Jockey Coffey realises dream ride in Cox Plate at Flemington
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 18:02 · Archive
Jockey Harry Coffey will ride Light Infantry Man in the $6 million Cox Plate, his first ride in the Australian weight-for-age championship.
Harry Coffey will fulfil a long-held ambition when he rides Light Infantry Man, trained by Ciaron Maher, in the Cox Plate at Flemington on Saturday. The 31-year-old jockey, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at six weeks old, has always hoped to secure a ride in Australia's weight-for-age championship, which carries a purse of $6 million.
The race is being held at Flemington whilst its traditional home at Moonee Valley undergoes major redevelopment. Coffey described the situation as unusual, saying it would be strange to ride in such a prestigious event away from where he had watched it as a child. "It was almost sad seeing it go, then 12 months later to be riding in it is going to be very different," he said, but added he was focused on executing his ride well rather than dwelling on the venue change.
Coffey earned the ride after steering Light Infantry Man to victory in the Australian Cup in March. He cited having 'a little bit of luck' and being 'in good form' as helping him reach this milestone. Last year, jockey James McDonald won his fourth consecutive Cox Plate aboard Via Sistina.
How it is being reported
- Coffey's Cox Plate ride at unusual field of dreamsHarry Coffey will be out to give leading trainer Ciaron Maher more major Melbourne success aboard Light Infantry Man when the Cox Plate is run at Flemington.The West Australian · 23 Oct, 17:31
- Coffey's Cox Plate ride at unusual field of dreamsHarry Coffey will be out to give leading trainer Ciaron Maher more major Melbourne success aboard Light Infantry Man when the Cox Plate is run at Flemington.Perth Now · 23 Oct, 17:31
In this story: Harry Coffey · Light Infantry Man · Ciaron Maher · Flemington · Moonee Valley · James McDonald · Via Sistina
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