Episode 494: James Orman

  If pedigree has any bearing there was always a strong likelihood James Orman would become a jockey. His father Michael showed some talent in a very brief career before increasing weight terminated his aspirations. His mother Caroline Allardyce has been a trainer for forty years, and increased her team numbers when James became her stable apprentice in 2013. Young Orman’s emergence as one of Australia’s best jockeys has been spectacular. He begins by talking about his flying start in the new racing season. James, or Jimmy as he’s popularly known, talks about life on his Nudgee property with Heidi and their children Floyd and Hallie.  The talented jockey talks of childhood days at Forest Hill, his involvement in pony club and a passion for gymnastics. He outlines some highs and lows from his time as a gymnast. Jimmy says riding was second nature to him by the time he elected to become indentured to his trainer/mother. He looks back on his very first race ride at Nanango. He finished third but believes he should have won the race. He remembers his first winning ride on the same track. James says his first metropolitan win was one of the most thrilling of his career. The horse was trained by his mum and won with ease. The jockey says his first three rides in the city were all winners. Jimmy says he’s ridden more winners for Kelly Schweida than he has for any other trainer. He acknowledges Schweida’s unwavering support. He acknowledges the ongoing backing of some of Brisbane’s high profile stables. The twenty seven year old remembers a special deal he made with his mother should she allow him to leave school. He says people are never quite sure what they should call him. He prefers “Jimmy”. James takes us through his impressions of the best horses he’s ridden in recent years with special mention of Niccanova, Prince Of Boom and Far Too Easy. The outstanding jockey looks back on his opportunity to win a stakes race for the powerful Godolphin operation.  Jimmy rates Antino as the best horse he’s ridden to date. After nine Queensland wins on the Gollan trained galloper he was retained for the ride in the black type Tontonan Stakes in Melbourne.  The experience turned out to be a nightmare.  He hopes for an opportunity to get another crack in Melbourne. Orman talks of a surprise invitation from expat Queensland trainer Michael Costa to spend two weeks in Dubai late last year. The experience turned out to be everything that Melbourne wasn’t. He created a huge impression with five wins on one programme. He also rode a winner at Meydan which boasts a spectacular jockey’s room. Jimmy pays tribute to the jockeys who’ve influenced his career. He talks of two debilitating injuries sustained in racing accidents. The star jockey says his weight is fairly stable at 56 kgs provided he observes all the rules. Jimmy hints at a few immediate goals. It’s a nice chat with yet another champion horseman from the sunshine state.