It wasn’t until last Friday that Michael Cahill started to question his decision to retire from race riding - a decision he’d been tossing around for the last four or five years. Despite dwindling opportunities, the champion horseman has been chipping away in recent times, hoping to realise his dream of riding in races until age 60. Suddenly the time was nigh. He’d turned 60 on January 16th and had locked in his final book of rides for Saturday’s meeting at Aquis Park just down the road from his Gold Coast home. “I was fine right through the week but on Friday I suddenly felt out of sorts,” said Michael. “I wondered if I’d made the call too early. The thing is I still love riding in races, and I probably could have gone on for a while yet, but the decision had been made and I had to accept it.”
Trainers came from everywhere to be a part of Michael Cahill’s swansong. The veteran finished up with seven rides on the eight race card - three fairly prominent in the market, the others well into double figures. His first three mounts Cyber City, Wimoweh and Hurricane Rosie were never in the call and finished well back. His fourth ride was on Limahuli for Gold Coast trainer Ben Hull in a 1000m Cl 1. “Limahuli was an online purchase from the Godolphin operation and his only win in five starts was in a Newcastle maiden last November,” said Michael. “He hadn’t done a great deal in one Queensland start, and his $17.00 quote hardly filled you with confidence. Although he was a fair way back, I felt he could win on the hometurn. He let down beautifully from the 250m and had them covered in a few strides. He won like a horse who’s not done with yet. I’ll always remember Limahuli and Ben Hull as the horse and trainer to send me out on a high note.”
Michael couldn't have scripted it better! Limahuli swamped the opposition to win the fifth race at Aquis Park for trainer Ben Hull - courtesy Trackside Photography.
The veteran’s final three rides Ready To Ignite, Outweighed and The Wolf were all under double figures but failed to get into the money. Fittingly the last race was called the “Thank You Michael Cahill Bm65 Handicap.” For the early part of the day the jockey’s busy schedule helped to suppress the inevitable emotional build up, but that was about to change. He was deeply touched when called out of the jockey’s room to a waiting guard of honour comprising fellow riders, trainers, friends and family. “That was emotional enough but there was more to come,” said Michael. “Gold Coast Turf Club Chairman Brett Cook presented me with a huge, framed assortment of photos of my major wins including several at Aquis Park.
“The Turf Club made it a very special day for me. They flew my brother Matthew and sister Kathryn up for the day and set them up on a great table with my wife Maxine and daughter Amelia. They invited us all to the Director’s Lounge after the last race where we were joined by many other friends. I even got sprayed with champagne at one stage. To top it off, my son Harry acted as my valet in the jockey’s room all day. Sincere thanks go to Brett Cook and his Committee for making it a very humbling day and one I’ll never forget.”
The familiar victory salute from Michael Cahill was seen more than 2800 times during his 44 years as a professional jockey - courtesy Trackside Photography.
Michael Cahill’s determination and sense of purpose were clearly evident in the aftermath of a Sunshine Coast race fall in December 2021. Diagnosed with fractures to the C4 and left scapula, the then 57 year old was expected to be out for six weeks. As it turned out, ongoing issues kept him away for close to seven months. Michael made it well known at the time that he intended to get back as quickly as possible, and reaffirmed his intention to ride in races until his 60th birthday. There have been a few more injury enforced layoffs since, but it’s quite surreal to think that the accomplished jockey has been able to fulfil his dream and actually ride a handful of winners in the three weeks after his 60th birthday celebration.
He’s proud to have joined a small but elite group of jockeys who’ve ridden into their sixties and beyond. As recently as November of last year 71 year old Keith Ballard went out with a win at Mt. Isa on a horse trained by his wife Denise. The late Mel Schumacher had his final race ride in 1999 at age 61, while Victoria’s Neville Wilson was 65 when a severe shoulder injury terminated his long career in 2011. And then there was Robert Thompson who was 63 when he called time on a stellar career in July of 2021 - a career that brought him an Australian record 4447 winners. The legendary Jack Thompson was 62 when he had his final ride at Kembla Grange in the early 80’s while Cliff Clare actually had a couple of rides at Warwick Farm on his 60th birthday in 1990. No doubt a few more will come to light in the weeks ahead.
Here's an early one of Michael in a 1990 win on Ice Cream Sundae. At the time he was stable rider for the Mike Willesee Transmedia Park operation - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
It was American writer Meg Rosoff who said “timing is everything, just ask any comedian, tennis player or chef.” Michael was delighted last October to receive an offer from Racing Queensland to join their tutorial team when his riding career came to a close. He’ll team up with former ace jockey Shane Scriven in looking after Queensland’s 63 registered apprentice jockeys, 47 of whom are females. Michael will spend time with the juniors at the controlling body’s Deagon headquarters and will be a regular attendee at race meetings and barrier trials. He and Shane will be there to offer consultation on riding matters and any mental issues the youngsters may be dealing with. “This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Michael. “I’m looking forward to helping the kids through the difficult early days of their riding careers.”
Here’s another snippet of interest regarding Michael Cahill’s immediate future. Fearful of the impact a sudden break away from horses might cause him, the astute horseman has decided to continue riding work on the Gold Coast for as long as it takes to make the transition. “Riding racehorses is all I’ve done for forty four years and I don’t think it’s wise to stop overnight,” he said. “I’ve been riding a lot of work in recent times for Chris Waller’s stable foreman Brett Killon. In fact, I’ve had more rides for the Waller stable in the last few months than anybody else. My last win prior to Saturday was on the Waller filly Insinuate at Murwillumbah on Sunday February 2nd. She just happens to be a half sister to Everest winner Yes Yes Yes. I’m familiar with the way the stable operates and I’m looking forward to continuing my association at least for a while.”
The Bostonian was strong to the line in winning the 2019 Doomben 10,000. Michael had won the famous sprint previously on Falvelon - courtesy Trackside Photography.
Three or four years ago Harry Cahill’s total focus was on motor bikes and computer games. He had absolutely no intention of following in the footsteps of his high profile father or his eminently successful jockey-uncle Matthew Cahill. What a difference a few years can make to an impressionable teenager. “It was as though he just turned on a switch,” said Michael. “All of a sudden he became besotted with racing and the notion of becoming a jockey. From age 14 he’s been acting as my official valet in the jockey’s room. He’s the right size and sits very neatly on the pony. He’s 15 now and I’ll have to start thinking about an apprenticeship for him in the near future. As Harry gets keener my twenty year old daughter Amelia continues to shape a career away from racing. She’s currently in the second year of a law degree and also works a day job at a local restaurant.
And so, a distinguished race riding career passes into the annals of Australian racing history. Michael Cahill was still at school when he had his first race ride on Red Affro at the tiny western hamlet of Gooloogong in 1979. He won his first race on Lady Swan at Orange (NSW) the day Beldale Ball won the 1980 Melbourne Cup. Since then, well over 2800 winners have followed in four jurisdictions. His career took off when he made a permanent move to the Gold Coast in 1994 at the invitation of champion trainer Bruce McLachlan. A stint as stable rider for brilliant trainer Gerald Ryan consolidated his future.
A narrow win on Our Sweet Moss for Gerald Ryan in The Nivison at Randwick - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
Cahill’s list of major race wins comprises five at Gr 1 level in Australia, seven at Gr 2, fifteen at Gr 3 and fifty seven listed races. He won the Doomben $10,000 twice on Falvelon and The Bostonian, a Stradbroke on St. Basil, a Kingsford Smith Cup on The Bostonian, a Tatts Tiara on Russeting, a Magic Millions 2YO Classic on Real Surreal, the Gai Waterhouse Classic four times, the Glasshouse twice, the W.J. Healy Stakes three times, a Toowoomba Cup, Ipswich Cup, Eyeliner Stakes, two Caloundra Cups, a Doomben Roses, Liverpool City Cup in Sydney, a Hollindale Stakes, Grafton Cup, Ramornie Hcp, a Dane Ripper Quality and The Nivison at Randwick. He won a Brisbane jockey’s premiership and would have won another had he not chosen to go overseas before season’s end.
He rode successfully in Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau where he won a premiership with 112 winners for the season. He was especially thrilled to win the Gr 1 Macau Derby during his time in the colony. Michael’s wife and greatest supporter Maxine hasn’t said so but it’s likely she’ll welcome the relief of not having to worry about the inevitable racing accidents. “Yes, she doesn’t have to worry about me anymore but what about Harry Cahill who’ll be riding in races before you know it,” said the retiring champion.
Michael on the dais with expat Queensland trainer Barry Baldwin after winning the Macau jockey's premiership 2003/2004.
Tributes to Cahill the jockey and the man began ten days ago and will continue to flow for some time yet. Among them was a heartfelt few words from riding ace Craig Williams, a regular at major Brisbane carnivals over many years. Craig was happy to come out of the Caulfield jockey’s room on Saturday to address the camera. “Michael has dedicated his life to horse racing, he has represented Australia internationally, and has won Gr 1 races. Not only is he a great rider but he’s also a great human being and I’m honoured to be his friend.”
The sentiments of the champion Victorian rider are being echoed everywhere by those fortunate enough to have known and worked with Michael Cahill. The Australian riding ranks have never known a better ambassador.
A Gr. 1 win at age 54 is something to celebrate! Michael returns to scale on The Bostonian after the Doomben 10,000 - courtesy Trackside Photography.
(Banner image - A fairytale finish to a great career - Michael returns to scale on Limahuli at the Gold Coast - courtesy Trackside Photography.)