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Ad The 2023 jockeys pose for a group photo before riding in the Lexus Melbourne Cup. Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Jockeys riding in the Lexus Melbourne Cup

4 November 2024 Written by VRC

On the eve of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, the excitement surrounding our iconic race intensifies. We take a look at the jockeys who will be riding in the race that stops a nation.

With this impressive roster, the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the pinnacle of equine and human talent on one of the world’s grandest racing stages.

Jamie Kah, who has picked up the ride on Okita Soushi (51kg) for Ciaron Maher is ready to make her mark in this year’s race.

In fact, it will be the first time we've seen four female jockeys riding in the Melbourne Cup, with Kah, Rachel King, Holly Doyle and Winona Costin all securing rides. 

William Buick is set to ride the talented Vauban (55.5kg), trained by Willie Mullins. Buick, known for his tactical awareness and calm under pressure, is a key player in this year’s lineup.

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.

Damian Lane rides Kovalica (53.5kg), another Chris Waller contender.

Akira Sugawara rides Warp Speed (54.5kg), a contender trained by Noboru Takagi. Sugawara’s participation adds an exciting international dimension to the race.

Zac Purton

Zac Purton

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.

James McDonald

James McDonald

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

William Buick

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

Kerrin McEvoy

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

Akira Sugawara

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

Jamie Kah

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.

Michael Dee will be aboard reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp 'N' Smart (53.5kg) for Graeme and Debbie Rogerson.

2020 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jye McNeil hopes to go one more on Waterhouse-Bott’s Just Fine (53kg).

 Zac Purton, home from Hong Kong, will compete on Land Legend (53kg) for Waller, showcasing his elite skillset.

Kerrin McEvoy, seeking his fourth Cup victory, will partner with Willie Mulins’s Absurde (52.5kg), adding to his illustrious Melbourne Cup legacy.

Andrea Atzeni, will ride Zardozi (51kg), who he partnered to fourth place in the Caulfield Cup

Holly Doyle will jump on board the impressive Sea King, after a dominant performance in the Bendigo Cup. She makes the trip to Melbourne to partner the Harry Eustace-trained stayer. 

The excitement continues with Declan Bates on Mahrajaan (52kg). Rachel King is set to pilot The Map (50kg), while 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Craig Williams takes charge of Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator (51kg).

Jockeys Teo Nugent, riding the promising Interpretation (50kg) for trainer Ciaron Maher, Ron Stewart aboard the talented Fancy Man (50kg) for the Neasham/Archibald team, and Karis Teetan piloting the reliable Mostly Cloudy (50kg) from the Busuttin/Young stable are all eager to make their mark. 

Mark Zahra

Mark Zahra

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

Joao Moreira

Joao Moreira takes the reins on Chris Waller’s Buckaroo (54.5kg), the second-placegetter in the Caulfield Cup.

Andrea Atzeni

Andrea Atzeni

Andrea Atzeni, will ride Zardozi (51kg), who he partnered to fourth place in the Caulfield Cup

Damian Lane

Damian Lane

Damian Lane rides Kovalica (53.5kg), another Chris Waller contender.

Jye McNeil

Jye McNeil

2020 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jye McNeil hopes to go one more on Waterhouse-Bott’s Just Fine (53kg).

Michael Dee

Michael Dee

Michael Dee will be aboard reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp 'N' Smart (53.5kg) for Graeme and Debbie Rogerson.

The 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup runners

  1. Vauban (FR) 7yo Gelding –55.5kg 

Jockey: William Buick
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Barrier: 11
Racing & Sports Rating: 122

  1. Buckaroo (GB) – 6yo Gelding - 54.5kg

Jockey: Joao Moreira
Trainer: Chris Waller
Barrier: 21
Racing & Sports Rating: 124

  1. Circle Of Fire (GB) 5yo Horse – 54.5kg

Jockey: Mark Zahra
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Barrier: 24
Racing & Sports Rating: 116

  1. Warp Speed (JPN) - 6yo Horse - 54.5kg 

Jockey: Akira Sugawara
Trainer: Noburu Takagi
Barrier: 3
Racing & Sports Rating: 117

  1. Kovalica - 5yo Gelding - 53.5kg

Jockey: Damian Lane
Trainer: Chris Waller
Barrier: 17
Racing & Sports Rating: 118

  1. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) - 5yo Gelding - 53.5kg 

Jockey: Michael Dee
Trainer: Graeme & Deborah Rogerson
Barrier: 15
Racing & Sports Rating: 113

  1. Just Fine (IRE) - 7yo Gelding - 53kg

Jockey: Jye McNeil
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
Barrier: 13
Racing & Sports Rating: 113

  1. Land Legend (FR) - 5yo Gelding - 53.5kg

Jockey: Zac Purton
Trainer: Chris Waller
Barrier: 18
Racing & Sports Rating: 116

  1. Absurde (FR) - 7yo Gelding - 52.5kg 

Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Barrier: 7
Racing & Sports Rating: 114

  1. Knight’s Choice - 5yo Gelding - 51.5kg

Jockey: Robbie Dolan
Trainer: John Symons & Sheila Laxon
Barrier: 6
Racing & Sports Rating: 112

  1. Okita Soushi (Ire) - 7yo Gelding - 51kg

Jockey: Jamie Kah
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Barrier: 10
Racing & Sports Rating: 114

  1. Onesmoothoperator (USA) - 7yo Gelding - 51kg 

Jockey: Craig Williams
Trainer: Brian Ellison
Barrier: 12
Racing & Sports Rating: 116

  1. Zardozi  - 4yo Mare - 51kg

Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
Trainer: James Cummings
Barrier: 4
Racing & Sports Rating: 116

  1. Sea King (GB) – 6yo Gelding – 50.5kg

Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Trainer: Harry Eustace
Barrier: 1
Racing & Sports Rating: 116

  1. Valiant King (GB) - 5yo Gelding - 50.5kg

Jockey: Craig Newitt
Trainer: Chris Waller
Barrier: 22
Racing & Sports Rating 113

  1. Fancy Man (IRE) - 7yo Gelding - 50kg 

Jockey: Ron Stewart
Trainer: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald
Barrier: 19
Racing & Sports Rating: 108

  1. Interpretation (IRE) - 7yo Gelding - 50kg 

Jockey: Teo Nugent
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Barrier: 14
Racing & Sports Rating: 114

  1. Manzoice – 5yo Gelding – 50kg 

Jockey: Declan Bates
Trainer: Chris Waller
Barrier: 8
Racing & Sports Rating: 111

  1. Mostly Cloudy (IRE) - 6yo Gelding - 50kg

Jockey: Karis Teetan
Trainer: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young
Barrier: 16
Racing & Sports Rating: 111

  1. Positivity (NZ)  - 4yo Mare - 50kg

Jockey: Winona Costin
Trainer: Andrew Forsman
Barrier: 20
Racing & Sports Rating: 113

  1. Saint George (GB) – 5yo Horse – 50kg

Jockey: Tyler Schiller
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Barrier: 9
Racing & Sports Rating: 113

  1. The Map - 6yo Mare - 50kg 

Jockey: Rachel King
Trainer: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray
Barrier: 23
Racing & Sports Rating: 108

  1. Trust In You (NZ) - 6yo Gelding - 50kg

Jockey: Mark Du Plessis
Trainer: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley
Barrier: 5
Racing & Sports Rating: 108

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