How is This For a Hook Job?
Have you ever seen a worse hook job than this one in America the other day. It was so bloody obvious. The jockey should get life.
For the Avoidance of Any Doubt
This morning we published a letter from a reader regarding apprentice jockeys in QLD, which specifically mentioned Jaden Lloyd. The letter was genuine ,as are all the letters that we publish – anything I write myself I do so under my own name – but as is our consistent practice we do not publish our […]
Truth is Stranger Than Fiction
The jungle drums are beating that Mick Dittman has been, or is about to be, appointed as a member of the QLD Racing Appeals Panel (RAP), to replace Skye Bogenhuber, who is reportedly making a comeback to race riding. If the rumor is true – which we believe it to be – it creates quite […]
Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail – Words of Wisdom From Former G1 Winning Jockey Jim (Who is not Jim Cassidy, Munro, Pike or Byrne)
Archie I have a strong opinion on apprentices. The system in QLD is clearly failing them. The amount of raw talent is huge, the poor kids have no direction or support. Firstly the fact that they receive 100% of their money on a weekly basis is a disaster. I’m hearing of kids with huge tax […]
Sometimes Everything That Can Go Wrong Does
Race 3 at Longreach yesterday turned out to be an absolute debacle. Firstly four runners were late scratchings because there were no jockeys on course to ride them. Next the stirrup leather of the odds-on favourite Yes Larry broke on the way to the barriers and rider Robbie Faehr was thrown off. Faehr was unhurt, […]
At Least Ryan Wiggins Can Read a Weather Map – Even if Racing Queensland Can’t
Racing Queensland are geniuses aren’t they? A category 5 Cyclone has been predicted all week to hit Far North QLD today, accompanied by torrential rainfall of up to 200mm or more. There was never going to be any hope of racing at Cannon Park in Cairns tomorrow, yet it took RQ until this morning to […]
Luke Tarrant Back in Court Today
Troubled former star jockey Luke Tarrant makes another appearance in court today on alleged armed robbery charges. Tarrant, who is remanded in prison after bail was refused, is expected to appear by video link from the jail.
What Do Whip Rules Worth if They Are Not Enforced?
AR 132(7) Subject to the other requirements in this rule: (a) prior to the 100 metre mark in a race, official trial or jump-out: (i) the whip must not be used in consecutive strides. Apprentice Bella Youngberry rode the winner of race 1 at Ipswich on the weekend, the horse in the royal blue in […]
What the Hell Sort of Ride Was This?
Ben Thompson is a very, very good jockey. He currently sits at number 3 on the national premiership with 92.5 wins for the season. So how do you explain his ride on Redford in the 7th race at the Gold Coast yesterday? Pilot error? A simple misjudgment? Or something a whole lot different again? Thompson […]
Are Jockeys Allowed to Buy Racehorses Now? – Or Are There Two Rachel Shreds? – Hmmm
See who bought this yearling at the Magic Millions sale? Rachel Shred. Isn’t she a jockey? I didn’t think jockeys were allowed to own thoroughbred racehorses. In fact I am sure they are not. The rules say they must be disqualified for a minimum of 2 years if they do. AR 116 Jockeys and apprentice […]