Episode 453: Ryan Maloney

Ryan Maloney was in high spirits when this interview was recorded on Thursday Dec 14th. He was looking forward to a big book of eight rides at Eagle Farm but fate saw him in a hospital bed in the early hours of Saturday morning. Anybody who has suffered a kidney stone episode will know that there are few more painful experiences. He’s over the trauma and keen to get back to work. Ryan reviews his fortuitous decision to leave Victoria. He talks about the upward spiral of Queensland racing, and the newly refurbished Gold Coast track. Ryan talks of the beginning of his association with Toby Edmonds.  He remembers a later trip Toby made with brilliant filly Houtzen. The jockey talks of early life in Colac and the scant racing background in his family. He talks of his first apprenticeship to local trainer Mark Young. Ryan hasn’t forgotten his inauspicious riding debut at Horsham and the magic of his very first win. He looks back on his journey from Colac to Flemington and an apprenticeship to Robert Smerdon. Ryan recalls his first metropolitan win and a productive association with trainer Robbie Griffiths. He acknowledges some of his favourite horses from the Griffiths yard. He looks back fondly on a brief association with champion sprinter Nature Strip.  Ryan remembers a great winning run with the Jamie Edwards trained Sertorius. He reflects openly on his positive test to a banned stimulant and the resultant four months on the sidelines. He gives a valid reason for his misdemeanour. Ryan looks back on the wonderful diversion he stumbled upon during his time out. He landed a role in the popular movie “Ride Like A Girl”, and loved the experience. He talks about his instant rapport with trainer David Vandyke, and the wonderful horse at the centre of the new partnership. Ryan takes us through his journey with the massively talented Alligator Blood. He talks of a Sydney stint with the Neasham stable and his partnership with quality mare Sunshine In Paris. Ryan speaks of his association with Isotope and the highs and lows that came with it. The jockey speaks of the Gollan trained Skirt The Law, the filly to give him a Magic Millions triumph. He talks of a Doomben Cup win for Team Snowden. Ryan pays tribute to wife Shaylee and daughters Stella and Isla who love the Queensland sunshine as much as he does. It’s a good yarn with a 38 year old jockey whose move to Queensland has been career defining.