Episode 402: Kevin Langby

I’ve had several requests for a podcast with Kevin Langby. Rather than try to explain he was on the show two years ago, let’s put him on again. Nothing’s changed. He’s still fighting fit on the Central Coast and still looking back on one of Sydney racing’s most distinguished careers. Kev begins by looking back on his initial apprenticeship to Max Wardle and a transfer to Dick Cornish- both in his hometown of Orange. Kev remembers his father’s insistence that he transfer to a Sydney trainer. He was lucky to gain a start with the astute Fred Hood Snr, firstly at Mascot and later at Rosehill. He recalls some early winners and the first good horse he got to ride. The former jockey reflects on his time as stable jockey for Arthur Ward and a retainer he was offered by Sir Frank Packer. Kevin says his association with Tommy Smith just “happened”. Not once did the legendary trainer verbally confirm the arrangement. He talks of Smith’s attitude towards his stable riders, and his acceptance of defeat. The 76 year old looks back on the trauma of losing his father in an industrial accident. The former great jockey remembers his Golden Slipper trilogy. He talks of his much publicised premiership battle with Peter Cook in the 1972/73 season and the reaction of racing bosses to his trademark shoulder length hair. Kev speaks affectionately of Sharon, his daughter from his first marriage to Patti. He pays tribute to Sharon’s achievements as a trainer, and to his granddaughter Tiffany Jeffries who forged a productive riding career in western NSW. He reflects on his second marriage to Lyn with whom he had daughters Christie and Candice and his only son Jason who was born with a heart defect. Kevin says doctors gave him only months to live. The courageous little boy got close to his tenth birthday. Kevin looks back on two years as a stipendiary steward and a short stint as stable foreman to trainer Gordon Benson at Gosford. Older racing fans will enjoy Kev’s reminiscences about three wonderful horses - Imagele, Gunsynd and Rising Prince. He talks of his experiences as a bus driver, and the cancer scare he received thirteen years ago. He’s got some advice for men who don’t like doctors. A nostalgic chat with a riding legend of the 1970’s and 80’s.