Zac Lloyd Emerges as Sydney's New Star with Four-Timer at Rosehill
Zac Lloyd's remarkable run of form continued unabated on Saturday at Rosehill Gardens, where the rising jockey steered home an impressive four winners, highlighted by a thrilling Group 1 victory in the Vinery Stud Stakes aboard Belle Cheval over 2000 metres.
Lloyd's hot streak saw him secure his second win of the day early on with Annie's Rose, but it was the dramatic finish in the Vinery Stud Stakes that captured headlines. Aboard the favourite Belle Cheval, priced at $2.60, Lloyd positioned the Savabeel filly in third place behind leader Stand My Ground, maintaining that spot until the home turn.
Controversial Finish and Stewards' Protest Dismissed
As the race intensified, Lloyd shifted Belle Cheval off the fence, easing past After Summer, who was ridden by Billy Egan. Belle Cheval accelerated smartly, dashing a length clear, but became wayward at the 200-metre mark, lugging outward noticeably. Despite this, Lloyd ironed out the Kiwi youngster, who kept kicking to hold off a late surge from After Summer.
The photo finish revealed Belle Cheval had won by a nose, but the drama didn't end there. Egan quickly lodged a stewards' objection, arguing that Lloyd's move on the turn had cost him a good length, ultimately affecting the outcome. "That has cost me a good length. We've started on level terms, and he has bumped me, and my horse has lost a length going back, so on that evidence alone, beaten a nose, that's cost us the race," Egan stated.
Lloyd countered, dismissing the logic and suggesting Egan was riding into him. "If anything, he was riding his horse into me, which was shown by his right hand off the horse. I don't think that has cost him any ground," Lloyd explained. Stewards ultimately threw out the protest, upholding Lloyd's victory and adding to his growing reputation.
Lloyd Completes Winning Quartet and Other Race Highlights
Just thirty-five minutes later, Lloyd again bested Egan, this time aboard Idle Flyer, who defeated Blindedbythelight as the favourite. Lloyd then completed his winning quartet with a victory on Welwal, cementing his status as a dominant force on the day.
In other action, the Tancred Stakes over 2400 metres provided another Group 1 spectacle. James McDonald added to his tally when Aeliana, the favourite at $1.75, lifted off the canvas to wear down Dubai Honour in a pulsating home stretch battle. Tom Marquand had set a demanding pace on Dubai Honour, booting three lengths ahead early in the straight, but Aeliana reeled him in over the final 15 metres to score by a short neck.
This performance underscores the competitive nature of Sydney's horse racing scene, with Lloyd's four-timer marking a significant milestone in his emerging career. As the sport continues to evolve, such displays of skill and determination highlight the excitement and unpredictability that fans cherish.
