A year after giving up the winning Melbourne Cup ride because of suspension, Mark Zahra is the toast of Australian racing.

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Mark Zahra admits a well-publicised suspension from racing still haunts him.

Along with Jamie Kah, Zahra was among a high-profile group of riders forced to sit out the 2021 Melbourne spring for breaking COVID-19 regulations.

Zahra was initially suspended for three months for his involvement in a house party but served an extra month for giving misleading evidence to stewards.

His ban turned out to be the costliest of any of his cohorts because he was left to watch on as Verry Elleegant swept to victory in Australia's greatest race for James McDonald.

Zahra had won the 2020 Caulfield Cup on Verry Elleegant and he was first-choice rider for the champion mare's Melbourne campaign.

"I think about it all the time that I could've ridden her," the 40-year-old said.

"This time last year we were in Byron Bay and I was getting told off for drinking too much when Verry Elleegant won and she could've been my ride.

"Redemption day today. Just a miracle."

Zahra executed his Melbourne Cup riding plan to perfection as Gold Trip was within striking distance of the leaders on the home turn.

He took his mount to the front at the 300m and established a winning break.

Nevertheless, Zahra said the final part of the race seemed liked an eternity.

"I got to the front a bit soon, he's a horse that when you go for it, I really have to go for it, not give him a chance to think about it," Zahra said.

"That last 100 metres, I was thinking just piss off, no one come near me."

Zahra's wish was granted, allowing him to soak up the most important moment in his career that started when he was bitten by the racing bug after his grandfather introduced him to the turf.

"The last 50 metres I was thinking, I'm going to win this but it just went forever, the last bit, I still can't believe it, a Melbourne Cup."

Western Australia-born, Zahra quit school in Year 10. His grades were acceptable but his attitude wasn't.

"I wasn't bad at school but I had trouble paying attention and behaving," he said.