Zac Lloyd targets Royal Ascot and Durban July after Golden Slipper breakthrough

Golden Slipper-winning jockey Zac Lloyd will take on the world in the coming months as he heads to Royal Ascot and, more importantly, to the Durban July meeting.

The son of South African great, Jeff Lloyd, has long wanted to return for South Africa’s biggest race and has booked to ride in it by leading trainer Justin Snaith.

“He got in contact with me, and I sent Dad the message straight away,” Lloyd said.

“Justin said he will have a three-year-old for me with a lightweight and I’m so excited.

“Having said that, Dad might have been more excited because it is something he has been working on for me and my brother [Jaden] since we started riding.

“It is the only big race in South Africa that dad didn’t win, and I have to say to win it would be one of my biggest ambitions in racing.

“It has been crazy how fast things have moved in the past couple of months since the carnival and the opportunities I have been offered.”

However, Lloyd, who cheers for South Africa in rugby and cricket, remains committed to Sydney racing but will take his chances when they come around the world.

He will ride the Royal meeting this year with several leading yards likely to use him.

“[Trainer] George Boughey asked me to come over and ride some of his lightweight chances at Royal Ascot,” Lloyd said.

“I might also get some rides for [Godolphin trainer] Charlie Appleby and William Haggas.

“I think winning the Golden Slipper and a couple of Group 1s have really helped get my name out there for things like that.

“I have only ridden in Singapore, outside Australia, but I would like to do more of it.

“But my focus is still on Sydney racing, which is the best in the world.”