Episode 415: Craig Carmody

In looking for a horseman who has a close connection with the Queen Elizabeth Stakes we plucked from the archives,  a podcast with Craig Carmody. The former successful jockey is now training a small team at Randwick, hoping another Intergaze will walk into his stables. Craig rode the talented chestnut in his two Queen Elizabeth Stakes wins in the late 90’s. Craig reflects on his decision to retire after returning from Singapore in 2005. He looks back on his transition into the training ranks. Craig speaks of the plight of the smaller trainers who don’t have access to the spending power of wealthy owners. The former multiple Gr 1 winning jockey talks of a few special horses who got him on his way as a trainer. He acknowledges the talents of Sydney’s female jockeys He talks about his final riding contract in Singapore which brought him in touch with his future wife. Craig looks back on his starring role in a Telecom TV commercial. He was one of several young Sydney jockeys who auditioned for the part. His screen test blew the others out of the water. He remembers the first moment he sat on a horse’s back. A spark was ignited. Craig reviews his apprenticeship to Rod Craig and the enduring friendship they continue to share. He reflects on his long association with Les Bridge- an association which led to his first Melbourne Cup ride. Craig reminisces about his winning rides on quality gallopers Stylish Century and Angst. He remembers the retainer he held with the vast Nebo Lodge operation at Rosehill. Craig speaks with great affection of his once in a lifetime horse Intergaze. He reviews some of the stallion’s best performances. Craig and his wife Keline are the proud parents of Liam and Mandy. Both children show exceptional sporting talent. Liam was a member of the under 12 Cronulla team in last year’s Div 2 Little League baseball competition. His team won both the state and national titles after which they participated in the Warboys Cup. Formerly known as the Sydney Cup this is an individual competition offering an amazing incentive- a trip to Cooperstown in New York state  for a World Series in junior baseball. Not surprisingly Cronulla won the Warboys competition, with Liam one of the star players.  Craig and Keline have opted to take their first holiday in fifteen years and will fly to NY with Liam and his sister Mandy in July. A win for Liam’s team would mean as much to Craig Carmody as his dual Queen Elizabeth Stakes victories on his old mate Intergaze.