Those were the days! A four win haul at Randwick
In this segment Maurice looks back on his exciting association with champion two year old colt Sir Dapper. After four straight wins he was beaten under unusual circumstances in the Todman Slipper Trial. He remembers his disappointment when he lost the Golden Slipper ride to Ron Quinton.
Maurice reflects on the unexpected consolation that came his way not long after the Sir Dapper episode. His ability to ride at a featherweight earned him the winning ride on Lord Seaman in the Group 1 Doomben Cup.
He makes special mention of Ima Carpenter the horse he regarded as one of the best he ever rode. He won seven races on the brilliant grey who went amiss after just ten starts.
The HRNSW Welfare chief takes us through his association with the free running Roman Artist - a quirky horse who wasn’t happy if not running along in front. They won a Group 1 together.
He remembers his one and only ride on the multiple Gr 1 winner Strawberry Road.
Maurice talks of his days as second string jockey for the powerful Nebo Lodge operation.
He looks back on ten race falls and the resultant injury toll.
He’s never forgotten his final race ride in 1995. It was a winner but he knew the time had come to quit the saddle. He talks of the transition to a new career.
(Banner image - Maurice behind his desk at HRNSW sporting the Mates4Harness headwear.)
Image courtesy Steve Hart Photographics - Maurice won 4 consecutive 2YO races on the brilliant colt Sir Dapper in 1983.
Image courtesy Steve Hart Photographics - Maurice unsaddles Roman Artist after a Group 1 win in the George Main Stakes 1985 - Different colours to those carried for most of his career.