Winning Post - Letter Of The Week Archive

Robert Thompson has ridden more winners than any other jockey in Australia.
Over a period of many years I have noticed that he rides with his feet as far as they can go into the stirrup irons — in contrast to most modern-day riders, who ride with no more than the toe in the iron.
This latter style of riding must contribute to the number of falls in recent times.
As WA hoop John Miller said to me years ago, such a practice is an open invitation to kick a rival’s foot out of the iron in a tight finish.
I am not a mathematician but find it hard to agree that this style of riding could get a horse to go any faster or further.

J.R. Mills
Robe (SA)

Today's Racing

Friday 26 April

Ararat