Mark Zahra will ride Middle Earth in Saturday’s Cox Plate at Flemington, just days after the star jockey was dislodged in a heavy fall in the Caulfield Cup.
UPDATE: Mark Zahra will now miss the Cox Plate on medical advice, with John Allen taking the ride on Middle Earth. (Source: Racing.com)
Zahra has been booked for the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding in the 2040-metre weight-for-age Group 1 on Saturday 24 October, Racing.com reported on Monday. The race will be run at Flemington for the first time while Moonee Valley is redeveloped.
The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey was dislodged from Half Yours at the top of the home straight in Saturday’s Caulfield Cup, in a fall that also brought down Chris Waller’s mare Ohope Wins, who had to be put down. Zahra was taken to the Alfred Hospital, where he was assessed before being discharged, having escaped serious injury.
“Thanks everyone for the calls and messages,” Zahra said in a social media post, as reported by The Age. “I’m OK and home. No serious damage. Very stiff and sore but nothing a cold glass of champagne can’t fix.”
Middle Earth’s new spring path
Middle Earth finished ninth in the Caulfield Cup. Twelve months ago, the son of Roaring Lion went from the Caulfield Cup to the JRA Cup and then the Melbourne Cup. This year the plan is Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and then Melbourne Cup, according to Racing.com. Zahra has won on the gelding before, taking the Australian Cup Prelude at Flemington.
Read more: Cox Plate 2026 Likely Field: Ceolwulf Confirmed for Flemington
Cox Plate field taking shape
At the time of Racing.com’s report there were 10 confirmed runners for the Cox Plate, with decisions still to come on Autumn Boy and Cosmic Crusader. Maher has three horses engaged: Land Legend, Light Infantry Man and Middle Earth. The other certain starters are Aeliana, Attrition, Birdman, Blind Raise, Ceolwulf, Sir Delius and Warwoven.
Final acceptances for the Cox Plate are due on Tuesday 20 October, with the barrier draw to follow.
Stewards still to hear from Zahra
Racing Victoria stewards spoke to jockeys Jabez Johnstone, Rachel King and Ethan Brown after the Caulfield Cup but adjourned their inquiry until they can speak to Zahra and Jye McNeil, The Age reported. The stewards will seek to determine the cause of the incident and whether any rider has breached the Rules of Racing.
Half Yours trainer Tony McEvoy has said the gelding is unlikely to defend his Melbourne Cup title after the fall. Half Yours is unlikely for the Melbourne Cup, which will be run at Flemington on Tuesday 3 November.
More News
- Cox Plate 2026 Likely Field: Ceolwulf Confirmed for Flemington
- Half Yours Unlikely for Melbourne Cup After Caulfield Cup Fall
- Kingswood Wins Caulfield Cup 2026 for Gavin Bedggood and John Allen
- 2026 Caulfield Cup Review: What The Jockeys Said
Gamble responsibly. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
