WINNO'S SIXTY SECONDS WITH ... AMELIA DENBY
By Darren Winningham | Monday, January 30, 2017
What is your role in racing?
Jockey based in Brisbane.
Do you have a nickname?
Meals
How long have you been riding?
I had my first ride as an apprentice jockey in 2009 in New Zealand. I had a very sporadic apprenticeship – I was on and off. So i would say in total I have been riding around five years now.
When you were an apprentice, who was your master?
Well I had a few masters throughout my apprenticeship. In New Zealand I had multiple masters. My most memorable master was Michael Pitman and we were based on the south island. When I moved to Australia – my master was Steven O’Dea.
You are now a senior jockey?
I finished my apprenticeship on 31 August 2016. It was a great day for me as well. I rode a double for Robert Heathcote at Caloundra.
Your fondest memory of working for Steven O’Dea?
Probably meeting my fiancée - Jake Hull. We worked together at Steven O’Dea’s stable.
Best thing you like about your work?
The winning thrill and seeing happy owners and connections really makes it all worthwhile.
What do you do when you cannot sleep?
I actually read – I like to read.
Jockeys start early in the morning what time do you get up to start work?
I am up at 3.00am and get ready to head to work. I am currently riding work at Kelly Schweida’s stables at the moment at Eagle Farm.
How do you prefer to be woken up in the morning?
I prefer not to be woken up in the morning, but my alarm does the trick. The alarm is on my Iphone.
Name a memorable horse you have ridden?
When I won my 16th race on my favourite horse Our Genes in New Zealand. I rode him multiple times but won on him on sixteen separate occasions. It was trained by my boss at the time Michael Pitman.
What was the turning point in your career?
Moving to Australia. Prior to moving to Brisbane I landed in Melbourne and started riding track work at Flemington.
What are you always late for?
Appointments.
If you could change careers tomorrow what would you do?
I was meant to go to university and study nursing but I pursued a career as a jockey.
When you retire from being a jockey what would you do?
I have felt pretty passionate for the last few years about creating a program for retired jockeys. I would like to get retired jockeys back into the workplace. I have had some positive feedback and support for the initiative. I don’t necessarily want to start it but I would love to have some involvement in the planning of it.
What is your favourite music?
I like acoustic music.
Who is your favourite musician?
I do not think I have a favourite musician – I just love acoustic live music.
What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?
“Mmmbop” by Hanson
What is the most embarrassing song on Jake’s phone?
He has a lot of Dixie Chicks on his phone actually.
What is your favourite gadget?
My IPhone.
What would you chose as your last meal?
Roast lamb with lots of veges and minted gravy.
Name one person who you want to have dinner with?
It would have to be firstly Jake Hull as he is my fiancé, but ut I really would like to have dinner with my Nan ... she has passed ... but I would love to sit and ask her all the questions I wanted to ask her about life. My Nan was a very wise woman!
Name one thing you could not live without?
My dog Monty – he is a boxer! He is the best. He is my first ever dog and I brought him over here with me from New Zealand.
What is your greatest fear?
It probably sounds pretty sombre but failure is my greatest fear.
Name one of your favourite places to be?
Anywhere really – as long as it is with my family.
NRL/AFL favourite team?
I really have no idea sorry!
State of Origin time – NSW or QLD?
Queenslander
What about Jake?
I really don’t know – I should really know that! (Winno thinks he is a NSW boy).
Who do you talk on the phone the most to?
Jake ... of course!
What are you must grateful for everyday?
That I get to do what I love for a job!
What landmark or item symbolises Australia?
The Australian cork hats!
What do you like to put on a sandwich?
Chicken, lettuce and mayonnaise no salt or pepper on white buttered bread.
What toppings do you like on your pizza?
I like Meatlovers with extra BBQ sauce from Dominos!
How do you define success?
Happiness!
Who is you man crush?
I am engaged – can I have a man crush? OK, probably Heath Ledger.
Who is your girl crush?
The pretty blonde one from the Wolf of Wall Street ... you know Winno ... help me out! I got it now ..... Margot Robbie!!
Tell us something that may surprise us about you?
Without medication I am allergic to horses! (Winno says ‘no way you are a jockey!’) I have severe asthma and without my medication I cannot be around horses. That is true!
If you are down to your last $10 what would you spend it on?
Food for my dog Monty!
Amelia, thanks for spending 60 seconds with Winno!
More articles
|