Brown hoping to be the Cup king

HAVING recently celebrated his 21st wedding anniversary literally like a prince – staying at the Coworth Park Hotel where Harry spent the night before marrying Meghan Markle – Australian jockey Corey Brown is after more celebrations today at Ascot racecourse.

“I’ve been trying to ride at Ascot’s Shergar Cup for years,” said Brown, right, who is famed for his success in two Melbourne Cups.

“It has worked out at the right time with my wedding anniversary. I would love to come over for a couple of months and ride in England.”

Brown did not have the option of anything else but to become a jockey. His father was one, as was his grandfather.

“To win two Melbourne Cups was very special,” said Brown. “The victory on Shocking (2007) was a huge relief as I had been beaten on Bauer (trained by Luca Cumani) the year before when second. “Last year’s win on Rekindling was special as my family were there. I hope I can do it again with Magic Circle for Ian Williams.” As for conquering Ascot, the 42-year-old believes he has a strong team with Yutaka Take from Japan and Brazilian-born ace Joao Moreira, representing The Rest Of The World. Of the opposition, Brown has the utmost respect for his mate Gerald Mosse, representing the European Team. Brown is a hero in his hometown of Wingham where they named a street after him and the local racecourse at Taree run a race in his honour. “The race took place last year and I was fourth,” said Brown. “Of course, I have to win it but also it would also be special to get a winner at Ascot.”