October
FebruaryJockey and a gentleman
The publicity that surrounded Darren Gauci’s retirement was testament to what a great jockey and person the Gauch is, as nice a guy as you will ever meet.
I don’t think I have seen a more moving sight on a racecourse than all the jockeys, trainers and racing people forming a guard of honour out of respect for this great person.
I first met Darren at Frank King’s Caulfield stable when Darren was still a schoolboy. I had a horse with Frank (another sensational gentleman) and used to go and see the horse work.
Darren would call in some mornings and trot some of Frank’s horses around.
He eventually became indentured to Frank, joining a long list of top apprentices including Stan Aitken, Dale Short and Danny Brereton.
Darren lived with Frank and Jean (Frank’s lovely wife) and no doubt a lot of his gentlemanly ways he learnt from Frank King.
The Kings loved Darren like a son and Frank was always telling people what a great kid Darren was.
Racing has not lost Darrren as he will be working with apprentices and teaching them all aspects of racing.
They could not have a better person and ex-jockey teaching them how to ride and become good people in general.
All the tributes that have paid to the Gauch have been richly deserved.
Kilmore (Vic)