Episode 411: Matt McGuren

Sky Thoroughbred Central’s Gary Kliese recently suggested I organise a chat with Grafton based jockey Matt McGuren.  Gary was full of praise for McGuren’s talents and assured me that the jockey’s life story was great podcast material. Matt was more than happy to participate even though he was feeling pretty frustrated by the outcome of what appeared to be an insignificant accident a few days earlier. He looks back on his barrier trial mishap at Ballina. He says he decided to ride at the Grafton meeting the following day even though he suspected a fracture in the ankle. A winning ride helped ease the pain. Matt talks of his prognosis, and his inability to ride trackwork for his wife Samantha who trains a thirteen horse team at Grafton. He talks of Samantha’s accident with a camp drafter three months ago and her resultant surgery. The thirty two year old explains how he and Samantha manage to handle a team of racehorses every morning and cater for the needs of two young daughters. They’ve got it down to a fine art. He says there’s little doubt both girls have a natural affinity with horses. Matt talks of Samantha’s gravitation to horse training, and the unexpected support she’s had from owners. He talks of the very handy horse who’s given Samantha’s training career a welcome boost. Matt looks back on his wife’s notable riding career.  He talks about his early involvement in bronc and bull riding and a transition to thoroughbreds. The young horseman remembers the days when he was riding trackwork before school. Matt saw the benefit in attaining a trade. He’s a pretty handy floor and wall tiler. He pays tribute to his late master and mentor Allan Ryan. The in demand jockey talks of his constant struggle with weight. Matt recalls his first winner and the amazing run he enjoyed in the early years of his apprenticeship. He pays tribute to his late father Gerry who died prematurely in 2012. Matt talks of a successful partnership with Gold Coast trainer Bruce Hill. He gained the support of several Queensland trainers. He pays tribute to a few special horses to give his career a kick along. He speaks fondly of the 50 acre property he and Samantha acquired in 2015. He says it’s a heaven for horses and humans. Matt acknowledges the support of the many trainers to offer support with special mention of his great supporter Matt Dunn. Gary Kliese was right. Matt’s a great bloke to have a yarn with.