Mark Zahra may be known for his summer trips to Ibiza, but this year the Group 1-winning jockey will make a pit stop at one of the sport’s most iconic venues before switching off. Zahra will delay his holidays slightly to take part in Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

After fulfilling his rides at Eagle Farm on Saturday, Zahra departed Brisbane for the UK to partner Docklands in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes (1600m) on the opening day of the famous Royal meeting.

While his day at Eagle Farm yielded no winners, Zahra, who boasts 35 Group 1 victories, will enjoy a special assignment in England before heading off on his break.

Docklands, owned by OTI, was last partnered by Zahra in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin in December, where he finished 12th. Since then, the entire has returned to form with consecutive placings, including a third in the Group 3 Diomed Stakes at Epsom on June 7.

“I’m happy with having the one ride – day one, race one then my holidays start,” Zahra said.

“I love Europe in the summer and I’ve actually been to Royal Ascot in the public to have fun.

“I’ve had a couple of opportunities but, to be honest, I’ve always been in Ibiza at the start of it so this time I planned it to go and take part in the race thanks to Harry Eustace and Terry Henderson.

“It gives me the opportunity to be there and ride in a group one. Then Ibiza will be after.”

Docklands has a strong affinity with Ascot, having never finished worse than third in five runs at the track. Last year, he ran second in the Queen Anne and returns in excellent condition, according to Zahra.

“This is a very good race,” he said. “It is a good horses race and I think he is going as good as he ever has with both runs coming in being really good.

“I spoke to Harry and Terry and they’ve sent me videos and he looks fantastic. I think he’s had five runs at Ascot and never been further back than third.

“That is his track and he ran second in the race last year.”

Zahra admits the straight mile course will be a new challenge.

“I’ve never ridden a straight mile which is different for an Australian jockey,” he said.

“It’ll be different, but it is a big beautiful track.”

Docklands is currently rated a $15 chance with online betting sites to win the Queen Anne Stakes. The 2024 Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes (1600m) winner Rosallion holds favouritism at $3.

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