Cory Parish's Dreams Come True

Cory Parish, a former Kiwi jockey, has engaged with the media during the carnival launch for the Melbourne Cup at Flemington. He stated that he fully intended to beg David Hyde, trainer, for a ride, any ride, on the day of the race!

Parish's Melbourne Cup Debut

Parish stated that he had never attended the famous race, even as a spectator, and was of the belief that even just being present at Flemington on the day would mean something. Thanks to the last-minute entry that Boom Time's upset win for the Caulfield Cup necessitated, Parish is now set to make the ride of his dreams.

He has never been to a Melbourne Cup, even as a spectator and thought just being at Flemington on the day would be pretty special.

Being at the Melbourne Cup is Amazing

Parish said that he had planned to talk to Hyde some weeks ago, asking if there was any way he could ride a horse for the Cup, just so that he could experience it. He then added that now that he was taking part was an incredible experience.

First Group One Win for Parish

The Caulfield Cup gave Parish his very first Group One race win, and it happened five years to the day that he moved to New Zealand from Victoria. He happily informed the press that he had even had random strangers stopping him in the street requesting selfies, although he sadly had no NZ racing tips to give them!

The 28-year old jockey, who would otherwise be atop a horse in Echuca on the first Tuesday in November, fondly recalls stopping to watch the races in between riding at Ellerslie back in Auckland.

He went on to say that the fact that he was now riding it not just on the day but in the race itself was a dream come true.

Dibayani is the Horse for Parish

Parish will be riding Hayes' Dibayani, and for his son Ben and nephew Tom Dabernig. He will be participating in the Group One Kennedy Mile taking place at Flemington on Saturday.

Parish has knocked back any rides at Seymour on Thursday; however, as he is loathe to risk any suspension that may see him kept from taking part in the Cup.

He stated that it was far more important to be going forward to the Melbourne Cup than it was to be heading to Seymour on Thursday. He added that his wife had a share in one of the horses, but he had regretfully let her know that he could not ride him.