WINNO'S SIXTY SECONDS WITH ... MICHEAL HELLYER

By Darren Winningham with Micheal Hellyer | Monday, January 23, 2017

I want to preface this interview with a yarn of how Winno came to know Micheal Hellyer!

I used to play “free poker” at Brighton Bowls Club on a Tuesday. I sat there over three weeks sitting playing my game and now and then getting put on this table with this small, quiet bloke who used to be messaging and using his phone.

I thought his name was “Micheal Hellyer” a jockey around Brisbane and I was always too shy to introduce myself. Over several weeks I got to play on more tables with him. He was always very quiet (unlike me) and kept to himself. One day I went and asked the lady in charge of the poker game (the TD – or tournament director) – is that Micheal Hellyer, “she said yes”.

So I thought I would introduce myself to him. Much to my delight we got chatting about a lot of things – sometimes racing, but mostly not. We would play each week and I do not think he could understand how I used to draw his table and sit near him 90% of the time (it does pay to know the TD). Some days we would play pool in the break – other days just sit and talk.

One day I was playing poker.I had two Kings (K,K). I raised as I had a strong hand, all the other players fold – well except Micheal Hellyer. He looks across the table and stares at me and says “you’re bluffing”, so he calls my big bet. At this point I think I have him smashed. The flop (the first three cards out) is 2, 7, 10 – I am thinking I cannot be beaten, so I bet “all in”. He looks across the table casually and says “I call”.

With a smug look on my face I throw down my two Kings – he turns over a 2 and a 7 (the grub has two pairs). I look at him and shake my head. Suffice to say I lose and have to pack up and leave – I stand up and say “You are a Muppet” – from that day forward we refer to each other as “Muppy”. The week after I ask not to sit with him as I was in protest mode, but somehow we get together across the day and he relives the hand and my demise from the week before – we laugh, we smile and shake hands.

He had two labradors – Jazz and Phoenix. I had two beagles – Ike and Buster . There were walks and sometimes a beach date for them all at Nudgee. A friendship had blossomed – a friendship that I value very much. He now is married – to his lovely wife Linda and they have a wonderful daughter Everly. Many times they are a family unit at the races. This is unique and special to see as well.

So last weekend I attended the Jeep Magic Millions 2017. I review the form – I look at the program – I notice “Muppy Hellyer” has one ride on Irish Constabulary. I know he is on the best horse in the race. I think on pace runners will have a distinct advantage and he has drawn the widest gate in barrier 12 – so my faith and respect for “Muppy” eludes me. I say in my blog “he is a rough chance”.

Deep down I want to see him win – he works so hard – like many other jockeys, but in my mind it is a great achievement just to get a ride on the program on a track that he rides at most weekends.

The race is on. I am focussed on the leaders at the 200m mark. I see the horse with number 1 saddle cloth with “Irish Constabulary” on loom up on the outside. I refocus the camera. I can see “Hellyer” on the side of his pants. I start cheering – well yelling – “Go Muppy”. I then reassess why I am there – I am taking photos – time to try and focus again and get some decent photos if I can.

He wins the race – goes past the post. I could see the gleaming smile – the large fist pump – the enjoyment and thrill on his face. Somewhere I am immersed in this victory as if I had been sitting on his shoulder screaming at him to punch the horse home to victory!

It was a special day for me – but ever a better day for my mate Micheal “Muppy” Hellyer and his family watching on at home on Sky Racing – Linda and Everly cheering just as much as the crowd I am sure!

Then as fate has it. he gets a late call up to ride “Feltre” in the Moet & Chandon Magic Millions Trophy. He runs a close second – lodges a protest without much joy. Two rides a winner and a second on Magic Millions Day is a decent effort – probably the biggest pay day in his career.

I am sure that most of it would go on the home mortgage with some for a small family celebration if I know him well!

Micheal does not have a manager. He books all his own rides and does his own form and travels wherever he gets an opportunity so he really deserves every bit of success that comes his way.

So I call him out in my weekly tips – as he is suspended – 'Winno challenges you Muppy to go 60 seconds with him.' Well the call was answered within the hour of my challenge – the rest is below.

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Do you have a nickname?

Hell Yea.

How long have you been riding?

10 years – I am a young 29.

When you were an apprentice, who is your master?

I had multiple masters – but my last master was Kelso Wood.

Your fondest memory of working for Kelso?

Winning ride on Belltone for him and also winning a race on Zero Rock.

Best thing you like about your work?

The competitiveness.

What do you do when you cannot sleep?

Play with my X-BOX.

Jockeys start early in the morning what time do you get up to start work?

I am up around 3.30am or 4am at the track ready to go!

How do you prefer to be woken up in the morning?

I would say but I am not going to – well really Everly crying or waking up is always great.

Most memorable day in the saddle?

Winning at Jeep Magic Millions 2017 day on Irish Constabulary – then running second on Feltre. Then a shower. Then in the car driving to Toowoomba to ride another winner and two seconds!

A memorable horse you have ridden?

Belltone trained by Kelso Wood.

What was the turning point in your career?

Meeting my wife – Linda.

What are you always late for?

Getting home.

If you could change careers tomorrow what would you do?

Chippy – a carpenter.

When you retire – what would you do?

Some people would like me to be a jockey manager. But I would really love to try being a sports writer.

I think Graham Potter needs to get you writing some stories for HRO!
What is your favourite music?

Shannon Noll.

Who is your favourite musician?

Shannon Noll.

What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?

Irresistible by the Corrs.

What is your favourite gadget?

My IPhone.

What would you chose as your last meal?

A chicken parmy and chips.

Name one person who you want to have dinner with?

Christian Benteke (soccer player) used to play for Aston Villa and now plays for Crystal Palace.

Name one thing you could not live without?

My phone.

What is your greatest fear?

Snakes! I hate them.

What is your favourite place to be?

With my family at home.

NRL/AFL favourite team?

NRL – I follow Manly Sea Eagles.

State of Origin time – NSW or QLD?

NSW Blues – once a Blue always a BLUE!

Who do you talk most to on the phone?

My wife Linda.

What are you grateful for everyday?

My family.

What item symbolises Australia?

Thongs.

What do you like to put on a sandwich?

Milo on white bread with butter. (Winno thinks this is SICK).

What toppings do you like on your pizza?

Hawaiian pizzas.

How do you define success?

Hard work.

Who is you man crush

James Franco – the actor.

Tell us something that may surprise us about you?

I am a twin!

If you are down to your last $10 what would you spend it on?

A large double cheeseburger meal from Maccas!

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