Champion jockey Jeff Lloyd has been given a golden chance to ride another Group One winner at his last chance before his impending retirement.
The 58-year-old, who will retire after the Doomben meeting on July 13, will ride third favourite Multaja in Saturday’s Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm, the final Group One race of the Australian season..
A champion in his native South Africa, Lloyd has ridden with success in many jurisdictions including the competitive Hong Kong arena and several years in Sydney.
Since moving to Queensland in 2012, Lloyd has ridden more than 650 winners, a figure enhanced by his year-long absence after suffering a stroke in 2013.
He has won three Brisbane metropolitan premierships, 38 stakes races and the Magic Millions 2Y0 Classic in Queensland.
His last Group One winner was Pear Tart in the 2012 Tiara.
He hopes that will change with last-start stakes winner Multaja working strongly on Tuesday morning.
“It is always a pleasure to ride for Goldolphin and it will be my final Group One ride,” Lloyd said.
Godolphin ‘s head trainer James Cummings has boosted Lloyd’s hopes by indicating Multaja is ready to run a big race.
“Even luck should see her in the finish,” Cummings said.
Lloyd announced his imminent retirement a year ago but has kept going through this season.
He says this time it is final as he wants to help guide his eldest son Jaden who is in the Racing Victoria Apprentices Academy.
