Image courtesy Colin Bull - Pete looks like he has just collected a trophy.
We catch up with Peter Mertens in his new role as Farms Operations Manager at Sean Buckley’s magnificent Ultra Thoroughbreds spelling, breeding and training operation near Kilmore. He explains how the job came up, and his day to day involvement.
Peter talks of his formative years in the Gippsland region and his two apprenticeships - one to George O’Mealley, the other to Lloyd Timms.
Just as his riding career was starting to gather momentum, Peter disappeared from the racing scene for two years. He explains that he had to look after younger siblings when his mother suffered a breakdown.
He was no sooner back in action when he broke his neck in a race fall. He talks of his long, slow rehabilitation.
Peter recalls a very successful stint in Singapore with a former Victorian trainer, and the shock phone call that brought news of his mother’s unexpected death.
He remembers the one that got away! He thought Charm Scene Land was a good thing in the 1999 Blue Diamond and was devastated when an elevated temperature put the youngster out of the big race.
He talks of the amazing change of fortune that brought him a Group 1 win on the same day.
Peter reminisces about his lucky run at the 2001 Adelaide Cup carnival - he won the Derby, the Oaks and the Cup itself.
The former jockey reflects on his association with Bart Cummings. The pair combined to win a McKinnon Stakes and an Australian Cup with Sirmione in the 2007/2008 season.
He reflects on the jockeys for whom he had special admiration and on the achievements of his son Beau who enjoyed a brilliant apprenticeship.
Peter talks of the progress of five other children.
He reflects on his unplaced ride on Envoy in the 2005 Melbourne Cup - Makybe Diva’s third Cup. He says to be a part of it was an emotional experience.
(Banner image courtesy Steve Hart Photographics - Pete teamed up with Bart Cummings to win the 2007 McKinnon Stakes on Sirmione.)
Image courtesy Steve Hart Photographics - Another Group One for Mertens! The following autumn he won the Australian Cup on the same horse.
Peter was a guest on Sky’s Inside Racing Programme 2007.
Image courtesy Colin Bull - The kid from the Gippsland rode 2500 winners including 7 Group Ones.