Jockey brothers both going for Cup
By staff reporters
When the race that stops the nation does just that today spare a thought for the 100,000 people who make the racing industry come alive.
There are 1,000 registered jockeys in Australia with about 800 saddling up each week to do their job. Behind those racing colours is an army of strappers, trainers, stable hands and track workers that work from before dawn and under high pressure to make it all happen.
This year marks the 150 year anniversary of The Melbourne Cup and there are some wonderful stories behind the event.
For example, the Rawiller brothers – Nash and Brad – of Bendigo in Victoria are out to create Melbourne Cup history today by being the first brothers to come out of the starting gates since Jim and Larry Cassidy a decade ago.
Nash, 35, is riding Descarado and Brad, 32, is on Harris Tweed, both excellent chances, both weighted at 54kg and next to each other in the field.
“We’re both pretty excited,” Nash told reporter Tim Habel.
Nash has been staying with Brad in recent weeks and the pair has embarked on a fitness and diet regime devised by renowned lifestyle guru Ron Johnson, who famously put Larry Olsen on a brown rice diet before his 1987 Melbourne Cup win with Kensei. Johnson said the Bendigo-raised brothers will comfortably scale in at 54kg today.
Today they will wake about 54.5kg , have a light workout and hot steam bath and a 45-minute walk on the treadmill.
Brad is hoping his pattern of success in major races continues. He won the Golden Slipper on Phelan Ready at his second ride and won the Caulfield Cup on Viewed at his second ride.
Today is his second Cup ride, after guiding Viewed in the race last year.
“The Melbourne Cup was never really on my radar because of my weight; I never thought I’d get the chance – until Viewed came along last year. I’m going in with a lot of confidence.
The horses ran the Caulfield Cup quinella, though Chris Munce was the jockey on Descarado.
Their father, Ballarat horseman Keith Rawiller, rode winners over the flat and hurdles before driving pacers.
To celebrate Australia’s big race week SkillsOne is screening a week’s worth of new episodes focusing on all careers that are involved in the racing industry. Tune into
SkillsOne TV on Foxtel & Austar Channel 183, Aurora Community Channel to find out how to become a farrier, stud manager, stable hand and horse transporter to name a few of the roles featured.
SkillsOne CEO Brian Wexham says there is a short fall of workers for this industry.
“There are many courses available through TAFE and private training organisations such as a Diploma in Equine Stud Management or a Diploma of Horse Business Management to equip people to become track riders, stable hands, stud hands, trainers and stewards,” he says.
Article from CareerOne, November 2, 2010.
