Zac Lloyd, at 22 already one of the top riders in Australia, is set to make his British debut at Doncaster on Friday night, riding a £520,000 Godolphin horse trained by Charlie Appleby. The rising star will also compete at Royal Ascot, describing the opportunity as a 'dream come true'.
British Debut at Doncaster
Lloyd will begin his UK stint at Doncaster on Friday evening, where he rides Ruler Of Time for Charlie Appleby and Madjid for Harry Charlton. He will also be in action at the Yorkshire track on Saturday. This marks his first competitive rides in Britain, following a brief visit three years ago when he rode work for Appleby while serving a suspension in Australia.
Impressive Career in Australia
In less than six years, Lloyd has ridden 528 winners, including 36 at Group level. He currently sits second in both the Metropolitan and state-wide New South Wales Jockey Premiership this season. His father, Jeff Lloyd, was a champion jockey in South Africa and Australia, and enjoyed a successful stint in Britain in 1992, riding seven winners from 43 rides.
Former Godolphin Australia apprentice Lloyd is staying with jockey David Egan in Newmarket during his visit. He is eager to make an impact, stating: 'I’ve had a very good season in Sydney, winning three Group 1s within the space of four weeks, including the Golden Slipper. That helped put my name out on the international stage.'
Royal Ascot Ambitions
Lloyd has been a fan of Royal Ascot from afar for years. 'I have watched nearly every race at Royal Ascot for the past 14 years as a fan in Australia, waking up to watch the races. So to finally be a part of it racing is an honest dream come true,' he said. He already has several rides lined up for the prestigious meeting and is confident his light weight will help him secure more opportunities in handicaps.
Lloyd is determined to compete at the highest level: 'I’m not here just to follow the pack around, I want to be leading the pack. I don’t know what a great visit would be but speaking to and opening doors with connections, meeting new people, meeting new owners is going to be a win in itself, but at the same time I want to be winning races.'
The young jockey's ambition and talent have already earned him recognition internationally, and his British debut is highly anticipated by racing fans.
