Two-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey to replace Dylan Browne McMonagle on favourite Al Riffa

Lexus Melbourne Cup favourite Al Riffa is set to have a new jockey at Flemington next month with Mark Zahra replacing Dylan Browne McMonagle.

Owners Australian Bloodstock have snapped up Zahra to partner the Joseph O'Brien-trained five-year-old, who was ridden by Browne McMonagle when successful in last month's Irish St Leger on his first start for the leading syndicate.

Zahra won the Melbourne Cup for Australian Bloodstock on Gold Trip in 2022 and landed back-to-back victories in the race on Without A Fight in 2023. 

Al Riffa, who will carry top weight in the Melbourne Cup on November 4, assumed favouritism following last week's withdrawal of Sir Delius, who was ruled out by the Racing Victoria stewards after failing independent specialist scans.

Browne McMonagle, who is leading the way in the Irish Flat jockeys' title race, has ridden Al Riffa on six of his last eight starts, with Japanese legend Yutaka Take taking over for rides in last year's Arc and at the Saudi Cup meeting in February.

Australian Bloodstock are seeking a third Melbourne Cup success, having also won with Protectionist in 2014, and acquired Al Riffa to have a crack at the race after his dominant victory in the Group 2 Curragh Cup in July.

Lexus Melbourne Cup, Flemington, November 4
William Hill: 4 Al Riffa, 6 Half Yours, 7 Valiant King, 12 Presage Nocturne, 16 Furthur, River Of Stars, 20 bar.

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