Zahra’s first win, aboard Gold Trip in 2022, was a moment of pure elation. The horse’s calm demeanour as they led the field out filled him with confidence, and the calculated moves Zahra made during the race and the final surge to victory created an unforgettable experience. “The feeling of euphoria” in those last 100 metres, as Zahra describes it, was unparalleled.
In 2023, Zahra faced a difficult decision: choosing between riding the reigning champion, Gold Trip, or the emerging star and Caulfield Cup winner, Without A Fight. He ultimately chose the latter, a decision that proved to be a masterstroke. His second Lexus Melbourne Cup win was equally remarkable. Zahra’s confidence was unwavering, and he vividly recalls strategising his path to victory even before the final stretch. The overwhelming sense of triumph as he crossed the finish line solidified his status as a Melbourne Cup champion, becoming the first jockey since Harry White in 1978 and 1979 to win the race back-to-back on different horses.
Despite the thrill of his second win, Zahra does acknowledge that nothing can really surpass the emotion of his first Melbourne Cup victory. The unique experience of pulling up his horse after the race, the cheers of the crowd, and the overwhelming sense of accomplishment remain etched in his memory. For Zahra, that first win remains the pinnacle of his career, a feeling he doesn’t believe he will ever top.
Zahra’s reflections highlight the enduring magic of the Lexus Melbourne Cup. The jockey’s back-to-back victories serve as a testament to his skill, determination, and the pursuit of excellence while his story reminds us that the Melbourne Cup is more than just a horse race – it’s a symbol of dreams realised, tough choices made, and a celebration of greatness.
