Mark Zahra the fifth jockey to be banned for attending Airbnb house party

A Caulfield Cup-winning jockey has also been rubbed out of the spring carnival after stewards were made aware that he also attended the Mornington Airbnb party.

Mark Zahra, last year’s Caulfield Cup winner, was also present at the illegal Mornington house party. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Caulfield Cup winner Mark Zahra is the fifth jockey to become implicated in the illegal Mornington house party which led to four riders being handed spring carnival-ending suspensions.

Stewards on Saturday evening, after being made aware of Zahra’s attendance at the Airbnb last Wednesday night, slapped the multiple Group 1 winner with a three-month ban, ending November 28.

The suspension means a replacement jockey will need to be found for reigning Caulfield Cup champion Verry Elleegant.

Only last week Zahra was confirmed as the Caulfield Cup rider for Chris Waller’s glamour mare.

The suspension replicates the penalties offered to Kah, Melham, Ethan Brown and Celine Gaudray.

Mark Zahra winning the Caulfield Cup last year on Verry Elleegant. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Zahra on Saturday pleaded guilty to the breach of Covid protocols.

He also, as a result, faces a fine of more than $5000 from Victoria Police for being in breach of the chief health officer directions.

News Corp Australia understands Zahra left the Tallis Drive, Mornington property about 15 minutes before police arrived to address a noise complaint.

Zahra has not ridden since being dislodged from Second Slip on the way to the barriers at Flemington on August 7.

He sustained rib and elbow injuries.

Zahra must complete a mandatory 14-day stand-down – ending September 11 – prior to being eligible to ride trackwork, trials and jumpouts.

Originally published as Mark Zahra the fifth jockey to be banned for attending Airbnb house party