Episode 228: Michael Rodd

Great to catch up with likeable Michael Rodd who talks of his recent return to Melbourne, where he’s enjoyed some of his greatest moments in racing. He says it’s been a battle to re- establish against some strong opposition. Michael hints at his likely plans for the future. He does confirm that he’d like to stay in Melbourne for the duration of the Spring carnival pending Covid 19 developments. The top jockey looks back on a happy childhood on the Central Coast where he began a building trade apprenticeship. He explains why he abandoned the indentureship. Michael talks of his lifelong love of surfing. Some of his friends talked him into considering a future as a jockey. He reflects on his first job with Gosford trainer Kerry Walker, and his move to Bryan Guy at Rosehill. It was Bryan who supplied his first race ride and his first winner. Michael talks of his move to Queensland when Bryan Guy acquired stables on the Gold Coast. He looks back on 3 junior riding premierships. The jockey has fond memories of his first Gr 1 success. He was still an apprentice when he won the 2002 Brisbane Cup on Kiwi mare Prized Gem. Michael elaborates on an 18 month stint in Hong Kong between 2004 and 2006. He was invited as a trackwork rider but finished up as a club jockey. He looks back on a nightmare experience when his mount Maldivian was a late scratching from the Caulfield Cup after a barrier incident. He still shudders when he thinks about it. Michael fondly recalls the wonderful consolation a year later when Maldivian won the W.S.Cox Plate. He remembers his association with the brilliant mare Divine Madonna. The jockey recalls the unforgettable experience of winning the 2007 Melbourne Cup on the grey Efficient for owner Lloyd Williams. It was Williams who had enticed Rodd from Sydney to become a Macedon Lodge jockey. Michael takes us through his Cup ride from start to finish. He has no hesitation in declaring Efficient the best stayer he’s ever ridden. He recalls Efficient’s Vic Derby win a year before the Cup, and bemoans the fact that he should have won a Sydney Cup on the classy stayer in 2012. He talks of his admiration for Whobegotyou. He won 4 races on the horse including a Caulfield Guineas but was luckless in a few others, especially the 2009 Doncaster. You can hear the excitement in his voice when he summarises his brilliant association with Atlantic Jewel who won 10 from 11. Michael rode her in 9 of her runs and says she is definitely the best he’s ridden. He pays a tribute to Spirit Of Boom and Faint Perfume a couple of favourites from his stunning Group 1 CV. Michael reviews his five years in Singapore with a special tribute to the best horse he rode there. The jockey speaks of the disruption caused by Covid 19. While he’s plying his trade in Victoria, his wife Cara and young daughters are safely ensconced in Queensland. Great to catch up with a talented 38 year old who made a stunning transition from the surfboard to the saddle. 1535 winners with 46 at Group 1 level is one hell of a record.