Episode 291: Brad Rawiller

Brad talks about his very first trip to Perth in 1997 when he won an Apprentice’s Cup. He’s loved the place ever since. He talks of his very first Gr 1 win on Niconero for David Hayes. It just happened to be in Perth. He recalls a WA Derby win for the same stable. Brad talks of his deep racing background and the achievements of his father Keith who’s still riding trackwork in his mid 70’s. He talks of brother Todd who’s now out of racing and sister Stacey who opted for motherhood after a successful riding career. Brad looks back on two national premierships, and the Golden Slipper win he landed at the expense of an injured jockey. Brad talks of his Caulfield Cup win on Viewed - a result of the ride he considers his career best! Rawiller remembers with affection his astonishing association with the great horse Weekend Hussler. He won 7 Gr 1’s on the Ross McDonald trained galloper. Brad also pays tribute to the old marvel Black Heart Bart. He won 6 Gr 1 races on a horse who was constantly plagued with foot problems, but kept bouncing back at the elite level. He looks back on a Cranbourne fall that left him unconscious for several minutes. His recovery astounded doctors. The jockey acknowledges several other favourite horses. Apart from brother Nash he had two other riding heroes. He pays tribute to them. Brad talks of the wonderful support he’s had from wife Carolyn, daughter Cleo and son Lucas. They’re all settled in Perth.