Post-race jockey reports from the 2024 Coolmore Stud Stakes

This is what the jockeys had to say after the running of the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.

Switzerland surges to the front in the Coolmore Stud Stakes. Photo: Pat Scala/Getty Images.

Switzerland made most of Australia’s best sprinting three-year-olds look second rate in $2 million Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.

And the first Group 1 of the 2024 #MelbCupCarnival goes to...

SWITZERLAND for @mcacajamez and @cwallerracing 👏

🎥 @wwos | #DerbyDay | #MelbCupCarnivalpic.twitter.com/FwjHl9juG8

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 2, 2024

The victory was Switzerland’s fifth from seven starts and took his earnings to more than $1.8 million.

Switzerland is a three-year-old colt by Snitzel, he was ridden by James McDonald and is trained by Chris Waller.

This is what the riders thought of their mount’s performance in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.

1st - SWITZERLAND (James McDonald) He’s got the most beautiful nature, and he allows me to do whatever I want on him, he’s so push- button, and when he was so alertly away, I just sat on him and let the race unfold around him, and he allowed me to do that, and he makes a jockey’s life so easy. He’s such a talented colt, he’s got years to turn, and after his jump out here the other day, we were cooking with gas, he went super. He’s got a lot of talent, he’s got well above average ability, he’s got an absolutely brilliant demeanour. He’s got an incredible turn of foot, and he can sustain it for a long time; he’s got all the attributes to be a top sprinter. There are two races here in the autumn that have got a big circle around him. He’ll thicken up, he’ll develop, he’ll get stronger and better – he’s a beauty.

2nd - BELLATRIX STAR (Blake Shinn) She was excellent. Start was costly, but she gathered herself up and ran a great race. Winner was dominant, but my horse was just as good.

3rd - LADY OF CAMELOT (Tim Clark) I thought she ran very bravely, and she’s had a good prep without winning but she’s going well.

4th - GROWING EMPIRE (Mark Zahra) He tried hard today. Winner was a bit too good. He’s had a good prep.

5th - GATSBY’S (Damian Lane) Ran great. Travelled really well on the back of Switzerland, but when it went, it just left me flat-footed. He kept chasing right through to the line. He wasn’t beaten far for second. Honest run.

6th - STOLI BOLLI (Luke Currie) He ran great.

7th - COLEMAN (Ethan Brown) I know he’s had a grand final, but he’ll benefit from the run up the straight. He found a nice spot. I thought he was just no match late.

8th - BITTERCREEK (Ben Allen) I thought he was good, but he bombed the start and gave this field a head start.

9th - FIRST SETTLER (Michael Dee) Expected a lot better from him, peeled him out, thinking he would quicken up, but maybe he’s more effective on softer tracks.

10th - TRAFFIC WARDEN (Jamie Kah) Very disappointing. Long way from his best, so there might be a reason there. We’ll see when he pulls up.

11th - GALLANT SON (Luke Nolen) Just got lost up the straight.

12th - YOSHINOBU (Jamie Mott) He had a good run in the race. Still very raw once he was under pressure.

13th - ENRICHED (Jye McNeil) He wasn’t at his best today but probably felt the firming conditions.

14th - BODYGUARD (Hugh Bowman) It’s not his style to lead like that, but I still thought he was entitled to show more than he did.

Originally published as Post-race jockey reports from the 2024 Coolmore Stud Stakes