Group 1 win would top Jeff’s run home
CHAMPION jockey Jeff Lloyd has been given a golden chance to ride another Group 1 winner at his last chance before his impending retirement.
The 58-year-old Gold Coaster, who will retire after the Doomben meeting on July 13, will ride third favourite Multaja ($7.50) in tomorrow’s Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm, the final Group 1 race of the Australian season.
A champion in his native South Africa, Lloyd has ridden with success in many jurisdictions
including the competitive Hong Kong arena and several years in Sydney.
Since moving to Queensland in 2012, Lloyd has ridden more than 650 winners, a figure enhanced by his yearlong
absence after suffering a stroke in 2013.
He has won three Brisbane metropolitan premierships, 38 stakes races and the 2017 Magic Millions 2Y0 Classic on Houtzen in Queensland.
His last Australian Group 1
winner was Pear Tart in the 2012 Tatt’s Tiara.
He hopes that will change with last-start Godolphinowned stakes winner Multaja, who worked strongly on Tuesday morning.
“It is always a pleasure to ride for Goldolphin and it will be my final Group 1 ride,” Lloyd said.
Godolphin’s head trainer James Cummings has boosted Lloyd’s hopes by indicating Multaja is ready to run a big race.
“Even luck should see her in the finish,” Cummings said.
Lloyd announced his imminent retirement a year ago but has kept going through this season.
He says this time it is final as he wants to help guide his eldest son Jaden, 17, who is in the Racing Victoria Apprentices Academy.