Episode 274: Greg Childs

Hard to believe it’s coming up 13 years since Greg Childs brought down the curtain on a career that brought him a special place among the top riders of his generation. He begins by outlining his current role as a manufacturer and distributor of equine safety vests. Greg takes us back to his apprenticeship at Hawera on the North Island, and pays tribute to the first top horse he got to ride. He also makes mention of another “gun” apprentice who was rising rapidly through the ranks. He talks of his first trip overseas at the invitation of an American friend. He rode 7 winners in a short time and competed on some iconic race tracks. Greg recalls his very first trip to Melbourne with trainers Ray Verner and Peter Hurdle. He ran third in the 1990 Melbourne Cup which really whetted his appetite for Australian racing. The former champion jockey reminisces about the horses and horsemen who got him started in a new country. It was a three months trial period. He never returned to NZ. Greg talks of a Hong Kong win on the top mare Romanee Conti, and his first Melbourne premiership win- a performance that earned him a special accolade. He looks back on Group 1 wins on the talented South Aussie Gold Guru and an exciting straight six win on Final Card to give young Anthony Cummings his first success at the elite level. Admirers of a good horse will hang on every word as Greg remembers his fantastic journey with Sunline, and his unbeaten winning streak on Northerly. He talks of his twin children Tayla and Jordan who’ve made flying starts to their riding careers. Greg gives us an insight into those special occasions when he offers advice to the kids.