Episode 360: Michael Hellyer

We introduce a hard working Queensland jockey who more than holds his own in the fiercely competitive Brisbane riding ranks. Michael reflects on a milestone win at a recent Gold Coast meeting- his 700th since his riding career began under amazing circumstances. Michael acknowledges the emergence of young trainer Indiana Turner who was in the winner’s circle for the first time. The jockey says he had no idea about his upcoming career milestone until he heard other jockeys talking about a new on line service.   He says the Queensland riding ranks are as strong as they’ve been in years.   Michael takes us back to the day he bought his first car in Wollongong. He was attracted to some racing photos on the wall in the car dealer’s office. He talks of his enrolment in a Racing NSW/Tafe course at Orange NSW. Michael looks back on work experience with Dubbo trainer Peter Nestor and his initial indentureship to Wade and Doreen Slinkard at Hawkesbury. He looks back on subsequent apprenticeships at Orange and Kembla Grange. He says his first day as a professional jockey was a complete disaster. Michael tells the story of his first winning ride. He noticed a jockey hadn’t been declared for a horse at a Sapphire Coast meeting. He rang for the ride and a dream came true. The jockey outlines his next move- a “loan out” to Port Macquarie trainer Wayne Wilkes. He looks back on one disastrous ride. The horse won but Michael takes no credit. He remembers the day he met Linda Parker at the Grafton races- a young lady who was destined to become his wife. Michael talks of his next move to Murwillumbah where his future father-in-law Col Parker was training a team of racehorses. The jockey looks back on a Sunshine Coast win for the Parker stable which attracted the attention of trainer Pat Duff. Before he knew it Michael was working for Duff at his Deagon stables. He speaks fondly of his final boss, the late Kelso Wood who he regarded as a master trainer and a great supporter. The thirty four year old talks of his wife Linda and daughter Everly who’s coming up seven years of age.  Michael reflects on the thrill of winning a South East Queensland apprentice’s premiership in the 2009/2010 season. He acknowledges the support of trainer David Vandyke and his great association with top filly Baccarat Baby. Michael reflects on some talented horses he’s been lucky enough to ride in recent years. He explains why he chooses to chase his own rides rather than use the services of a jockey manager. Michael pays tribute to one of his Brisbane role models. It’s a nice chat with the jockey whose career was motivated by the photos on the wall at the Oak Flats car dealership.