Mark Zahra wins Singapore Gold Cup

Mark Zahra, riding the 7YO gelding Hongkong Great, maintained his stellar month of November by winning the S$1 million Singapore Gold Cup on Saturday. Several Australian jockeys, including Jamie Kah, Craig Williams, and Michael Dee, flew in and out for the meeting, and Zahra was one of them.

Williams, a two-time champion in 2016 and 2019, is only one of several well-known Australians to have triumphed in this race. Other recent winners include Tommy Berry (2013), Michael Rodd (2017), Glen Boss (2010), Jeff Lloyd (2006), and Frankie Dettori (1999). (2001). It was a "Aussie" trifecta in terms of jockeys, with New Zealander Dee ($8) and Australian Ron Stewart ($61) both placing second on their respective horses. Stewart, who won the G1 Sydney Cup on Selino last year, has signed yet another contract in Singapore.

He first worked there from 2006 to 2011, during which time he won three Gold Cups in the Asian jurisdiction and finished in the money on a long shot in 2022. Kah, a two-time minor place finisher whose best finish was third in the Melbourne premiership, rode six times. Three weeks in November have been quite fruitful for Zahra, as he has won the Melbourne Cup on Gold Trip, the Cranbourne Cup on Uncle Bryn, and now the Singapore Gold Cup.