Superstar jockey Mark Zahra solidified his reputation as one of Australia’s top riders by achieving a stunning four wins on Victoria Derby Day at Flemington. Zahra’s impressive performance included victories in two of the three Group 1 races, culminating in a record-equalling achievement that has elevated him further in the racing community.
Zahra’s day began with a commanding victory aboard Tentyris in the highly anticipated Coolmore Stud Stakes. Following that, he secured a gutsy start-to-finish win on Observer in the prestigious Victoria Derby. Both colts are part of the elite racing stable owned by global breeding powerhouse Godolphin. Zahra’s success continued with earlier Group 2 wins on the day with Getta Good Feeling in the Wakeful Stakes and the popular Warnie in the Damien Oliver Stakes.
“What a day. Unbelievable,” Zahra expressed. “It just shows riding for the best owners, the best horses. The manager does his job, I did my job – what a great day.” With October 28, 2023 marking his best performance yet, Zahra surpassed his previous record of three wins in a single day during the Flemington carnival.
Zahra’s victory in the Victoria Derby was particularly noteworthy, as he will ride the international fancy Al Riffa in the upcoming Melbourne Cup. The jockey’s strong performance aboard Observer was highlighted by his fight against Arcora, who finished second, with Deal Done Fast in third and One Step Closer in fourth.
Reflecting on his strategy, Zahra admitted uncertainty about leading Observer initially but received encouragement from trainer Ciaron Maher. “He never switches right off. He’s always on the bridle, but geez he’s tough,” Zahra commented. His decision to conserve energy for the Derby paid off, especially after he faced a fine for not riding out Observer in a previous race, which he strategically used to prepare for this win. “It cost me $1,500 but I saved those few lengths for today,” he noted.
Trainer Maher praised Zahra’s impact during the race, stating, “He took luck out of it. He’s riding on the crest of a wave. There’s no one riding any better. He’s a great mate.” Maher himself celebrated a remarkable achievement, with Pride Of Jenni becoming the first multiple winner of the $1 million Empire Rose Stakes, ridden by jockey Declan Bates. Zahra finished second on Leica Lucy and third on On Display.
“It’s just fantastic for Godolphin and to be able to train a colt like that; he’s got so much ahead of him and so much furnishing to do,” Maher added. Pride Of Jenni’s victory marked her first Group 1 triumph since returning to racing in March, with Maher expressing his admiration for the horse and her team.
In the Coolmore Stud Stakes, Zahra’s strategic timing helped Tentyris secure his future as a stallion, winning against the only filly in the race, My Gladiola. The race concluded with Legacy Bound in third and another Godolphin colt, Beiwacht, in fourth. Tentyris became only the third favourite in over a decade to clinch the $2 million sprint, showcasing his exceptional talent.
“He’s very good. Today he was dominant,” trainer Anthony Freedman remarked. “He didn’t have all the favours but then produced an electric turn of foot.”
As Zahra prepares for the Melbourne Cup, his stellar performance on October 28 has set the stage for an exciting week ahead in Australian racing.
