Episode 458: Shaun Guymer

Shaun Guymer made the decision a few seasons back to  follow in the footsteps of Sydney based jockeys like Grant Buckley and Jeff Penza who’ve enjoyed fruitful careers away from the metropolitan area. Like Penza and Buckley, Shaun sees more sense in having five or six rides on a southern districts track than pushing a 100/1 “pop”around in town. The popular jockey talks about his current workload and his acceptance of the endless travel required to meet “bush” commitments. He talks about the predicament of having offers at two meetings on the same day. Shaun says he agonises over the offer of a good ride in town from time to time. He hates to disappoint regular clients in the bush. He talks about distances to his usual venues. The jockey pays tribute to Jeff Penza and Grant Buckley. He greatly admires the longtime dedication of the veterans. Shaun says his family background is devoid of racing. He talks of his father’s glazing business, and the support of his mother and sibling Josh. The jockey looks back on his initial work experience with top Goulburn horseman Danny Williams. He was later apprenticed to Williams. Shaun looks back on a transfer of his indentures to Canberra trainer Mark Schmetzer who became a valued friend and tutor. He’s never forgotten his very first race ride. The horse was trained by Keith Dryden but failed to flatter at any stage. Shaun’s first winning ride at Queanbeyan remains etched in his memory. The horse was trained by Rex Cole. Guymer had a long wait before his first city winner came along. The horse was trained by Jarrod Austin and started at cricket score odds.   He’s very proud of a Canberra apprentices premiership.   Shaun looks back on a three month loan out to Randwick trainer Kevin Moses. He says Moses rode work with him most mornings.   He says he thoroughly enjoyed his time with Stephen Farley at Wyong.   The 31 year old looks back on a brief association with Chris Waller who utilised his claim on a couple of talented horses.   Shaun remembers with gratitude a valuable stint with Peter Moody not long after Black Caviar had departed the stable.   He’s never forgotten a Caulfield win on a smart Moody trained mare.   The jockey looks back on a bout of depression after completing his apprenticeship. He lost his way as the opportunities diminished, but found a way to get back on track.   He talks admiringly of his wife Emma, daughter of Hawkesbury trainer Tim Walsh.   Shaun was gobsmacked when offered an opportunity by high profile trainer Tony McEvoy who had opened a satellite stable at Hawkesbury. He speaks highly of the multiple Group 1 winning trainer.   He talks of a move to the former Lindsay Park in South Australia when McEvoy’s Sydney base was closed.   Shaun has nothing but fond memories of his association with Richard Freedman who’d made the decision to train in his own right at Rosehill. They won numerous races together.   The jockey looks back on a freakish incident at Nowra in 2018. His mount Ahmad literally got off the ground to win a BM 58. The footage went viral on social media.   He talks of a Wagga Guineas win on Lion’s Roar beating a future Kosciuszko winner.    Shaun expresses appreciation for the support he receives from trainers in the southern region. He makes special mention of Natalie Jarvis.   He talks of a rare trip he made recently to Newcastle. It was worth the trouble.   Shaun says Emma closely watches his rides on the Sky service.   You can hear the “proud dad” element as he talks about three and a half year old son Fletcher.   It’s a laid back chat with a very talented jockey who drives thousands of kilometres to ply his trade.