Melbourne Cup-winning jockey shelves saddle for singing at Launnie Cup

Robbie Dolan won’t saddle up any rides, but the Melbourne Cup-winning crooner will still entertain Launceston Cup patrons through his other passion on Wednesday. Read all you need to know before heading to the track here.

Robbie Dolan after winning the Melbourne Cup last year. Dolan will sing at Wednesday’s Launceston Cup. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

He couldn’t snare a ride in the main event, but Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan will still showcase his other passion by belting out some tunes at Launceston Cup day on Wednesday.

The Irishman was a finalist on reality singing show The Voice Australia, and enjoyed the best day of his racing career when he guided rank outsider Knight’s Choice to victory in ‘the race that stops a nation’ in November.

His set has been booked after the races, but isn’t too perturbed by leaving the silks at home.

“I don’t normally do both (riding and singing) on the same day because racing is so difficult, you can’t just rock up and do it half arsed,” he said.

“You have to do it 100 per cent and I respect that.

“We didn’t try (to get rides in other races except the cup. We were always booked to go down and sing after the races, but I was hoping to get a ride in the cup and hopefully win the cup, and go and sing after.”

Jockey Robbie Dolan also performed on The Voice. Picture: Toby Zerna

Dual Melbourne Cup winner Mark Zahra and fellow leading hoop Damian Lane will ride on the day after receiving an invitation from TasRacing in partnership with Ladbrokes.

“It’s great for Tassie racing,” Dolan said.

“These sort of races are only getting bigger in terms of prizemoney and stature.”

Dolan said he never even contemplated giving up riding to pursue music.

“It was never a plan to give it away, I love it too much,” he said.

“It’s in my blood, my breeding, my genetics - I’ve always wanted to be a jockey.

“I’m just so blessed to be in the situation I’m in and get to win such a big race like the Melbourne Cup.

“Once those light handicap races come around hopefully it will open doors for me, and I can show people I’m a good lightweight jockey.

“I’ve won three Group Ones and am very happy with what I’ve achieved. I’ve worked hard for many years to get to this situation, it’s nice to have two passions.”

LAUNCESTON CUP - WEDNESDAY

Gates open: 11am

First race: 12.47pm (Launceston Cup 4.54pm)

Tickets: General admission $36, concession $31 available at tasmanianturfclub.com. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult are free

Fashions on the Field: 1.15pm at Fashions on the Field marquee

Buses: Metro buses departing from Stop B1 on St John Street every 15 minutes from 10.30am; Departing from Mowbray Racecourse from 4pm-9pm