Australian riding sensation Zac Lloyd has announced himself on the international stage, riding his first Royal Ascot winner aboard Moonfall in a memorable breakthrough at the famous carnival.
Lloyd, who has been based in Britain since the start of the month in preparation for Royal Ascot, made the most of a favourable high draw to guide the 13-2 chance to a convincing three-quarter length victory over Outback Heat.
Moonfall bags the Britannia Stakes under Zac Lloyd! #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/KftzOBX5fz
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 18, 2026
The race was dominated by runners drawn near the stands-side rail, with the 22-year-old producing a polished ride to score for trainer George Boughey in the colours of the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid.
“It’s unreal – to ride a winner here is very special,” Lloyd said.
“Everyone kept telling me that if you think you’re going well, wait another five seconds, and that’s all I was thinking about.
“I enjoyed that because he was holding off the others quite comfortably.”
Lloyd arrived in Britain with an already impressive résumé, having won multiple Group 1 races in Australia, including this year’s Golden Slipper, the world’s richest two-year-old race.
The son of former international jockey Jeff Lloyd revealed Boughey had specifically invited him to England for the carnival.
“I was asked to come over here by George Boughey,” Lloyd explained.
“Billy Loughnane is an absolute star and I was under no illusions I was going to take his rides, but I can ride light, which helps.
“I’m good friends with Billy and when he came over to Australia I looked after him. He probably could have ridden this horse, but he wanted to throw me a bone, so I owe him a bit.
“He was probably my only bullet of the week and I’m very happy to have got the job done.
“I wanted to come here, not expecting a winner but hoping to make connections. Next year, if I come back, it will grow and then the year after.”
Boughey was full of praise for Lloyd, who has quickly made an impression during his short stint in Britain.
“He’s a beautiful rider,” Boughey said.
“He’s been riding out quite a lot and we were very keen to get him over as he’s taking Australia by storm.
“It’s great to give him his first Royal Ascot winner.
“We thought the horse had a bit in hand and it’s nice he’s been able to pull it off. He was one we were pretty hopeful for this week and when we got the high draw, it all fell into place.”
While Lloyd celebrated a career milestone, he was later fined £140 by stewards for failing to ensure his helmet was correctly fastened at all times while mounted.
Nevertheless, the victory represents another significant step in the young Australian’s rapidly rising career and further strengthens his growing international reputation.
