Episode 454: Wayne Harris

Great to catch up with Wayne Harris at a racing luncheon in early December. I was reminded of the fact that the former star jockey was one of our very early podcast guests in 2018. When I suggested an updated interview was called for, he said in typical Harris fashion,  “are you sure people would want to hear my story again.”

Who wouldn’t want to hear the story of the kid from Muswellbrook who burst onto the racing scene in the late 1970’s with riding performances well beyond his years. When doctors virtually ordered his retirement in early 1997, Wayne had ridden well over 2000 winners including more than 30 Gr 1’s. His Melbourne Cup win on Jeune in 1994 was lauded by all in the Australian racing industry. His stellar record was achieved despite numerous injuries, a constant battle with weight and several major illnesses. He continues to deal with the legacy of those setbacks. Wayne brings us up to date on a current immobility dating back to early spinal issues.

He talks of his Doctor’s reluctance to perform any further surgery.

Wayne talks of his involvement with Sky Thoroughbred Central from Kembla Grange race meetings. 

He looks back on childhood days in Muswellbrook and pays tribute to his devoted parents and siblings.

Wayne reflects on his early education in a local convent where he was sometimes at loggerheads with the nuns. 

He talks of a transfer to Muswellbrook High School and his obsession with sport. He excelled in several pursuits.

The former champion jockey looks back on his brief love affair with boxing.

He talks of work experience in the Pat Farrell stables and his subsequent apprenticeship to the same trainer. He says the going got tough at times.

Wayne recalls the inauspicious occasion of his first race ride, and his initial win on the same horse.

He reflects on his rapid rise as an apprentice jockey with special mention of his first metropolitan win.

Wayne remains very proud of his achievement at Randwick in  late 1978 when he became the first Australian apprentice to ride five city winners on one programme.

He talks of the amazing support he was getting from top Sydney stables and highlights a Golden Slipper win for Bart Cummings at 18 years of age. He says Bart had to be talked into putting him on Century Miss.

Wayne reflects on four other Slipper placings and says a couple of them were unlucky.

The 63 year old looks back on his record breaking apprenticeship and says he was aware that Steve Cauthen was doing incredible things in America at the same time.

He says his weight had become very unstable by the time he entered the ranks of fully fledged jockeys. He was always buoyed by pleasant surprises like an AJC Sires Produce Stakes win on a 200/1 “pop”.

Wayne talks of his dangerous diets and the strange symptoms that heralded the onset of his first brain tumor at age 22. He looks back on a seven hour surgery, and the undying devotion of family.

He acknowledges several special people whose support helped to get him back into the saddle.

Wayne recalls the surprised looks on the faces of AJC staff when he requested a re-issue of his jockey’s licence.

He’s never forgotten the support of the Gosford race crowd on September 29th 1983- the day he returned to the saddle. He had two rides for two memorable wins. Harris was back!

The former champion jockey fondly remembers his amazing comeback- 15 wins from his first 18 rides. He was overwhelmed by the support of trainers.

Wayne reflects on several of his Gr 1 wins and on the disappointment of missing a Cox Plate ride on champion Kingston Town.

Harris looks back on successful riding stints in Singapore and Hong Kong. 

He talks of a Blue Diamond win for David Hayes and his booking for St Covet in the AJC Sires Produce Stakes. He was engaged principally because St Covet was expected to pull over the 1400m trip. He also reviews a Caulfield Guineas win on the same colt.

Then to Wayne’s favourite story- how he landed the ride on Jeune in the Melbourne Cup, his recollections of the race and the celebrations that followed.

He recalls the bittersweet experience of riding Jeune in the Japan Cup and the traumatic health issue that followed.

Wayne recalls the first up performance he rates as Jeune’s best effort, and subsequent rides on the chestnut.

He has fond memories of supplying Gai Waterhouse with her first Melbourne Gr 1.

Wayne always took his A game when he rode overseas. He remembers a stunning win on Monopolise in the Hong Kong Bowl.

Some say it was his best ever ride.

He was delighted to review a short but happy stint in Ireland under contract to the Kevin Prendergast stable.

Wayne talks of a successful stint in jockey management. 

He recalls his disappointment in 1997 when doctors advised him to quit the saddle following the onset of immobility in one leg. He talks of his Rosehill swansong when he went close to a winning double.

Wayne speaks of Aimee and Matthew, the son and daughter shared by he and first wife Linda.

He comments on the widely held theory that he would have reached dizzy heights had he been a few kilos lighter.

Wayne pays tribute to long time partner Tracy who offers him devoted support.

This is perhaps the longest interview Wayne Harris has ever given. I’m sure you’ll enjoy every word from a jockey of boundless talent and a human being of courage and resolve. The Wayne Harris story is one of great inspiration.