Keith’s career was on a roll when this one was taken in the late 80s - courtesy Matt Nicholls North West Weekly
We had our podcast interview with Keith Ballard safely “in the can” before he reported for duty at Saturday’s Julia Creek Cup fixture at Mount Isa. It’s now history that the legendary jockey went out a winner on the final ride of his 55 year career. Keith was winless in the first four races, but turned it around in the last when he went straight to the lead on Metal Bar and romped home by more than five lengths in the Julia Creek Cup. The fairy tale was enhanced by the fact that Keith’s wife Denise trains the winner. Two days earlier we caught up with the 71 year old to reminisce a little about his remarkable career. He began by revealing that Denise had been trying to get him to retire for quite some time.
He talks about a recent Cloncurry win on Capiteel for his trainer wife and acknowledges the support of trainer Tanya Parry.
Keith talks about Denise’s former riding career in an era when female jockeys were battling for recognition.
He says Denise isn’t too tough on him when his judgement is astray.
The veteran says he was humbled in the extreme when the Ballards of Mount Isa were inducted into the Racing Queensland Hall Of Fame in 2021.
Keith talks about the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms in the months ahead.
The evergreen horseman says his nerve has remained intact.
He gives a few reasons for his longevity as a professional jockey.
The Longreach born horseman says he was initially inspired by the riding success of his uncle Jim Ballard.
Keith pays tribute to his stoic and hard working mother and speaks of his six brothers.
He recalls his very first race ride, and an unforgettable first win on the very same horse.
Keith says he’s been relatively lucky when it comes to race falls, but he looks back on one bad buster at age 62 - the worst fall in his long career.
That fall occurred at remote McKinlay best known as the venue for many scenes in the famous Crocodile Dundee movies.
Keith remembers some of the best horses he’s ridden over more than half a century. His number one vote goes to Mr Ziesel, big by stature and big on ability.
He pays tribute to the consistent Kerr Street. He won nine races on the horse in one season including the 1983 Darwin Cup.
Keith remembers King Wells. He won 17 races on the former Victorian.
The veteran says his career wouldn’t have been complete without a Birdsville Cup win. He ticked that one off the bucket list in 2009.
Keith talks about Sahara Canadian. He won 11 races on the grey, including one at faraway Ballina.
He talks about another prolific winner in Be Somebody. He once drove 1000km to ride the horse at Darwin even though he knew the gelding couldn’t win.
Keith pays tribute to a handful of jockeys for whom he had special admiration.
He makes special mention of a talented bush trainer.
Keith pays a heartfelt tribute to son Dan, a very talented jockey whose career has been terminated by weight problems.
Ballard says his failure to ride a metropolitan winner doesn’t faze him too much.
He talks about a handful of other jockeys who rode into advanced years.
It was a great pleasure to talk to a genuine Queensland racing icon.
(Banner image - Keith wins on Capiteel for his wife Denise at Cloncurry November 2nd - courtesy Matt Nicholls North West Weekly.)
The Ballards at home in Mount Isa - Dan with his parents - courtesy Matt Nicholls North West Weekly
Back to scale on Capiteel - courtesy Matt Nicholls North West Weekly.
Keith in the midst of a huge crowd after his Birdsville Cup win on Equitant in 2009.
Equitant scores easily in the Birdsville Cup.
Kerr Street was dominant in his Darwin Cup win 1983.
Keith’s all time favourite Mr. Ziesel romps home in the 1982 Cleveland Bay Hcp at Cluden Park.