Episode 443: Robyn Freeman

I’ve long admired Robyn Freeman’s dedication to the craft she loves. She’s one of few female riders still active from the dedicated group who were flying the flag in the 1990’s. A recent Newcastle double on two long priced horses clearly showed why Robyn is still gaining support twenty five years on. She talks about the two fillies in question. Robyn explains that her patient tactics on both winners illustrated her preferred style of riding. She talks of her two young children, and the valuable support she receives from her own parents. The dedicated jockey says she’s a regular at Kembla Grange trackwork, and acknowledges the trainers for whom she rides. Robyn looks back on her equine management course at Armidale TAFE, and her first apprenticeship to local trainer Stafford Wain. She explains the reasons for her many changes of stable affiliations. Her second job was with Gayna Williams at Bathurst. Robyn reflects on brief stints with Colin Jeffries, Leanne Aspros, the late Max Lees and Graeme Begg. Finally the move that was to give her a solid grounding and some notable success in the saddle. Robyn looks back on a long association with Gai Waterhouse, and acknowledges some of the nice horses she got to ride. She looks back on the relatively small group of girls who were battling for recognition in the early 2000’s. Robyn remembers her sudden urge to try her luck overseas. She looks back on two memorable visits to Macau and South Africa. She reflects on her return to Australia and a frustrating attempt to regenerate her career, starting off in Victoria. Robyn remains grateful for the opportunity afforded her by Brett Cavanough who was Albury based at the time. The mother-of-two remembers a return to the Waterhouse stable and her initial meeting with future husband Stuart Key. She looks back on her association with Noel and Emma Mayfield-Smith and her connection with a very special horse. You can hear the excitement in Robyn’s voice as she reflects on a surprise invitation to ride in a female jockey’s event in Sweden. It turned out to be a thrilling experience. Robyn delights in telling the humorous story of a conversation she had one morning with Gai Waterhouse. The trainer gave her some motherly advice. Following the birth of her two babies Robyn made the decision to return to race riding, but had difficulty in getting her weight back to the necessary level. She got some advice from another female rider. She pays tribute to trainer Gerald Ryan who gave her great support on the comeback trail. Robyn summarises an injury list which would have dampened the spirit of most jockeys. She talks of her delight in riding alongside the great Damian Oliver on Newcastle Cup day. It’s a nice chat with a lady who’s helped to bring Australia’s female riders to the prominent niche they enjoy today.