Another classic of jockeys, past and present
As promised, another classic from Steve Hart who assembled a group of jockeys past and present at Broadmeadow two years ago.
Back Row. Robert Thompson, Cameron Swan, Jason Deamer, Lyle Weaver, Alison Threadwell, Bill Wade.
Front Row. Laurie Billett, Geoff Challen, Alan Scorse, Alan Gollogly.
Can’t elaborate on all, but special mention of the senior statesmen. Billy Wade (87 on the day) was known as “The King Of The North” in his heyday.
1723 winners including 42 Cup races. Won a Doomben $10,000 on Nagpuni. Lovely, quiet rider who always looked like he had a bit up the sleeve.
I can still see Laurie Billett hurtling out of the gates on Reisling in the 1965 Golden Slipper. She had brilliant natural speed, and Laurie just let her use it. She beat two smart Victorians in Star Affair and Citius. Laurie was a popular rider in his day, and was never short of rides on city tracks. He was 82 on the day the picture was taken.
All jockeys in Steve’s photo made their marks, and to them all we say thanks for your contribution to the great Australian racing industry.