Episode 433: Ethan Brown

The Australian racing industry continues to come to terms with the death of Dean Holland in a race fall at Donald in April. Ethan Brown, Jamie Kah, Craig Williams, and Blaike McDougall were all sidelined with serious injuries on either side of the Donald tragedy. Ethan Brown required multiple surgeries in the wake of his fall in the Australian Guineas in March. Cranbourne track regulars were amazed when the 24 year old reported for trackwork on July 10th and even more surprised when he resumed race riding at Sandown last Sunday (Aug 6th).

Ethan joins us on the podcast to talk about his miracle recovery and to reflect on a short but brilliant career which began in his hometown of Alice Springs. He talks about that all important first day back at trackwork.

Ethan says his body had to adjust following a long lay off from the saddle.

He says the accident came at a time when he’d ridden 62 Victorian winners for the season. He has a philosophical attitude when it comes to the highs and lows of racing.

Ethan has a clear recollection of the Flemington accident. He says he felt as though he’d been thrown into a washing machine.

He talks of the love and support extended by family and friends in the days after the fall.

The young jockey takes us back to childhood days in Alice Springs and his gradual indoctrination into the world of the thoroughbred.

He talks of his initial apprenticeship to Greg Connor and a later transfer to Garry and Lisa Lefoe.

With barrier trials scarce in Alice Springs Ethan explains that he had to go to Melbourne to acquire the mandatory number of rides.

Mick Kent Snr came to the rescue.

Brown says he returned to the Alice to get his riding career started, and reflects on his only two wins at home.

He talks of a return to Victoria and a transfer of his indentures to Mick Kent Snr.

The jockey reflects on a magical day at Wycheproof when he had three rides for three wins. His career was off the ground.

Ethan talks of his mateship with two other Kent apprentices who helped him through some chronic homesickness.

He remembers his first city win on a horse provided by Mitch Beer, and the beginning of a wonderful association with Darren Weir. He talks of the highpoints on Weir trained horses.

Ethan reflects on his two victories in the Rising Star Series.

The talented apprentice has three Gr 1 wins under his belt already. He talks of the first one, the Robert Sangster Stakes in Adelaide on the bonny mare Snap Dancer.

Staying with Snap Dancer, Ethan recalls her second in the Gr 1 Tatts Tiara and her all the way win in the historic Memsie Stakes.

The two Gr 1 wins on Snap Dancer came courtesy of Maher and Eustace.

Maher and Eustace gave the young jockey another chance at the elite level in the Turnbull Stakes on Smokin’ Romans. Ethan recalls the thrill.

Ethan looks back on the exciting 2018/2019 season when he was crowned champion apprentice and figured prominently on the overall Melbourne jockeys premiership.

He pays a special tribute to his partner and fellow jockey Celine Gaudray who was runner up in last season’s Melbourne apprentices premiership. He talks of Celine’s amazing race day temperament. 

More than 400 wins and three Gr 1’s in just eight years of riding highlights the talents of the young Territorian. His recent recovery from serious injury suggests his steely determination to succeed is matched only by his toughness and durability. It’s a nice yarn with an impressive young man.