Jamie Kah goes public with 'superstitious' move in bid to win Melbourne Cup for first time

Jamie Kah is one of the leading jockeys in not only Australia but in the world, but one honour has eluded her so far in her career, winning a Melbourne Cup. On Tuesday, Kah will jump aboard Okita Soushi as she tries to secure her first Cup triumph and the 28-year-old is doing things differently this time around.

In years gone by Kah has been warned by legendary jockey Damien Oliver not to handle the Cup before the race that stops the nation, as "it's bad luck". However, Kah, who describes herself as a generally superstitious person - well known for the pedantic nature in which she arranges her riding gear and places her cap and band on her helmet - has never believed in the trophy voodoo until now. Oliver has three Melbourne Cups trophies to his name and therefore the leading jockey believes it would be wise to listen to one of the best to ever do it.

"I've never been superstitious about the Melbourne Cup but Damien Oliver reminded me last year, 'You don't touch the Cup', I think he knows a thing or two," Kah told Punters.com. "I just didn't listen to it, it's the Cup, I'll hold it and take photos with it.

"This is the first year I decided, Damien Oliver said it was unlucky and I didn't believe him, to try something new and I haven't touched it. I'm very superstitious, so hopefully that means I can win the Cup."

Jamie Kah looking to break through in Melbourne Cup

Tuesday's race will mark Kah's fourth Melbourne Cup ride. The 14-time Group 1 winner placed third in her Cup debut on Prince Of Arran (2020), seventh aboard Smokin Romans (2022) and 12th last year with More Felons. And she is hoping the fourth time is the charm on Tuesday saying: "Hopefully, fourth time lucky (on Tuesday) and this is the first year I haven't touched the Cup." Her mount Okita Soushi is well favoured with punters, being backed in from $23 on Sunday to $13 on Monday.

And Kah believes her horse is ready to deal with all Cup Day throws at him. "The day is so hectic and going down the roses is insane. Thankfully I've got a very nice horse ... he's just an absolute gentleman, he's very calm, he's very quiet, he's got a great attitude," Kah said.

"I'd be pretty confident on him on a busy day. I don't think it will bother him much out there. Stayers need that, especially in the Melbourne Cup, they need a very calm attitude.

"You don't want a horse to over race, pulling and being all wound up with the atmosphere. You want them to have a good head and he's certainly ticked that box."

James McDonald without a Melbourne Cup ride

Champion jockey James McDonald won't be riding in this year's Melbourne Cup after dominant Cox Plate winner Via Sistina was ruled out of the race that stops the nation. The Chris Waller-trained mare set a sizzling track record to win the Cox Plate last month in a performance that led to her being ranked the No.1 horse in the world.

Via Sistina was immediately installed as Melbourne Cup favourite, with her odds slashed to $5, despite not being a confirmed starter. But after connections assessed their options they came to the decision last week to not target the $8.5 million race.

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In the week that followed McDonald hasn't been able to snag a ride largely due to his weight. The 32-year-old rides at 55kg and has made only rare exceptions to riding below that.

The top jockey said he put in some "extra work" to get down to 54kg for last year's Caulfield Cup but that was the first time he made that weight since March 2021. And with only Cup favourite Vauban at 55kg or above, McDonald will have to watch this year's race from the jockeys room.