Irish jockeys moving to Australia The economic downturn has led to many Irish people emigrating in recent times, and jump jockeys here are turning to Australia in increasing numbers as circumstances have conspired to provide plenty of opportunities down under. Tom Ryan and Bobby Molloy took the plunge a few weeks ago, and they are soon to be joined by Johnny Allen, Stephen Gray, Donal MacAuley, Ken Whelan and Eddie Power. Jump racing takes place in Australia in the states of Victoria and South Australia, and there is a major shortage of capable riders at present due to retirements and injuries. Funding for racing in the region has recently received a big boost, and the authorities are keen to improve standards all round including the quality of riders. Sean Lynch, long-time manager of the Irish jump jockey's team on their annual trip to face their counterparts in Australia, has been instrumental in arranging the move. “They have been offered six month contracts, and Bobby Molloy went a few weeks ago to join Eric Musgrave in Melbourne. The other lads all have good contracts organised in either Victoria or South Australia, and will travel over after Cheltenham. Eddie Power will ride for Johnny O'Connor, who has nine horses for Irish-owner Raymond Keogh, in South Australia,” said Lynch. He added, “The new Minsiter for Sport has a keen interest in racing. Prize-money has improved and they really want to improve standards. There are 104 jump races races in their season which ends on September 19, and minimum prize-money in Victoria is 40,000 Australian dollars while it's 30,000 in South Australia.” “Riding fees also work out more than here at 250 Aus dollars in Victoria and 230 in South Australia, while they will get 600 to 800 a week for riding out early in the morning which is finished by 9.30am.” Donal MacAuley will be based with the Barry Dunn yard near Adelaide in South Australia, and he's exciting by the opportunity and looking forward to flying out in a few weeks. “I'm riding out for Philip Rothwell and Sabrina Harty at the moment but it's got quiet for me. You really have to be with one of the big yards over here to get on well. My girlfriend rides out for Dermot Weld, and she's also going over to ride out for Barry Dunn. He's got about 15 to 20 jumpers, so we'll see how it goes,” said MacAuley. Interestingly Lynch points out that any faller in Australia must have three schooling sessions in front of the stewards before they are cleared to run again. Lynch also indicated that the Ireland v Australia jump jockey's challenge will be slightly later than normal this year, with the Irish team probably heading out near the end of August. Alan Magee
