Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan is brimming with optimism as he gears up for this year’s prestigious race, an event renowned for captivating the entire nation. Following his unexpected victory aboard the 80-1 long shot Knight’s Choice, Dolan aims to make history by potentially becoming the fourth jockey in a century to win the Cup in consecutive years with different horses.
Unfortunately, Knight’s Choice has been removed from contention due to a virus, leading Dolan to take the reins of Royal Supremacy, trained by Ciaron Maher. Dolan guided Royal Supremacy to a significant win in The Metropolitan at Randwick last month and secured fifth place in the Caulfield Cup, setting a solid groundwork for his upcoming challenge.
As the Melbourne Cup draws near, Dolan acknowledges that luck will play a crucial role for Royal Supremacy, who will start from barrier 21 at odds of $21 in the grueling 3200-meter race. He underscores the importance of strategy, stating, “I’m going to have to give the horse a great ride to win, but that’s my job—that’s what I get paid to do.” Dolan is aware of the horse’s eagerness and the challenges presented by the anticipated wet track conditions, emphasizing the need for precision from the outset.
Reflecting on the pressure of the event, Dolan shares that this is the type of intensity he seeks in his career, contrasting it with the anxiety linked to financial instability. “I’m so blessed to be in the situation I’m in with being able to ride light (51kg),” he remarked, expressing his enthusiasm and readiness for the big race.
Originally hailing from County Kildare in Ireland, Dolan has become a prominent figure in the racing scene following last year’s surprising victory. He perceives the Melbourne Cup as a distinctive event, appreciating the meaningful experience of stepping into the jockey room, especially knowing that he has triumphed in it before.
The anticipation surrounding the Melbourne Cup embodies not just the excitement of horse racing but also a spirit of hope and potential victories, as highlighted by the remarkable stories of underdogs like Knight’s Choice. Dolan’s journey this year reflects a profound sense of optimism, reinforcing the idea that in the world of racing, anything is possible.