Star jockey impressed with 2025 Melbourne Cup mount Al Riffa
Dual Melbourne Cup winner Mark Zahra has given a glowing early report on Al Riffa following his first sit on the Irish-trained stayer at Werribee on Wednesday.
Zahra headed to the quarantine centre to get acquainted with Al Riffa before this year’s Melbourne Cup (3200m), which takes place on November 4 at Flemington.
Al Riffa will sport the Australian Bloodstock colours that Zahra carried during his Cup triumph aboard Gold Trip in 2022, before returning to win again in 2023 with Without A Fight.
“I dare say if they didn’t own it, I would be on the horse,” Zahra said.
“It’s good to have a bit of success with past Melbourne Cup winners and I’m very thankful to have the ride.”
Al Riffa is required to carry 59kg, but Zahra was unfazed after feeling the horse’s power under saddle.
“He’s a big strong horse and the 59 (kilos) is no problem, but giving the weight away is a problem,” Zahra said.
“I have no problems at all about him carrying that sort of weight.
“It’s hard having not ridden him in a race to compare him to Gold Trip, but he’s a bit bigger, a stronger horse and I think he’s got all the class that Gold Trip had.”
Trainer Joseph O’Brien is already a two-time Cup winner, having taken out the race with Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020). Those handling Al Riffa have suggested he may be the best-qualified horse O’Brien has brought to Australia.
Zahra said he wanted to see calmness above all else.
“He was, very relaxed, which you need for a Melbourne Cup horse as they have to run the two miles,” Zahra said.
“I know it’s different from race day, but his action was beautiful and in the straight when he needed to pick up, he picked up straight away.
“You’re hoping for a good feel, and that’s what he gave me.”
Meanwhile, Craig Williams has secured the ride on Buckaroo for the Melbourne Cup after the Cox Plate runner-up was confirmed to continue on to the race.
If you’re backing a runner in the Melbourne Cup, compare promos and top odds at Australia’s best betting sites before placing your bets.
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