Episode 243: Lenny Beasley

The former brilliant jockey discusses the higher scale of weights in the current era. He says today’s heavier jockeys get their chance to stay in the game for longer periods. Lenny looks back on the nightmare years when he’d have to lose 4-5 kgs in a single day. He takes us back to childhood days in Wollongong when a neighbour loaned him a little grey pony. Later he got his own pony, but it didn’t have the nicest disposition. Lenny talks of his first indentureship at Gulgong, and his second with Kembla trainer Bernie Howlett. He reflects on his first winner at Queanbeyan and his initial city success. Lenny looks back on his apprenticeship transfer to Kerry Jordan at Rosehill. The former top jockey remembers his first Gr 1 win down Flemington’s famous “ straight six” course. He pays tribute to some outstanding horses who contributed to his Gr 1 CV, with special mention of Belle Du Jour’s unforgettable win in the 2000 Golden Slipper. Lenny looks back on amazing twists of fate that saved him from involvement in two of the world’s most horrific modern disasters.