Melbourne Cup 2024: Every Jockey Riding in the Race That Stops a Nation

The excitement surrounding the Lexus Melbourne Cup intensifies as we approach the first Tuesday in November. This year’s race promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the pinnacle of equine and human talent on one of the world’s grandest racing stages. We take a look at the jockeys who will be riding in the race that stops a nation.

With a star-studded field of horses and jockeys, the 2024 Melbourne Cup is set to be a memorable event.

Riders Ready for the Challenge

Here is a look at some of the jockeys set to compete in the race, along with the horses they will be riding.

Jockeys Ready to Make Their Mark

William Buick, known for his tactical awareness and calm under pressure, will be riding the talented Vauban (55.5kg), trained by Willie Mullins.
Mark Zahra, a two-time Melbourne Cup winner, will be riding Circle of Fire (54.5kg) for trainer Ciaron Maher.
Joao Moreira, nicknamed “the Magic Man,” will be riding Buckaroo (54.5kg) for Chris Waller.
Damian Lane, a highly skilled Australian jockey, will be riding Kovalica (53.5kg), another Chris Waller contender.
Akira Sugawara is a rising star in the racing world. He will be riding Warp Speed (54.5kg), a Japanese stayer with strong performances over long distances.
Zac Purton, a champion Australian jockey based in Hong Kong, will be riding Land Legend (53kg) for Chris Waller.
James McDonald, a talented jockey, will partner with Via Sistina (56kg) if she makes the field.
Kerrin McEvoy, aiming for his fourth Melbourne Cup win, will be riding Absurde (52.5kg) for Willie Mullins.
Jamie Kah, a skilled female jockey, will be riding Okita Soushi (51kg) for Ciaron Maher.
Michael Dee will be aboard reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp ‘N’ Smart (53.5kg) for Graeme and Debbie Rogerson.
Jye McNeil, a 2020 Melbourne Cup winner, hopes to go one more on Just Fine (53kg) for Waterhouse-Bott.
Andrea Atzeni, an Italian jockey, will be riding Zardozi (51kg) for James Cummings.
Holly Doyle, a successful female jockey, will be riding Sea King (53.5kg) for Harry Eustace.
Craig Williams, a 2019 Melbourne Cup winner, will be riding Onesmoothoperator (51kg) for Brian Ellison.

The Rest of the Field

The remaining riders and their respective horses are:

Zac Lloyd on Athabascan (52kg)
Robbie Dolan on Mahrajaan (52kg)
Rachel King on The Map (50kg)
Teo Nugent on Interpretation (50kg)
Ron Stewart on Fancy Man (50kg)
Karis Teetan on Mostly Cloudy (50kg)
Winona Costin on Knight’s Choice (50kg)
Tyler Schiller on Saint George (50kg)
Mark Du Plessis on Valiant King (50kg)

With this impressive roster of jockeys and horses, the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup promises to be a thrilling contest. The race will undoubtedly showcase the pinnacle of equine and human talent on one of the world’s grandest racing stages.

The Magic Man is Back

If you love a redemption story, then Joao Moreira is the jockey for you.

Moreira, known in the racing world as “the Magic Man,” has had a difficult history with the Melbourne Cup. While he is one of the most successful jockeys in the world, his performance in last year’s race left much to be desired. He was riding the well-fancied runner-up Soulcombe and was widely criticized for his tactics in the final stretch.

But Moreira gets a chance to atone this year as he rides the Chris Waller-trained Buckaroo, one of the favorites to win the race.

Who Will Win the Cup?

The Melbourne Cup is a race with a long and storied history. Each year, there are several contenders vying for the trophy.

This year is no different.

The Favorites

Here are a few of the horses considered to be the favorites to win the Cup:

Vauban (FR), trained by Willie Mullins, is the current favorite.
Absurde (FR), also trained by Willie Mullins, is another strong contender.
Onesmoothoperator (USA), trained by Brian Ellison, won the Geelong Cup and is among the top picks.
Buckaroo (GB), trained by Chris Waller, is a talented stayer with impressive form this season.
Sea King (GB), trained by Harry Eustace, has won the Bendigo Cup and is considered a threat.
Okita Soushi (IRE), trained by Ciaron Maher, was the winner of the Moonee Valley Gold Cup and has a chance to make history.
Zardozi (GB), trained by James Cummings, finished fourth in the Caulfield Cup and is one to watch.

The Melbourne Cup is a race that is known for its unpredictability. However, the favorites all have impressive records and are capable of winning.

With a strong field of horses and jockeys, the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup promises to be a memorable event. Tune in on November 4th to see who will be crowned the winner of this iconic race.

The Race That Stops a Nation

The Melbourne Cup is a race that captures the imagination of people all over the world. It’s a race that is steeped in history and tradition, a race that is known for its excitement and unpredictability.

The Melbourne Cup is more than just a race. It's a day that is full of pageantry and celebration, a day that brings people together. It’s a day that everyone remembers, a day that everyone talks about.

The Melbourne Cup is a truly special event, and the 2024 race is sure to be no exception.