There were 123 Melbourne Cup runners left in at the last nomination stage, one of which is Land Legend. Now, top jockey Zac Purton has been confirmed to ride the horse in two major upcoming races.
Meanwhile, a footy legend has also been booked for Channel 9 TV duties when we see the Melbourne Cup live on November 5.
Metropolitan Winner Fancied for Cup Double
Chris Waller’s Land Legend was impressive in winning the Group 1 Metropolitan at Randwick last week. Reece Jones was aboard that day, but now Zac Purton has been booked for a potential Cup double.
Now based in Hong Kong, Purton was booked to ride 5-year-old gelding as soon as he secured his place in two of this spring’s biggest events.
To confirm the jockey’s participation, the Hong Kong Jockey Club made an announcement. It confirmed Purton will ride in Melbourne, then return to Hong Kong after fulfilling those commitments.
A general $18 shot for the Melbourne Cup, Land Legend has now been given a 1kg penalty for his Metropolitan success. He will now carry 53kg in both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.
Local handicapper David Hegan has handed out the penalty despite the narrow margin of victory at Randwick. He has cited penalties given in the past to other Metropolitan winners such as Montefilia and No Compromise. Whatever happens, the horse is clearly in great health.
Land Legend’s Profile
Land Legend is trained by Chris Waller who has a typically strong hand for the upcoming spring Group 1’s. Based at Rosehill, the chestnut gelding has amassed over $760,000 in prize money now after some notable runs.
By Galileo, Land Legend has a fine pedigree. Having won a Newcastle handicap and the St Leger Stakes at Randwick, he has now won his prestigious Group 1 and is improving nicely. More big successes could be on the cards.
NRL Legend to Take Role with Channel Nine for Melbourne Cup
Billy Slater has confirmed he will be part of the Channel 9 line-up for the Melbourne Cup. The footy legend will conduct post-race interviews with jockeys in the saddle at Flemington as part of the coverage. This isn’t just a madcap appointment, however.
As it turns out, Slater isn’t a neophyte when it comes to all things horse racing. He is simply on loan from the NRL for now but returns to his first sporting love.
The Queensland Origin coach knows his way around a racetrack. As a teenager, he was a trackwork rider for trainer Gai Waterhouse in Sydney. As well as this, he owns a number of current racehorses and still stays very much involved in horse racing.
The channel’s broadcasting starts with Victoria Derby Day on Saturday, November 2. The Melbourne Cup comes next on Tuesday, November 5 before Crown Oaks Day on Thursday, November 7. Finally, on Saturday the 9th, the carnival finishes up with Champions Stakes Day.
