Image courtesy Steve Hart Photographics - A group shot of the many retired jockeys who gathered for Saturday's reunion. On his own in front is elder statesman Ray Selkrig, who rode his first winner in 1947. In the back row on extreme right is Ann Munsie representing her late husband Norm.
As a Sydney race day photographer for more than thirty years, Steve Hart has gotten to know several generations of jockeys - some have become good friends.
It was Steve who suggested a special reunion of retired riders to the NSW Jockeys Association and the Australian Turf Club. Both bodies ran with Steve’s suggestion and last Saturday’s event was arranged.
Kevin Langby with Laurie Billett (1965 GoldenSlipper on Reisling) and Brian Killian former top apprentice and long time member of the AJC Stewards panel.
Kevin Moses with former outstanding jockey, Bill Camer. The latter's major wins included 3 Stradbrokes, a Doncaster, an Epsom, a Doomben 10,000, and a Doomben Cup
More than sixty retired riders attended, some of them looking nothing like they did in their racing days.
Good mates on and off the track - Cameron Swan and Malcolm Fitzgerald
The group gathered in the old Randwick jockey’s room which nowadays doubles as a function venue. The very ambience of that room triggered a million memories for the veterans who spent many hours there in days gone by.
We can’t use all of Steve’s photos, but we’ve included a few just to give you an idea of the importance of the occasion for some of the horsemen of yesteryear.
Kris Lees and a youthful John Wade. Kris was only 6 years old when John won the 2YO Triple Crown on Luskin Star trained by his late father Max
Multiple Group One winner, Neil Campton, returned to the scene of his 1966 AJC Derby win on El Gordo - courtesy