Episode 438: Michael Travers

Michael Travers joined an exclusive club in 2021 when he became one of a handful of NSW jockeys to acquire a dual trainer/jockey’s licence. A short time later he became the first to train and ride a winner in his home state, when successful with Estaverdi at Gundagai. A minor injury sustained at Leeton in April was enough to see Michael make the decision to train exclusively. We recorded this interview just a few days before his Gundagai double on Sunday. He talks about the reluctance of Racing NSW to issue dual licences a few years ago. He says Michelle Payne indirectly helped his cause. Michael says he’s a little surprised more jockeys haven’t availed themselves of the opportunity. He says attaining the licence was one thing- finding stabling in Wagga was another. Michael looks back on the thrill of his history making feat at Gundagai in 2021. He rode another winner on the day for an outside stable. He says it wasn’t easy to attract owners who were happy to have the same person training and riding their horses. He pays tribute to great supporters Robyn Tatham and Peter Knight. Michael looks back on the heavy workload associated with his dual career. He knew he couldn’t keep going forever. The experienced horseman looks back on teen years when his grandfather introduced him to racing. He was quickly besotted by the atmosphere of the track. Michael nominates the two horses who whetted his appetite for the game. He talks of work experience gained with two high profile Rosehill trainers of the early 1990’s. One of those trainers told him he’d never make a jockey. Travers looks back on the university studies which brought him a Bachelor Of Education Degree.  With his desire to be a jockey still bubbling under the surface he gained a start with Noel Mayfield-Smith who was then training at Hawkesbury. He couldn’t get the hang of it. Totally discouraged, Michael decided to put his teaching degree to good use. He talks of his time at two Sydney schools instructing in three subjects. The jockey/trainer talks of his fondness for the piano. He learned the art early in life. Michael says he was 24 years old when he approached Racing NSW apprentice coach Maurice Logue. The ever helpful Logue arranged a pre vocational course for young Travers with Albury trainer Rob Wellington. Just when Rob was about to sign him up, Michael’s dad became seriously ill. He returned to the teaching trade. He says he later returned to the Wellington stable and his riding career began. He went within a nose of a win on his very first day. Michael talks of a transfer to Newcastle trainer Paul Perry. He recalls the champion sprinter he got to ride work, and some early wins for the Perry stable. He talks of his all time favourite horse Piracy who just happened to be owned by his mother Rae. The popular Riverina horseman looks back on his career injury list. He regards himself as relatively lucky. Michael talks of his intention to continue riding trackwork, and acknowledges the good recent run he’s had with in form Jean Van Overmeire. He acknowledges the support of wife Jodie and makes special mention of 10 year old son Maverick and step children Cameron and Alaska. It’s a laid back chat with one of Australia’s most versatile horsemen.