Episode 409: Robbie Fradd

Understandably Robbie Fradd is going through a tough period of adjustment as he comes to terms with the reality of an enforced retirement. The champion international jockey has been grounded by specialists after recently undergoing major heart bypass surgery. Rob intends to stay in Brisbane where he’s been riding for close to nine years. He talks about the shortage of breath and fatigue which warned him of impending trouble. Rob admits to a nicotine addiction throughout his riding career, but says it was largely to keep his mind off food. The former outstanding jockey takes us back to his childhood in Durban, and his non racing family. He talks of a five year stay at the famous South African Jockeys Academy which launched the careers of some world class jockeys. Robbie talks of his apprenticeship to trainer Vaughan Marshall who had a significant impact on his life. He recalls with affection his very first win on Barberton for trainer Jacky Gorton. The retired jockey talks of the importance to racing participants of a race called The Durban July. He was fortunate enough to win it twice, although the first one was by default. Robbie’s second win in the great race was on Dynasty, a horse he rates among the best he’s ever ridden. He recalls his 1996 success in another famous race the J&B Met in Cape Town. Rob talks of his many trips to Hong Kong and his memorable association with the champion Fairy King Prawn. He talks in particular of a Gr 1 win in Japan, and his unforgettable duel with Sunline in the 2000 HK Mile. He looks back on wins in the HK Derby, the Chairman’s Mile and three Stewards Cups all at Gr 1 level.  Robbie speaks of his elation when he won a HK jockeys premiership against some formidable opposition. He looks back on a flying visit to Singapore which brought him a Derby winner and an eventual full time contract with leading trainer Patrick Shaw, an expatriate South African. You can hear the admiration in Rob’s voice as he talks about the great horse Rocket Man who won 20 races from 27 starts. The jockey won three Lion City Cups on the brilliant galloper. Fradd was 50 years old when he arrived in Brisbane in 2014, motivated by the spectacular success of countryman Jeff Lloyd. He recalls the support he received from Brisbane and Gold Coast trainers. He acknowledges his only Queensland Gr 1 win on Tyzone in the Stradbroke. He talks of daughters Alexa and Madison and nine year old son Liam. He admits his wife Natalie has to get used to his being around more than usual. At 58 he was coming to the end of a great career, but he’s disappointed he wasn’t able to go out on his own terms. This is a nice yarn with a jockey who loved every moment of his four decades in the saddle.