Episode 495: Darren Beadman

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Darren Beadman many times but not so much in recent years. Spotted him at Graham McNeice’s recent funeral service, and it occurred to me that “Shadow” would have insisted I feature the former star jockey on this podcast.  Darren’s a busy boy these days in his role as Race Day Operations Manager for Godolphin, with little time to spare. We pinned him down last Friday after he’d completed duties at the Rosehill barrier trials. It’s just a relaxed chat between two old racing mates. Darren talks about the importance of official trials in the Godolphin operation. He explains that communication with race day media has become a significant part of his role with Godolphin. Darren says he’s got a bigger advantage than most when listening to post race reports from the many jockeys used by Godolphin. He reflects on the horrific Hong Kong accident that terminated his stellar riding career. Darren outlines the complexities of his diffuse axonal brain injury and the subsequent rehabilitation period.  He names the best horse he got to ride during his time in Hong Kong. The celebrated jockey takes us back to childhood days in Canberra and his earliest association with horses. He reflects on his good fortune in having the opportunity to learn his trade under the legendary Theo Green. Darren talks about an early apprentice’s premiership win and his first Gr 1 success- A Golden Slipper on Inspired for his boss. He remembers another Slipper win 13 years later on Guineas. The 58 year old remembers his relocation to France as a 19 year old. Despite ongoing homesickness, he managed to win 50 races including the Gr 1 Prix Morny at Deauville.  Darren takes us through the remarkable story of his Melbourne Cup win on Kingston Rule in 1990. The royally bred stayer carried the Kingston Town colours and elevated his fresh faced young jockey to racing’s biggest stage. This man was privileged to ride some of the greatest horses of his generation. He talks with great affection about Saintly, known colloquially as “the horse from heaven”. Predictably he lights up when asked to pay tribute to the amazing Octagonal. Darren pays an even bigger tribute to Octagonal’s son Lonhro. He rates the champion’s two best wins. Another great horse Beadman got to ride was Super Impose. He won seven races on the versatile champion. Darren remembers the 1991 Epsom when Super Impose did the impossible to complete a staggering quartet of Gr 1 mile victories at Randwick. He had  only two rides on the great mare Let’s Elope. One of them resulted in a stunning Australian Cup win. He looks back on his bombshell decision to leave racing at the top of his game to join the Christian Life Centre as a Minister. He recalls his many duties for the church, and his role as a Skychannel presenter. Darren confirms that wife Kim recently began her quest for a PHD in Psychology.  The family man talks of daughters Rachel and Jessica who’ve each provided their parents with a granddaughter. Darren brings us up to date on the current activities of son Mitch who himself rode more than 100 winners in a very brief riding career. I’m embarrassed to confess this is Darren’s first appearance on our podcast. I deserve a severe reprimand.