Maurice in the reception area HRNSW at Bankstown.
Great to catch up with an eminently successful jockey who quit the saddle in 1995 when niggling injuries caught up with him. Maurice Logue went straight into a tutorial role with the Australian Jockey Club.
He talks of his recent appointment to the team at Harness Racing NSW as Education and Welfare Officer. Maurice outlines the establishment of Mates4Harness, a new initiative designed to help participants with any kind of emotional issue.
The former successful jockey explains the concept of the new facility and tells us a little about the structure of the team at HRNSW headquarters, and the Ambassadors who are based in regional centres.
Maurice explains the function of the new initiative and how people can get in touch if in need of support.
He tells one great story of his early days as a tutor for the AJC and the budding star jockey who was looking for guidance.
Maurice reflects on early days in Dubbo with his parents Ian and Lesley Logue. His Dad was a battling bush jockey and his mother a trainer. Both had to take other jobs to make ends meet. Maurice looks back on the day he lost his father in a road accident.
He reflects on his early education at the All Saints College at Bathurst and later at Dubbo High School where he was subjected to bullying by fellow students.
Maurice has never forgotten the day he arrived at the Randwick stables of Theo Green to begin his apprenticeship. He talks of the wonderful principles expounded by his new master. He remembers with sadness the tragic death of his room mate David Green.
The former talented jockey recalls the wonderful opportunity given to him by Theo Green - the prized ride on Shaybisc in an important stakes race.
(Banner image courtesy Steve Hart Photographics - Roman Artist in full flight close to home in the 1986 Villiers - He finished up winning narrowly from Silver Award.)
A classic shot of the team at Clear Day Lodge.From left, Ken Stone, Maurice Logue, Theo Green, James Innes and Mal Johnston.