About this episode
The enormous genetic influences in Kerrin McEvoy’s background were obvious from a tender age. In fact the native of Streaky Bay on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, wanted to do nothing else but ride racehorses from age 9 or 10. Initially apprenticed to grandfather Bill Holland, Kerrin had a brief stint with Russell Cameron in Adelaide before seeing out his time with the legendary Hayes family. After 29 years as a professional jockey, Kerrin McEvoy boasts an amazing record- 2348 wins including 85 Gr 1’s, 83 Gr 2’s, 146 Gr 3’s and another 160 at listed level. In five seasons overseas he won 323 races in the UK and Europe with another 40 in Dubai. The 45 year old father of four, was enjoying his job more than ever when a recent starting gate accident left him with multiple fractures in the right foot. That little hiatus has given him the time to talk to me at length on our weekly podcast, and I can’t tell you how delighted I am. Kerrin begins by explaining the circumstances of the mishap and the extent of his injuries.
He reveals the opinion of specialists and a likely date for his return.
Kerrin agrees it was always going to be difficult to stay away from the racing game given his powerful genetic background.
He talks of father Phil and uncles Darren and Tony, all jockeys early in life. Tony of course is still toasting his Caulfield/Melbourne Cup training double with Half Yours.
Kerrin remembers an early apprenticeship to grandfather Bill Holland and time spent sitting on a chaff bag pretending to be a jockey.
He looks back on a six month stint in Adelaide with former outstanding trainer Russell Cameron.
The champion jockey talks about his transfer to Peter Hayes and the beginning of his riding career. He looks back on his first race ride and first win just a few weeks later.
Kerrin says he was thrilled when sent to Melbourne as the stable’s resident metropolitan apprentice.
He still can’t believe his luck in picking up the Melbourne Cup ride on Brew in 2000. A clever ride put him into the record books as the youngest jockey to win the Cup in 52 years. He still has trouble believing his first Gr 1 win came in Australia’s most famous race.
He remembers a Caulfield win that qualified him for work experience in Godolphin’s state of the art Dubai stable.
Kerrin believes the connection gained him the ride on Beekeeper in the 2002 Melbourne Cup. He placed third with a flawless ride and things started to happen quickly from that point on.
In 2004 he gained the prestigious role of number two Godolphin jockey behind Frankie Dettori for the stable’s UK and European operation.
Kerrin was deeply moved when he rode the second placegetter Rule of Law in the historic English Derby at Epsom.
He remembers an all the way win in England’s oldest classic race on Rule Of Law. The St Leger was first run in 1776, and is four years older than the Derby.
He speaks with
