Episode 387: Stan Aitken

Nineteen years have passed since Stan Aitken called time on his successful riding career. The multiple Gr 1 winning jockey continued to work in the racing industry as a groundsman for the Ballarat Race Club until his retirement a few years ago. Stan clearly recalls his final ride in the Ararat Gold Cup of 2003. He talks of his decision to quit when opportunities dried up. He looks back on his working years at the Ballarat racecourse. Stan reflects on his childhood in the idyllic Tasmanian town of Penguin, and his earliest connection with horses. He remembers his move to Victoria and an apprenticeship to local trainer Jack Whitelaw where he learned about life in a racing stable. After twelve months he transferred to Norm Creighton at Caulfield. His first race ride was on a horse destined for fame as a hurdler. Stan looks back on the thrill of riding his first winner at Yarra Glen. His first city win was even more exciting. He made it a double on the day for good measure. He explains yet another stable switch when Norm Creighton fell ill. His new master was Frank King who later became Melbourne’s answer to the legendary jockey tutor Theo Green. Stan talks of Frank King’s reaction if other Caulfield trainers didn’t reward his input at trackwork. One of those disagreements got out of hand. Aitken reflects on his two apprentice’s premiership victories. He remembers his elation when the legendary Bart Cummings approached him to ride the champion three year old Taj Rossi in the Cox Plate of 1973. Stan reviews his second Gr 1 win on Taj Rossi in the George Adams Mile at Flemington. He pays tribute to a remarkable horse, and reveals that Bart Cummings invited him to ride more work for the stable. The former ace jockey elaborates on his association with iconic trainer Angus Armanasco and a special horse he got to ride in that era. Stan talks of a Blue Diamond win on the Armansco trained Forina which resulted in a trip to Sydney for the Golden Slipper. During his stay he picked up a winning ride in the Todman Stakes for Bob Hoysted. He looks back on a brief association with a smart horse called Karaman, and recalls his move to Ballarat at the invitation of trainer Ron Maund. He soon forged winning associations with other Ballarat trainers. Stan looks back on his last  taste of the spotlight with a horse called Spargo. He says he was only on board because nobody else wanted to ride the moody horse in trackwork or races. He talks of daughters Renae and Paige. He was devastated when Renae died much too soon after contracting a brain tumor. Stan pays tribute to his only son Tyler Donaldson-Aitken who rates among Melbourne’s best breakers and pre- training specialists. He talks of Tyler’s participation last year in a most unlikely horse race. He acknowledges the deeds of two jockeys who had an impact on his career. This is a laid back chat with a former jockey who competed with distinction alongside the best riders of his generation.