WINNO'S SIXTY SECONDS WITH JIM BYRNE
By Darren Winningham with Jim Byrne | Friday, December 23, 2016
HRO's resident, roving reporter Darren Winningham recently caught up with Jim Byrne. This is Winno's Sixty Seconds with a rider who has been in the top tier of the jockey's ranks in Brisbane for many years. Jim is currently representing Queensland in the Jockey State Of Origin Series.
What is your role in Racing?
Senior jockey.
How long have you been riding?
28 years – I think
When you were an apprentice, who is your master?
Pat Duff - and I stayed the whole time with Pat – it is not often that happens! I had to work hard as an apprentice.
Best thing you like about your work?
The freedom and the people – I do like the racing crowd!
What do you do when you cannot sleep?
I usually cannot sleep as I am doing race form – and your head is constantly ticking over
Jockeys start early in the morning what time do you get up to start work?
Usually around 4.00am
How do you prefer to be woken up in the morning?
With a nice tap on the shoulder!
Most memorable day in the saddle?
My first ride in the Melbourne Cup on Another Warrior – had no luck. I have had two rides in the Cup. The other was Ice Chariot.
A memorable horse you have ridden?
Masai Pride – it used to miss the kick all the time. He wasn't a champion or anything of note but he was one of those horses I loved to ride. He was a beautiful animal.
What was the turning point in your career?
When I married my wife.
What are you always late for?
Some punters might say the winning post.
If you could change careers tomorrow what would you do?
A racing car driver, probably Formula 1.
What is your favourite music?
Anything at all.
What is your favourite musician?
Dr Hook
What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?
Shakira – “My hips don’t lie”
It actually was my ring tone on my phone as well
What is your favourite gadget?
My IPad.
What would you chose as your last meal?
Steak – love my steak.
Name one person who you want to have dinner with?
No one famous, I do not get caught up with the fame. I would love to have dinner with my family.
Name one thing you could not live without?
My smokes
What is your greatest fear?
Retirement – I am scared of what I will be like when I retire.
Favourite place you have travelled to?
Liverpool in the UK
NRL/AFL favourite team?
AFL man – Geelong, because Ablett used to be there.
State of Origin time – NSW or QLD?
Queensland Maroons
In reference to the Jockey Origin Series last week – how did you and Jimmy Orman go?
No good, I scored 2 points – not the duck egg you tipped!
Who do you talk on the phone the most to?
My manager, Cameron Partington.
What are you grateful for everyday?
My family
What do you like to put on a sandwich?
I love onions on my sandwiches
What toppings do you like on your pizza?
I do not eat pizzas – too heavy.
How do you define success?
It was something Mick Pelling said to me when I was an apprentice.
I thought he was actually Mick Dittman – I came into the stable and heard “Mick” so I assumed it was Dittman. I was in awe of this guy watching him ride.
I said to him one day – you are not Mick Dittman – he said no mate I am Mick Pelling. I then said are you richer than him?
He said it depends on what you define as “rich”. He said, I have a beautiful wife and lovely children.
From that day forward I haven't really defined success monetary wise – it is always about your family and where you are in that environment.
Who is you man crush?
Not Jeff Lloyd – he is ugly. I love Ashley Butler.
Tell us something that may surprise us about you?
I am really good at sewing – I can sew very well.
If you are down to your last $10 what would you spend it on?
Darts – I cannot even buy a pack with $10. I would offer $10 to someone for a couple of smokes and a can of Coke.
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