SIXTY SECONDS WITH WINNO - JAKE HULL

By Darren Winningham with Jake Hull | Tuesday, July 17, 2018

SIXTY SECONDS WITH WINNO - JAKE HULL

(With apologies in advance to Amelia 'Meils' Denby - just in case).

Jockey based at Gosford formerly from Brisbane! I managed to catch up with Jake Hull at the recent Grafton racing Carnival.

Given a unique set of unique circumstances, I had to ask him about his “week of pain."

You see on Monday Jake was riding at Tamworth. He was already past the post when he was dislodged from his mount and took a tumble to the turf. He went down and was lucky enough not to get run over by any other runners.

He explained, “I was a little bruised but still feeling okay."

I reminded him that us NSW born lads are “tough – we get up and go again.” He said, “too right we are – not like a Queenslander they would have laid down. Luke Dittman would have stayed down and called for the paramedic and then the makeup technician to make sure he was still beautiful.”

(Maybe that will be enough provocation to get Luke to do a Sixty Seconds with WINNO now).

Then on Ramornie day at Grafton (Day 3 of the Carnival), and just two days after the first fall, Jake was involved in another race fall. This was a far more serious incident with Jake, Ben Looker and Josh Adams all crashing to the turf in spectacular fashion around the 200-metre mark in the long straight at Grafton.

Jake said, “mate, I don’t know what is going on. I must not just be able to ride. I just keep falling off them!”

WINNO did manage to get onto the track and make sure Jake was okay immediately after the Grafton fall I later showed him the my photos of the fall to which he responded, “they’re really good – you did well there.” (Take note of that Luke Rolls – you jibberer).

We spoke about what I called the star jump off the horse. I rated it a 10/10 dismount. I asked Jake if he did jump off the horse or what?

“Look, I just got scared and decided to jump off,” answered Jake. “No, what really happened is that Benny (Ben Looker) came down and I came over the top. I thought we were in a bit of bother but it looks like we all escaped serious injury and we are all good.”

Ok then, enough of the preamble.

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Here we go …

Do you have a nickname?

Slim (thanks to Amelia).

How long have you been riding as a jockey?

I have been riding around ten years.

But let’s be honest – you have had a few … off and on and ins and outs in your career mate?

Yeah, well I got a bit heavy a few times. But I have managed to find my way back now.

So, what is your weight like now?

I am riding at 57 kilograms now.

Who have been your master/s?

I started working for Grant Allard at Gosford as an apprentice jockey. Then I finished my apprenticeship with my brother Ben Hull at the Gold Coast.

Senior jockey?

Yeah, I am – I have been one for two years.

What is your best memory working for Grant Allard?

That is easy - riding in a Group 1 race for Grant on a horse called Nayana in the Queensland Oaks in 2011. The race was won by Scarlett Lady ridden by James McDonald.

How did it go?

I slaughtered it.

Best thing you like about your work?

I just love riding winners!

What do you do when you cannot sleep?

I watch movies – that wasn’t my first answer by the way – but I thought about it!

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

I try to get there three days per week – but sometimes that doesn’t work out. Normally if I make it I am there at 4.00am.

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

I don’t like to be woken up in the morning! Otherwise Amelia will wake me up.

On that subject how is the boss (Amelia) going – didn’t she come off one as well recently?

Yes, she is good. She did come off and broke a bone in her back. But she is recovered and she is back riding now.

I must ask about Monty – Amelia’s dog?

He is loving life back home at Gosford. He loves the colder weather.

I hear that you run second to Monty at home?

Definitely - he gets all the attention at home!

How does Amelia go in the kitchen?

She can actually cook WINNO. She goes really good!

What’s her favourite meal she cooks for you?

We call them “chicken nipples”. Ric McMahon named them. It is a chicken dish with soy sauce sweet chilli and garlic.

Who else cooks in the house then mate?

Amelia cooks – I cannot cook! The other reason is I watch my weight so I cannot eat! I could burn water!

A memorable day you have had as a jockey?

Funnily enough it was just a little race at Casino, but I rode a winner for my brother. It was called Holmgang – he won a maiden race. We had done a lot of work with him to get him to the races. For him to win a race was outstanding.

What is the favourite horse you have ridden?

Red Letter Day – the horse I rode in the Maclean Cup today. (It turns out that Jake rode his favourite horse to perfection in the Maclean Bowling Club Maclean Cup to a credible fourth being beaten by Zamex trained by Matthew Dunn).

What is the turning point of your career?

Getting heavy and realising what it was like not to be able to get the race day funds and working for a normal wage. I realised how much I missed it.

What are you always late for?

Work.

If you retired from being a jockey what would you do?

I reckon I would be a model. You know I must be going good when Amelia and my mum tells me I should be a model!

What is your favourite music?

I am a variety man – I love all music. I consider myself a music connoisseur! Oh, I do not like heavy metal.

What is your favourite musician?

Justin Bieber – “the Biebs” he is a legend!

WINNO responds with – “you have just lost all credibility that will do me!”

What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?

Amelia nailed it last time – Dixie Chicks songs I have heaps of them!

What is your favourite gadget?

My vapour cigarette.

What would you choose as your last meal?

Oporto – they have the best chicken and burgers. One of their chicken burgers with chips and throw some mayonnaise on them.

Name one person who you want to have dinner with?

Tim Bell – so we could just have one last chat.

Tim used to love to ride at the Grafton Carnival – what do you think he would be saying if he was riding another one in the Cup against you?

He would be trying to get me beat on purpose just for a laugh. Then he would give it to me after and tell me how much better he is than me.

Name one thing you could not live without?

Tough one – probably my vapour cigarette.

What is your greatest fear?

Amelia when she is hungry!

What is your favourite place to be?

You are probably going to hate this – but Queensland I love living up there.

What is a favourite place that you have travelled to?

NSW as it is home now. But I really would love to get to America and travel the USA.

NRL/AFL favourite team?

NRL – always been a Dragons man!

AFL?

I hate the game.

State of Origin time – NSW or QLD?

New South Wales – I am not a cane toad!

You know that Amelia didn’t really know who you supported when I spoke with her?

I know – I was filthy. You know that I have now converted her. She is a solid NSW supporter!

Who do you talk on the phone the most to?

Probably my brother Ben.

What are you grateful for everyday?

To still be sober today.

Why?

I am a recovered alcoholic – and that has got me back riding.

What do you like to put on a sandwich?

Anything really – I love to give anything a go.

What symbolises Australia for Jake?

That is an odd question! Let me think about it. Country Racing – racing in the bush a great experience.

What is the most unusual thing you put on a sandwich?

I am pretty ordinary mate – just a chicken and mayo man. On white bread, no butter and some salt and pepper.

What toppings do you like on your pizza?

I love them but I cannot eat them. Meatlovers – deep pan pizza.

How do you define success?

Just be waking up and doing what makes you happy every day.

Something that would surprise us about Jake Hull?

I have already given up all my secrets WINNO. I am a country boy at heart – everyone thinks that I am a city slicker!

Who is your man crush?

Justin Bieber

Who is your female crush?

Jennifer Hawkins

Okay something random now – who is the best driver out of you and Amelia?

I am the better driver – and I get the most tickets. She just can’t drive mate! She is just hopeless – she sits two kilometres under the speed limit everywhere she goes!

Now let’s talk your brother Ben Hull, trainer of Red Letter Day, and riding for your brother on your favourite horse!

I finally got a ride on my boy! It has taken him long enough to put me on it. Ben has been training for six or seven years. If I could win on Red Letter Day it would be definitely the highlight of my career. Since day one I have loved this horse and I have done a lot of work with him. He has always been my favourite horse!

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

Oporto – I just love it … love it!

WINNO reminds him – not too much of it Jake – you need to watch your weight and male model figure!

Thanks for spending 60 seconds with WINNO.

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