This year’s Melbourne Cup will see a record-breaking lineup of four female jockeys, with Hollie Doyle, Jamie Kah, Winona Costin, and Rachel King all riding in the iconic race. With a significant six female trainers represented as well, the 2024 Melbourne Cup will showcase the largest female presence the race has ever seen, setting a new standard in the sport.
Hollie Doyle – Sea King
Leading the charge among female jockeys is international star Hollie Doyle, who will ride Sea King, a Harry Eustace-trained import currently a $9.50 contender with bookmakers. Doyle’s previous attempt at the Melbourne Cup saw her finish 15th on Future History, but her recent form and Sea King’s impressive win in the Bendigo Cup make her a top contender. With a proven track record in high-pressure races, Doyle hopes to go down in history as the first international female jockey to claim the Cup, a feat that would place her alongside Michelle Payne, the only female jockey to have won the Cup with Prince Of Penzance in 2015.
Jamie Kah – Okita Soushi
Australia’s own Jamie Kah is also looking to make her mark as she partners with Okita Soushi for trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. Kah previously achieved third place in the Melbourne Cup in 2020, riding Prince Of Arran, and she’ll be eager to improve on that result. Kah’s mount, Okita Soushi, finished 11th last year when trained by Joseph O’Brien but has recently shown strong form with a win in the Moonee Valley Cup. Known for her strategic and composed riding style, Kah is poised to put Okita Soushi’s front-running ability to good use in this year’s race.
Winona Costin – Positivity
Taking on the lightweight ride on Positivity, Winona Costin brings her unique skill set to Andrew Forsman’s mare. Although Costin has yet to establish a legacy in the Melbourne Cup, Positivity’s credentials include a win in the SA Fillies Classic and recent participation in the Moonee Valley Cup, where she finished sixth. As a mare in the race, Positivity faces a statistical challenge, with only a handful of mares finishing in the top three since 2005. However, Costin’s determination and Positivity’s resilience could make this pairing one of the surprises of the day.
Rachel King – The Map
Rounding out the female jockeys, Rachel King will fly in from the United States after riding at the Breeders’ Cup to take the reins on The Map, trained by Oopy MacGillivray. After securing a spot in the Melbourne Cup with a victory in the Andrew Ramsden, The Map has been preparing for the big day. King’s international experience and The Map’s strong staying performance make them a competitive team, though The Map will need to overcome a tough draw from barrier 23. King’s tactical expertise could see her guide The Map through a crowded field in pursuit of a solid finish.
As these four jockeys compete, they continue to inspire a new generation of female riders, each striving to break new ground in a race where representation matters as much as victory.
