McEvoy heading back to Australia but not before Group 2 tilt with Zaaki

Australian ace Kerrin McEvoy is hoping to sign off on a high at Ascot on Saturday before heading home to Australia later the same day after a four-week stint in Britain.

McEvoy became a familiar face in Britain during his spell with Godolphin in the 2000s and was drafted in to cover for William Buick, sidelined with a head injury, by the same owners last month.

A three-time winner of Australia's greatest race, the Melbourne Cup, McEvoy has partnered ten winners in a productive spell in Britain and is hoping Zaaki can send him home on a winning note in Saturday's Group 2 Summer Mile at Ascot.

"I'm heading home tomorrow," said the 38-year-old jockey on Friday. "Our season starts in August and it was always the plan to head back and have a little freshen-up before it starts.

"It's been really enjoyable and good to come back and be part of it again. I've had a few winners along the way and it would be nice to sign off with a Group 2 winner."

Asked if he might be back in Britain in future, McEvoy, who landed the 2004 St Leger on Godophin's Rule Of Law, added: "Never say never but things in Australia are going really well for me and it was dream to win the Melbourne Cup for Charlie Appleby and Sheikh Mohammed last year.

Zaaki (centre): the Diomed winner could give Kerrin McEvoy a winning send-off at Ascot on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I'm grateful that I've got a nice association with some trainers here that gives me options when they come to Australia."

As well as partnering Zaaki for Sir Michael Stoute at Ascot, the rider has a full book of seven rides before he heads to Heathrow, including leading fancies Fabulist for John Gosden in the fillies' handicap over a mile, and Saroog for Simon Crisford in the 1m6f handicap.

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