup win, will ride Absurde, also trained by Willie Mullins and returning for another shot after placing seventh in 2023. A highly respected Australian jockey with a long and successful career, McEvoy has won many of Australia’s biggest races. He is known for his experience and his ability to ride in a variety of different races.
Akira Sugawara will ride Warp Speed, a Japanese stayer with strong performances over long distances. Sugawara is a Japanese jockey who competes internationally and is a rising star in the racing world. His career took a major leap in June 2024 when he secured his first Group 1 victory at the prestigious Takarazuka Kinen aboard Blow the Horn. His riding style is described as ‘bold and tactical’.
Jamie Kah, who has picked up the ride on Okita Soushi (51kg) for Ciaron Maher after Point King was ruled out, is ready to make her mark in this year’s race.
Mark Zahra will steer Circle of Fire (54.5kg) for trainer Ciaron Maher. Will Zahra make it three Lexus Melbourne Cups in a row?
Joao Moreira takes the reins on Chris Waller’s Buckaroo (54.5kg), the second-placegetter in the Caulfield Cup.
Andrea Atzeni, will ride Zardozi (51kg), who he partnered to fourth place in the Caulfield Cup
Damian Lane rides Kovalica (53.5kg), another Chris Waller contender.
2020 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jye McNeil hopes to go one more on Waterhouse-Bott’s Just Fine (53kg).
Michael Dee will be aboard reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp 'N' Smart (53.5kg) for Graeme and Debbie Rogerson.
Mark Zahra will steer Circle of Fire (54.5kg) for trainer Ciaron Maher. Will Zahra make it three Lexus Melbourne Cups in a row?
Joao Moreira takes the reins on Chris Waller’s Buckaroo (54.5kg), the second-placegetter in the Caulfield Cup.
Andrea Atzeni, will ride Zardozi (51kg), who he partnered to fourth place in the Caulfield Cup
Damian Lane rides Kovalica (53.5kg), another Chris Waller contender.
2020 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jye McNeil hopes to go one more on Waterhouse-Bott’s Just Fine (53kg).
Michael Dee will be aboard reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp 'N' Smart (53.5kg) for Graeme and Debbie Rogerson.
