SIXTY SECONDS WITH WINNO: BEAU DENE APPO
By Darren Winningham with Beau Appo | Friday, August 25, 2017
SIXTY SECONDS WITH WINNO
BEAU DENE APPO
Beau Appo is a jockey based at Toowoomba. He is one of those people in racing who has always got something to say. He has a wicked sense of humour. He is always smiling and happy.
Well, last weekend I went to Kilcoy. I knew that the 2016/17 Toowoomba Premiership winning jockey had some rides there and I decided that it was time to finally sort him out face to face.
As usual it started out with a laugh and a joke then, “I am not doing this!”
Quickly that changed to, “okay get on with it” ... with Beau grinning all the time.
It is on!
Time to go 60 seconds with Winno!
It was a pleasure to talk to Beau and I hope you enjoy this interview. Whilst people see the funny and humorous side of Beau he is clearly also a respectful and much grounded young man.
He has called out Luke Dittman though. I may have to seek a right of reply from Luke at some stage!
Here we go.
**************************************************************************************************
I started out with the obvious question.
Well, you won the Toowoomba Jockey Premiership last season. I believe that was a goal of yours?
I actually started riding for Ben Currie around this time last year. As a matter of fact it was this meeting here last year when I rode Worth the Wait. That is what sparked off my run towards the premiership at Toowoomba. I started riding work for Ben and then it all progressed from there.
How many winners did you ride in Toowoomba last season?
Thirty-four ... and I won on some nice horses as well.
Do you have a nickname?
I have a couple actually. Now I am known as the King of Toowoomba. Prior to that I was known as the Best Looking Jockey in Queensland!
Hold on Beau. You put your phone number in my phone three years ago and you wrote the “Chocolate Prince.” Do you wish to explain that?
Look everyone knows I am famous and very popular ... you are lucky that you have my number.
How long have you been riding?
Five years now. I had my first ride in July 2012.
As an apprentice, who was your master?
Mick Lakey at Deagon. He taught me everything he knew.
What is your fondest memory of working for Mick?
We had some real good times. Mucking around with Alex Kitson and Adam Nichols ... we had some wonderful times together at the stables.
What kind of car do you drive?
I’ve actually just bought a new car ... a Mazda 3.
What colour?
White.
Why white? I thought you would have got a coloured one – like red as it goes fast!
No, I used to be a car detailer. White is the best colour you can get and they look great.
Best thing you like about your work?
It is fun. It is easy and I enjoy doing it. What is better than getting paid for doing something that you love! It’s a dream come true.
What do you do when you cannot sleep?
I actually watch the most ridiculous videos on YOUTUBE. I just keep watching random videos.
Jockeys start early in the morning. What time do you get up to start work?
3.30am. (Winno says “Bullshit Beau.” He starts laughing). Look, let’s say 5.30am. You know I am a very hard worker! It really varies. It depends what is required.
How do you prefer to be woken up in the morning?
Do I really have to answer that? (Said with a massive grin on his face. I remind him that it is a public audience and my interviews are always “G” rated. So he measures his response and comes back with ... ). With my Gold Labrador laying on me ... or mine and Bek’s (Bek Williams) dog lying on the bed and waking us up!
Okay, so you have two dogs. Tell me about them?
Well my dog is a Gold Labrador. Her name is Amber . We also have an English Staffy. Her name is Porridge ... like the bowl of food. I dunno why, but that is what my girlfriend called her.
What is the most memorable day in the saddle for Beau Appo?
I would have to say winning the Toowoomba Premiership was pretty memorable. However, winning on Hidden Pearl in town was very special. She is one of the fastest horses I will ever ride!
What was the turning point in your career?
Moving to Toowoomba. I know it may sound dumb but I am not riding in the city as much as I used to, but since I have moved up to Toowoomba I am getting a lot more rides and a lot more chances. Now I am starting to ride with a lot more confidence.
What are you always late for?
Everything. I am always late. Golf ... anything. I am always late.
Well, on that note, they tell me that you are pretty gifted at most sports and things that you do. Would you like to elaborate on that?
Well the other week I was in the ring at Toowoomba to help raise money for Ben Saunders and Wade Clasohm. I was in the ring with Luke Rolls and I absolutely punched the %$&% out of him!
Okay well who else did you go toe to toe with?
Racha Cuneen and Shannon Doyle. I’ve got to give credit to those two blokes ... they could fight!!!
I heard you and Nick Keal had a round too?
Yea, same as Luke Rolls. I punched the piss out of him as well!
If you could change careers tomorrow what would you do?
Actually Bek and I were talking about this recently. I used to be a car detailer and I liked that work ... so probably a car detailer.
What is your favourite music?
Listen to anything really. I enjoy everything. I actually have the widest knowledge of songs. I would know every song that you know. Old school ... new stuff ... The Eagles ... you name it, I know it and like it!
Who is your favourite musician or song?
I have a couple. (Ironically, the man with this wide knowledge couldn’t name the song or the artist. So instead we stood for a minute or two whilst he sung 45 seconds of the song. I had no idea what it was ...pity this interview doesn’t come with an audio then you could have had a guess ... but Beau later texted me the song and artist ... 'Somebody to Love' by Queen.
What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?
It’s Raining Men! But you know what Winno ... I LOVE IT AS WELL!
What is your favourite gadget?
My phone
What would you chose as your last meal?
I would pick my mum’s chicken fettuccine.
What would you give it out of 10?
I would give it 8 out of 10. But make sure you put this in there as well! Bek’s cooking is a big 10 out of 10!
Okay, let’s go there Beau. Do you spoil Bek?
I love her Winno ... so she does get spoilt.
Like do you go out and buy things for her mate? Does she have a favourite fragrance?
She loves Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent.
Is she a labels girl? Does she like labelled handbags and stuff like that?
No, she is not like that at all. She would rather me go and buy her 10 Krispy Kreme donuts!
Name one person who you want to have dinner with and why?
Floyd Mayweather – for sure!
I have a man crush on him! I think he is amazing. But I also have a man crush on Conor McGregor!
Hold on ... so you are having an each way bet in the upcoming fight are you?
No way! Floyd will punch the piss out of him! And Winno if you want to have a bet just let me know!
Okay Beau since you are so confident, what round or what’s the result?
It will go the distance but Floyd won’t get hit!
Name one thing you could not live without?
Bek and my family.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my loved ones.
One of your favourite places to be?
At a poker table or on the golf course.
(Winno said, hold on ... on that note I have towelled you up playing poker!)
Don’t you dare say that Winno! You know that I towelled you up!
(Winno said, come on mate ... you got lucky).
Mate ... come on ... it was the easiest $200 I ever made!”
NRL / AFL favourite team?
NRL ... Cowboys. AFL... yeah, Mick has got me onto the Hawks
State of Origin time: NSW or QLD?
Queensland!!!!!!!!!!
Who do you talk most to on the phone?
My mum.
What about the old fellow your dad ... the doctor of style Mr Lyall Appo?
No thanks. He is annoying!
What are you most grateful for?
(This was interesting. He paused before answering and I felt the serious side of Beau).
I am grateful for many things. I am grateful for waking up. I am grateful for being healthy and fit. I am grateful for doing a job that I love. I am grateful for my loved ones, my friends, my family and my dogs.
What landmark symbolises Australia?
The Toowoomba Range.
What do you like to put on a sandwich ... actually let’s spice this up ... the most unusual thing you put on a sandwich?
Olives! I love olives. My favourite is ham and I dice olives up, lettuce, carrots and sometimes I throw anchovies on it too! White bread and butter and plenty of salt and pepper.
What toppings do you like on your pizza? I know you are a pizza man. Don’t lie to me Beau!
Look you are right. I like pizzas, but you know what I like pizza subs more! Like you go to Subway and order a pizza sub. They are the best!
How do you define success?
Working hard and being a good role model. Consistently going out and being great at whatever you do!
Tell us something about you that may surprise us?
I used to be allergic to horses.
(Winno replies, no way! You too. Amelia Denby is allergic to horses!).
No seriously, the horses used to touch me and I used to welt up all over my body with hives.
That is seriously freaky. So how did you fix that?
It used to happen to me all the time at the start of my apprenticeship for about six months but then, eventually, my immune system kicked in and now it is all good.
We know you man crush is a split decision - Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. So who is your female crush?
Charlize Theron.
If you are down to your last $10 what would you spend it on?
It would go on treats for the dogs – Amber and Porridge. I love buying them little treats and odd things – they deserve it!
Now before we go Winno ... you have to put in some more information up about me!
I want you to put in there about me that I am the best looking and the fastest jockey in Queensland.
(Now hold on Beau, Winno replied. I will have to get some opinions from some girls about the best looking jockey statement ... but seriously the fastest jockey in Queensland I know a few jockeys that would say that they have got you covered ... like Baylee Nothdurft and Luke Dittman just to name a couple).
Look Winno, I have dusted Baylee ... and you can tell Luke Dittman that I would dust him as well! Look I am that confident that I would go under eleven seconds over 100 metres!
Anything else that you want to say before we go?
Yes one more thing. I will take all comers in a game of golf. Anyone that wants to take me on just let me know ... any place, any time!
Hold on. Is that like scratch or handicap?
Look we can determine that on that day. I am shooting off about 18 and hitting them real good! Luke Dittman I will dust him at golf as well!
Okay. I want to ask one last question ... seriously, what about the old man, my great mate, Lyall Appo. I miss him at the track with his unique celebrations.
Okay Winno ... this is an exclusive for you! Not many people know this. He is on track to make a comeback in around four months. He is back riding work with Mick Lakey and he is back looking good in the saddle.
Is he heavy?
He looks like he has eaten three kids! Look he is very heavy but he is working hard and he will be back!
No better way to end than with an exclusive.
Thank you Beau for spending 60 seconds with Winno.
More articles
|