Episode 414: Cody Morgan

It would have been a massive shock to his family had Cody Morgan not pursued a career with horses. With a mum and dad who were wizards in the saddle and a brother who could ride a rampaging rhinoceros, it was unlikely Cody would ever become a ballet instructor. We talk to the young Tamworth horseman about his start as a bronc rider, the transition to professional race riding and finally to the training ranks. Cody begins by talking of Talbragar who shapes up as one of the top chances in the Country Championship Final. He talks of his on course location at Tamworth and his reluctance to leave there. Cody looks back on his very first phone call from Australian Bloodstock’s Luke Murrell. He could have wrecked the partnership there and then. He talks of his favourites among the Australian Bloodstock horses. One of the horses featured in a memorable Rosehill double. The thirty two year old says his aspiration to become a jockey was triggered by his first ride on a mechanical horse. He looks back on the thrilling experience of his first win at Quirindi, and a funny recollection from his days at Quirindi High School. Cody looks back on a transfer to the late “Pud” Davies at Cessnock. He speaks of the famous jockey who drove him to countless race meetings and gave him wise counsel. He looks back in awe on his time with Tony McEvoy at the famous Lindsay Park training operation at Angaston. He talks of life on the farm, and the great horse he got to ride on the training track. Cody says his weight was on the rise when he arrived back in Tamworth. He knew his riding career was coming to an end. He talks of father Glenn’s wonderful achievements as a saddle bronc rider, and his subsequent experience as a specialist announcer on Foxtel rodeo telecasts. Cody talks of the serious Quirindi race fall that could have ended his career. By a freak of nature he rode the following day. He looks back on another nasty accident only two years ago when riding one of his own horses in trackwork. Cody takes us back to the occasion of his last winning race ride, and the low key commencement of his training career. He looks back on the online purchase of a mare destined to kick start his training career. It wouldn’t have been possible without some financial assistance from brother Luke. He pays tribute to his “go to” jockey. Cody is still abuzz with the excitement of a major Gold Coast win early this year courtesy of Ezekeil and Jamie Kah. He acknowledges a few special horses who’ve helped his career along the way, and lauds the regular TAB Highway races. Cody’s happy to talk about the lowest point in his training career- a two year disqualification on a race day treatment charge. He says it gave him a massive shake up. He talks of two apprentices who’ve been through his “school” and his ambition to reach a special milestone on his home track at Tamworth. It’s an enjoyable yarn with a great young bush trainer, who knows how to win a race in town.