Episode 383: John Wade

I caught up with John Wade at the recent Jockeys Reunion and the idea of a podcast immediately sprang to mind. He’s not the kind of bloke to talk about his many achievements in the saddle, but happily I was able to pin him down. John is now in his early 70’s, lives on the Gold Coast and works full time for a Pathology Company.  He tells us more about the job and the enormous number of miles he travels every week. John talks of early days at Newcastle following in the footsteps of his late father Bill, who dominated the Newcastle and Hunter riding ranks for many years. Bill won 13 Newcastle premierships. He recalls one thrilling Newcastle premiership which went right down to the wire. John recalls the Gunnedah barrier trial accident which terminated Bill’s career. He talks of the unorthodox way in which he learned to ride, and his subsequent indentureship to a legendary Newcastle trainer. John looks back on the predictable early career highlights- first race ride, first winner and first metropolitan winner. He talks about a tempting offer he received from a high profile Sydney trainer. The thought of leaving Newcastle never entered his head.  The former brilliant jockey reflects on his only ride in a Melbourne Cup. He looks back on the beginning of his association with the late Max Lees- a partnership which would lead to a wonderful experience for both jockey and trainer. John takes us back to his earliest connection with Luskin Star and the amazing journey that was to follow. Some of his anecdotes about the super colt will give you a tingle down the spine. He recalls his disappointment when Luskin Star was sold to a conglomerate of businessmen who had earmarked him for a stud future. He admits it was a tough time in his life. Luskin Star was clearly the best he rode, but there were several other handy horses he got to ride in races. He profiles a number of them beginning with Razor Sharp. John reflects on a trip to Queensland for the winter carnival with Victorian trainer Noel Kelly. He talks of the pick up ride at Ipswich which would result in a career ending accident. He looks back on multiple operations and years of rehabilitation. The former outstanding jockey reflects on a short but successful training stint. John talks of his family of five and seven grandchildren. Those of us who saw his spectacular sequence of wins on Luskin Star cherish some special memories. Great to catch up with a former jockey whose career finished much too early.