It was Steve Hart who first floated the idea of a Sydney jockeys reunion to NSW Jockeys Association CEO Tony Crisafi. Following a quick look at the logistics Tony decided to run with it, and the inaugural gathering took place at Randwick in 2019. The next two editions were decimated by the pandemic, and it was 2022 before the reunion was regenerated at Randwick.
The Marscay Room in the J.R. Fleming Stand at Rosehill Gardens was the venue last year and again last Saturday when 50 former race riders got together for a day of nostalgia with the inevitable “tall stories” thrown in. Some of the older brigade were very mindful of the fact that legends like Bill Camer and Cliff Clare had died since the previous get together. Former riders mingled freely in the early part of the day, and one can only imagine how many furlongs of memories were rekindled.
Steve Hart can look back on one of the busiest days he’s ever put in. In between race commitments downstairs he found time to dash to the Marscay Room where he reeled off a lovely montage of photos. Whilst there he conducted interviews with former Gr 1 winning jockeys Neil Campton, and Tony Marney while Jockeys Association CEO Tony Crisafi also joined him at the microphone to look back on the short history of a very successful concept.
Later in the afternoon it was all hands down to the mounting enclosure for a special ceremony which saw the retired riders walk through a guard of honour provided by jockeys competing on the day. The roles were then reversed as the veterans reciprocated. The Rev. Colin Watts offered a blessing after which a minute’s silence was observed for the fallen.
Many attendees have already confirmed their availability for next year, among them Anne Munsie who helped with organisational work behind the scenes. Below you’ll find a selection of Steve Hart’s magic moments from the 2024 Jockeys Reunion.
Tommy Berry and James McDonald lead a cavalcade of today's riders through a guard of honour provided by the veterans - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Jockeys past and present honour the fallen with a minute's silence in the Rosehill sunshine - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Neil Campton with Reece Jones who rode a winner on the day - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Image 19 - Malcolm Johnston, Reto Cadalbert, and Tracey Bartley swapped a few yarns - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Former rivals and still good mates - Peter Miers and Ron Quinton - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Maurice Logue, Peter Losh and Kevin Langby with veteran racing journalist John Holloway - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.