About this episode
Racing Victoria has always placed enormous importance on the education and welfare of the state’s junior jockeys. No stone is left unturned in developing the talents of promising young riders, at the same time closely monitoring any potential mental health issues that may arise. The governing body chose carefully a few years ago in selecting Darren Gauci and Alf Matthews to head up their jockey coaching initiative. Alf brought the curtain down on his riding career as far back as 1999 and has spent the ensuing 26 years working in apprentice jockey tuition and mainstream racing media. Adelaide born Alf Matthews has crammed a heck of a lot into his 69 years, and his story makes for an absorbing podcast.
Great to have him on board this week.
Alf begins by talking about the high number of female apprentices coming through the system. He agrees the girls will comprise a high percentage of Australia’s jockey ranks in the years ahead.
He talks of the benefits of Racing Victoria’s “mechanical horse” in schooling budding riders.
Alf takes us through a day at the races with young riders in his group.
He takes us back to his final race ride in 1998 when Craig Williams on Prime Address robbed him of victory in the Eclipse Stakes.
Alf looks back on his very happy apprenticeship with optician turned horse trainer John Riggs at Morphettville.
He’s never forgotten his first day at the races in 1972. He thought he had only one ride but finished up with a couple. He met an English riding legend during the day.
Jockeys who win their first race on a metropolitan track are few and far between. Alf was one of them.
He looks back on an early association with Bart Cummings and the opportunity to ride a classy 3 year old for the maestro.
Alf still can’t believe his luck in winning his first Gr 1 at home in the Adelaide Cup of 1975.
He only had to wait a couple of months for his second Gr 1, this time down the historic Flemington straight six.
Alf says he was chuffed to win the Blue Diamond Stakes for legendary trainer Colin Hayes.
He looks back on a transfer of his indentures to Randwick trainer “Skeeter” Bentley in 1976.
Not long after Alf arrived in Sydney Bart Cummings came looking for him to ride one of his runners in the time honoured Epsom Hcp. It was a roughly run Epsom, but Alf missed the trouble to land outsider La Neige a narrow winner.
He looks back on his association with classy mare Maybe Mahal in the 1977/1978 season. At his second ride on the bonny mare Alf got her home in the Craven A Stakes, his second win in that high profile Derby day sprint. He has fond memories of the mare.
Alf looks back on a memorable Adelaide carnival in 1986 when he landed the winners of both the Oaks and SA Derby.
He looks back on another Oaks win on the grey filly Pindi.
The former jockey was elated to win the famous Oakleigh Plate on Khaptingl
