Episode 331: Ben Looker

Great to catch up with a 31 year old jockey who’s nudging 1000 career wins. Ben was sitting in his car at the Armidale racecourse when we tracked him down for this interview. He begins by singing the praises of a promising mare he rode at Grafton recently. He makes mention of a recent addition to the Port Macquarie training ranks. He’s already forged an association with Paul Shailer, a former Chris Waller Gold Coast stable manager. Ben pays tribute to the riding talents of his wife Priscilla who quit the saddle to become a Sky Racing host. He talks about the Wauchope horse property managed by Priscilla and her sister Cassandra. Ben rides frequently for his father-in-law, Grafton trainer Dwayne Schmidt. Ben looks back on his apprenticeship to Grafton trainer John Shelton, and his first day as a professional jockey. He reflects on a brief stint with Gai Waterhouse at Randwick. He rode several winners and got to handle some great gallopers in trackwork. The jockey remembers his hero worship of rising star Zac Purton. They still keep in touch. Ben speaks glowingly of the brilliant Victorem. He won six races on the Jenny Graham trained flyer including a Country Championship final. He tells the story of his lucky “pick up” ride on Sacred Day in the Grafton Cup. A hometown win gave him an enormous thrill. Ben also heaps praise on Kosciuszko winner Belflyer. He had a lot to do with the horse. He couldn’t be more honest as he looks back on a bout of depression,and the professional help that got him back on track. Ben reminisces about his most successful days in the saddle. The young father makes special mention of 11 months old son Ollie who keeps him on his toes.