Australian jockey Zac Lloyd has achieved a landmark victory at Royal Ascot, riding Moonfall to win the Britannia Stakes in front of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The 22-year-old delivered a superb performance for English trainer George Boughey at the prestigious meeting.
A memorable day at Royal Ascot
While Ireland's master trainer Aidan O'Brien stole the spotlight by saddling his 100th winner at the Royal meeting in the Ascot Gold Cup, Lloyd held his nerve in the mile-long race to secure his maiden win at the biggest week-long event on the British racing calendar.
The Sydney-based jockey has flown thousands of miles for a summer spell in the UK, primarily riding for Boughey. He steered home the Newmarket trainer's second winner of the week, racing in the colours of the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid.
Lloyd's emotional reaction
"This is unreal. To ride a winner here is very special. He was probably my only bullet for the week," beamed Lloyd, who is following in the footsteps of his father Jeff, a jockey who rode over 5,500 races worldwide, particularly in South Africa and Australia, earning the nickname "The Guv".
Boughey praised Lloyd's composure: "Zac gave him a beautiful ride, very cool. He has come over to ride for us primarily. I called him in the winter and it’s nice when it comes off. He’s a very light young man and he obviously rides very well. Thrilled."
O'Brien's historic century
The story of the day, however, was the victory of star stayer Scandinavia in the Gold Cup under a fine ride from Ryan Moore. The horse denied last year's winner Trawlerman in the dying stages, giving O'Brien his 100th Royal Ascot win.
O'Brien, who received his prize from the King and Queen, described the achievement as "just incredible". His century includes 10 victories in the Gold Cup itself.
Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori hailed the milestone: "One hundred Royal Ascot winners, amazing, what an achievement for Aidan. Huge congratulations to him and he has Ryan there as well – he’s riding out of his skin."
