Harry Coffey claims biggest win of his career in Caulfield Cup with Duke De Sessa

Harry Coffey thought he had taken off too early but the popular jockey, a self-described “battler and country boy” can’t believe he is now a Caulfield Cup winner.

Harry Coffey celebrates after winning the Caulfield Cup aboard Duke De Sessa. Picture: Michael Klein

Harry Coffey has a new moniker.

Caulfield Cup winner.

The Swan Hill export, one of the most popular jockeys in the state, has answered to “country boy” and “battler”, but a daring ride on Saturday earned a new prefix.

Coffey seized the moment on Duke De Sessa, trained by Ciaron Maher, at Caulfield.

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Opportunity presented 600m from the winning post, as leader Deny Knowledge tired.

Coffey pounced, moved up to and past the leader in a stride, and went for home with a lapful of horse underneath him.

Trust in Maher and Duke De Sessa inspired Coffey in front of a 25,676-strong crowd.

The attack flushed out Land Legend, who finished third, and allowed Duke De Sessa to pinch the break needed to finally score a win on Australian soil in 13 attempts.

Favourite Buckaroo defied a luckless run and launched late to run second.

A mighty effort.

Zardozi rounded out the first four in the Caulfield Cup.

DUKE DE SESSA LEADS ALL THE WAY TO WIN THE CAULFIELD CUP! 🏆@[e-mail]/OWGqZH3dKf

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 19, 2024

Duke De Sessa returned $10 with Ladbrokes.

“When I let rip I thought maybe I’ve gone too early,” Coffey said.

“One thing you can count on with Ciaron Maher and the amazing team he has, you can back their horses in.

“They’ll just keep running and because of Ciaron, this horse’s owners, his staff, and more importantly the horse, I’ve been involved in a day I’ll never forget.

“On my birthday!”

Coffey, a three-time Group 1 winner, soaked up the moment in the back straight with Duke De Sessa.

“I just couldn’t believe it he kept running and the Caulfield Cup was going to have Harry Coffey’s name next to it,” Coffey said.

“It’s phenomenal, it’s (not) supposed to happen to people like myself, I’m considered a battler and people like to laugh about how I’m a battler and country boy.

“I couldn’t pull the horse up to be honest, I just let him roll and me and him just had a little moment down the side here.

“I actually can’t tell you the love and the happiness I have for how well this horse ran today and as you can see he’s pulled up absolutely tremendous.”

Harry Coffey savours the moment after winning the Caulfield Cup. Picture: Michael Klein

Runner-up Buckaroo firmed $26 into $12 with Ladbrokes for the Melbourne Cup, while Land Legend shortened $19 to $15.

Duke De Sessa isn’t nominated for the Melbourne Cup.

The Irish import, finished midfield in the Caulfield Cup last year, his fourth start for Maher and then co-trainer David Eustace, now based in Hong Kong.

Maher has always raved about the stayer, despite the mixed results.

He knew.

With Maher in Sydney and successful in the $20m The Everest just an hour before the Caulfield Cup, assistant trainer Jack Turnbull functioned almost in disbelief.

“Oh, it’s magic to be honest,” Turnbull said.

“Fantastic to get on the phone with him (Ciaron), especially after Bella … just pinch me moment sort of stuff.

“Stable is having an extremely good day, very good ride by Harry.

“Everyone’s so thankful for Harry, and really appreciative for him to win.

“Everyone knows how well-deserved he is. It’s just amazing.”

Originally published as Harry Coffey claims biggest win of his career in Caulfield Cup with Duke De Sessa