Melbourne Cup winning jockey Mark Zahra on tight schedule
Time will be of the essence for two-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey Mark Zahra as the Caulfield meeting nears its end on Saturday.
A big sports lover and in particular American Football, Zahra is booked to fly to the US on Saturday night to attend the Super Bowl in Las Vegas on Monday (Australian time).
As he has done in the past two years, Zahra will make a dash to the airport after riding in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m).
Two years ago, Zahra guided Tofane to victory in the Orr Stakes while last year he was first over the line aboard Gentleman Roy, only to lose the race in the stewards’ room following a protest by Damian Lane on Jacquinot.
The Orr is race nine on Saturday’s program at 4.55pm while Zahra is booked to ride Blanc De Blanc for Michael Freedman in the final race, the Peter Le Grand Stakes (1100m) at 5.35pm.
“My manager usually gives me a spray when I tell him I might have to get off one,” Zahra said.
“I think my flight is around 7.20 (pm), so I should have enough time to get out of Caulfield and get the plane.”
Zahra said he had heard the plans Taylor Swift was making after performing in Tokyo on Saturday night in her bid to get the Las Vegas for the Super Bowl the following day.
He said his travel was more arduous.
“I’ve seen what Taylor Swift has to do to get back from Japan, and mine is even worse than that,” Zahra said.
“I don’t know what she’s carrying on for.
“I fly to LA, then straight on to Vegas and get in late Saturday night.
“The game is Sunday. I’ll have a bit of lunch on Monday, then get another plane to get back.
“It’s a quick turnaround, but as long as I get to see the game live, I’m happy to do it.
“When the game is on the west coast it makes it easier. You can fly in and you’re there and you don’t have to get another long flight.
“The last three have been on the west coast, which has helped me a lot.”
Zahra said he’s been a follower of American Football from a young age.
“I love the strategy and I guess it’s a little out for me from racing,” Zahra said.
“I love Monday’s, setting up camp and watching all the games and the Super Bowl is the pinnacle to finish off the year.”
Zahra rides Pericles for Godolphin and James Cummings in Saturday’s race.
Pericles, who ran in both Victoria and Australian Derbies as a three-year-old, is having his first start since finishing second to Japanese visitor Obamburumai in the Golden Eagle at Rosehill last November.
“I’m on Pericles and he’s got to be some sort of chance in the race,” Zahra said.
For the record, Zahra believes the Kansas City Chiefs will defeat the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.
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