Zahra’s one and out at 2025 Royal Ascot
While Mark Zahra usually trades saddles for sunshine in Ibiza during this time of year, a prized Group 1 opportunity at Royal Ascot has prompted a slight delay to his summer holiday. The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey will ride Docklands in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes (1600m) on Tuesday before switching into holiday mode.
Zahra departed Brisbane on Saturday night after riding at Eagle Farm, and though he left without a win, his attention is now firmly on making a memorable Royal Ascot debut aboard the OTI-owned five-year-old.
Docklands, trained by Harry Eustace, will be reunited with Zahra for the first time since the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) last December, where they finished down the field. The entire has since bounced back with two solid placings, most recently finishing third in the Group 3 Diomed Stakes at Epsom on June 7.
“I’m happy with having the one ride – day one, race one then my holidays start,” Zahra said.
“I love Europe in the summer and I’ve actually been to Royal Ascot in the public to have fun.
“I’ve had a couple of opportunities but, to be honest, I’ve always been in Ibiza at the start of it so this time I planned it to go and take part in the race thanks to Harry Eustace and Terry Henderson.
“It gives me the opportunity to be there and ride in a group one. Then Ibiza will be after.”
Zahra believes Docklands is in top form heading into Tuesday’s feature and rates his chances highly based on his previous efforts at Ascot.
“This is a very good race,” Zahra said. “It is a good horses race and I think he is going as good as he ever has with both runs coming in being really good.
“I spoke to Harry and Terry and they’ve sent me videos and he looks fantastic. I think he’s had five runs at Ascot and never been further back than third.
“That is his track and he ran second in the race last year.”
For Zahra, the challenge of riding a straight mile will be a new experience and one he’s relishing.
“I’ve never ridden a straight mile which is different for an Australian jockey,” he said.
“It’ll be different, but it is a big beautiful track.”
Docklands is a $15 chance with online betting sites for the Queen Anne Stakes, while Rosallion—winner of the 2024 St James’s Palace Stakes—is the $3 favourite.
To bet on Docklands or any runner at Royal Ascot, visit the best betting sites Australia for the latest markets, specials, and expert racing insights.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...