SWAN Hill racing sensation Harry Coffey has the world at his feet, as his own Melbourne Cup preparation begins ahead of the spring racing carnival.
While hoping for a ride in the race that stops a nation, Coffey jumped on Cup-winning horse Prince of Penzance at the weekend, albeit for a less than desired result.
The 20-year-old rider jumped on seven-year-old gelding at Caulfield in a 1400 metre race, to finish second last.
The pilot conceded it may have been too ambitious for the acclaimed horse.
“The trip was way too short considering he won the cup over 3200m, he takes a bit to get going,” Coffey told The Guardian.
“It was his first run in his preparation… but it was good and exciting to jump on him.
“It is good to ride horses and to ride the Melbourne Cup winner is special.”
He was just the second jockey to ride Prince of Penzance after jockey Michelle Payne, another notch in Coffey’s belt.
Despite the result, it appears the Swan Hill jockey is beginning his preparation for the biggest race with strong mail he will ride Signoff in the showpiece.
“We don’t know what will happen at this stage, but we are hoping (I will get a ride),” Coffey said.
“It is always competitive at this time of year, all the jockeys are hoping for a ride and I am trying to keep ticking along in good form.”
