Zac Lloyd Hoping to Add to Stradbroke History

Former globe-trotting hoop Jeff Lloyd isn’t often seen at the races these days, especially in Queensland, but that’s set to change this Saturday, according to racenet.com.au. The legendary jockey, known during his heyday as The Guvnor, hasn’t been trackside since his son Zac landed a breakout Group 1 victory in last year’s Stradbroke Handicap, but the chance to witness a slice of history has proven too tempting to resist. Should Zac pull off back-to-back wins in the state’s richest race, he’ll become the first jockey since Jim Cassidy aboard Rough Habit in 1992 to go back-to-back in the Stradbroke. Lloyd senior, who notched 15 Group 1 wins across a stellar international career before retiring in 2019, now manages sons Zac and Jaden and generally keeps his distance from the hustle of race day. “I haven’t been back since last year. I don’t go to the races any more,” he said after watching Zac gallop Bosustow at trackwork on Tuesday morning. “I might have gone once in Sydney when I visited Zac. I just prefer to stay at home. I feel like you see more on TV and you can sit and do your own thing.” But he’s making an exception this weekend as Zac prepares to ride the Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained colt in the $3 million feature over 1400m at Eagle Farm. Zac moved quickly to secure the Stradbroke ride after Bosustow demolished rivals by six lengths in the Gr3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m). “I called Anthony Mithen straight after that win and got booked the next day,” he revealed. A sixth-place finish in the Fred Best Classic last week didn’t shake his confidence. “I was booked in early because I was very confident that he’s the right horse for the Stradbroke. Obviously, his Fred Best run was a bit below-par but good trainers don’t peak their horses the start before,” he said. “He’s a pleasure to ride. He’s still a colt so he holds a lot of value. If he can win a Group 1 then that will just boost his stallion potential.” For Zac, it’s as much about family as it is about ambition. “If he can get up on Saturday it'll be massive for myself, Annabel and Rob and his owners.” Last year’s win on Stefi Magnetica (see below) remains a high point, especially with both parents on course to witness it. “The Stradbroke is Queensland’s premier race so to win it once was good, but twice will be better,” he said. “It was a special day. I had my parents on track and they don’t normally go to the races. It’s a day I won’t forget and definitely the top win of my career so far.”