October
JulyStaying on
Thank you Matt Stewart for the overdue yarn (21/7) about the mostly unheralded Linda Meech. As Matt pointed out, an untimely suspension has denied Linda the mantle of leading Victorian jockey on all tracks last season. It would have been richly deserved recognition. Bad luck Linda — but your many fans’ admiration remains undimmed.
Linda’s close-but-no-bananas feat, unlike her rival Damian Lane, who overtook her, has been achieved without the support of the mighty Weir or Lindsay Park stables — indeed without the support of most of Victoria’s top 10 trainers.
As well, on paper the frequent scenario is depressing: Meech despatched to a country meeting to test out a maiden galloper; short-priced maiden duly wins; promising maiden winner now sent to town; Meech replaced as jockey.
Of course punters and even pundits don’t know half of what is discussed behind closed stable doors, so Linda may well have her own reasons why she is so often seen at the provincial meeting on Saturdays, rather than the big smoke. She may even prefer country life — I know I do.
When the money is big or the big money is on, replacing jockeys with better jockeys is perfectly understandable and a part of racing.
But it must be galling for competent, experienced jockeys, who have often done all the hard yards to help a horse realise its potential, to be replaced by another in big(ger) races. There are some serial offenders among the training ranks in this regard.
Meech must feel it sometimes; during post-race interviews after a promising win, how often have you heard her murmur that “I hope I get to stay on him”. Quite often she doesn’t.
She once described herself as a “tradesman-type jockey” and one of the older generation of female jockeys along with Michelle Payne, Kathy O’Hara and Clare Lindop. She suggested that it would be the next generation of female jocks who would really make an impact.
Her words are proving prophetic. For those of us who take a special interest in the female riders it is wonderful to follow the success of Steph Thornton, Raquel Clark, Siggy Carr, Rachel King just to name a few. What a shame Katelyn Mallyon has retired.
But even they are minor stars, as the comet that is Jamie Kah blazes an unprecedented trail across the racing landscape. Absolutely killing them in Adelaide is just the start.
To quote a headline last year — “Kah-boom”! Tony McEvoy thinks she is the cat’s whiskers, and many in the industry believe she will one day be the leading jockey in Australia.
Then, folks, perhaps the boot will be on the other foot in terms of female riders being “piffed”. Oh, and after all that, she’ll go on to win Olympic gold in showjumping. That would be a first that even Craig Williams is unlikely to emulate.
Go Jamie and good luck Linda — may the Vic title finally be yours in season 2018/19.
Castlemaine (Vic)