The jockeys locked in for the 2024 Melbourne Cup

With just one week until the Lexus Melbourne Cup, the excitement surrounding this iconic race intensifies. As more jockeys fill the slots, we take a look at who is in the saddle so far.

With this impressive roster, the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the pinnacle of equine and human talent on one of the world’s grandest racing stages.

Jamie Kah, who has picked up the ride on Okita Soushi (51kg) for Ciaron Maher after Point King was ruled out, is ready to make her mark in this year’s race.

In fact, it will be the first time we've seen four female jockeys riding in the Melbourne Cup, with Kah, Rachel King, Winona Costin and Nikita Beriman all securing rides.

William Buick is set to ride the talented Vauban (55.5kg), trained by Willie Mullins. Buick, known for his tactical awareness and calm under pressure, is a key player in this year’s lineup.

Mark Zahra will steer Circle Of Fire (54.5kg) for trainer Ciaron Maher. Will Zahra make it three Lexus Melbourne Cups in a row?

Joao Moreira takes the reins on Chris Waller’s Buckaroo (54.5kg), the second-placegetter in the Caulfield Cup.

Damian Lane rides Kovalica (53.5kg), another Chris Waller contender.

Akira Sugawara rides Warp Speed (54.5kg), a contender trained by Noboru Takagi. Sugawara’s participation adds an exciting international dimension to the race.

Michael Dee will be aboard reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp 'N' Smart (53.5kg) for Graeme and Debbie Rogerson.

2020 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jye McNeil hopes to go one more on Waterhouse-Bott’s Just Fine (53kg).

Zac Purton, home from Hong Kong, will compete on Land Legend (53kg) for Waller, showcasing his elite skillset.

Kerrin McEvoy, seeking his fourth Cup victory, will partner with Willie Mullins’ Absurde (52.5kg), adding to his illustrious Melbourne Cup legacy.

Andrea Atzeni, will ride Zardozi (51kg), who he partnered to fourth place in the Caulfield Cup.

The excitement continues with Zac Lloyd riding Athabascan (52kg) and Declan Bates on Mahrajaan (52kg). Rachel King is set to pilot The Map (50kg), while 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Craig Williams takes charge of Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator (51kg).

Jockeys Teo Nugent, riding the promising Interpretation (50kg) for trainer Ciaron Maher, Ron Stewart aboard the talented Fancy Man (50kg) for the Neasham/Archibald team, and Karis Teetan piloting the reliable Mostly Cloudy (50kg) from the Busuttin/Young stable are all eager to make their mark. Nikita Beriman will return to Victoria to ride Mission Of Love (50kg), 17 years after winning at Flemington on Tears I Cry.

Originally published by the VRC.