There are some factors different to the scene that saw Robbie Dolan push longshot Knight’s Choice across the line to win the Melbourne Cup last year, but even after that victory, he still is not taking his ride on Royal Supremacy for granted at Flemington on Tuesday.
“Last year it was scorching weather, this year it is raining,” Dolan said.
“Last year I came here on a 200-1 pop and was happy to be involved, and now my horse is 25 or 30-1 and I am still just as happy to be involved.”
It has been a whirlwind year for Irish-born Dolan who among race riding, guest appearances and opportunities to sing, he still found time to get back to Ireland to share the Cup and extend the moment with his family.
“I left there nine years ago with no expectations of ever being involved in the Melbourne Cup so you really have to enjoy it,” Dolan added.
“You never know if you’ll get the chance again.”
That chance has come again as Dolan will be aboard the Ciaron Maher-trained Royal Supremacy in this Group 1 3200-metre feature after the gelding took out the Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) at Randwick on October 4.
The four-year-old could become the first galloper to complete that double since Macdougal in 1959.
“He’s a horse that gets keen, he’s got barrier 21 and he hasn’t been tested on wet ground so you have to do the little things right in the early stages in the race,” Dolan said.
“From all accounts the horse is going well and if Ciaron Maher is happy, I’m happy.
“There are some races that not many jockeys get the chance to ride in and I am so honoured to be here.”
Royal Supremacy is rated a $26 chance for the Melbourne Cup with Al Riffa and Half Yours sharing favouritism a $7.50.
