SIXTY SECONDS WITH WINNO: SAIRYN FAWKE

By Darren Winningham with Sairyn Fawke | Thursday, August 16, 2018

SIXTY SECONDS WITH WINNO:

SAIRYN FAWKE: Ex-Brisbane jockey now moved to South Australia and making a name for himself in Adelaide.

Sairyn was riding at the Darwin Cup Carnival in 2018 for the first time. He had ridden two winners at the Carnival and was looking forward to riding in the Darwin Cup aboard the John Hickmott trained Turf Man who had been impressive in winning the Northern Territory Derby over 2000 metres the start before by over 10 lengths.

However, Sairyn fell foul of the stewards and was forced to watch his mount go around on Cup Day from the grandstand.

It was in Darwin that WINNO caught up with Sairyn. We sat down and had a chat about his move to South Australia and what else he had been up to since leaving Brisbane.

Where were you born?

Philippines.

How old are you?

27 years of age!

Have you a nickname?

In SA they call me “Fork Lift.”

Why?

You know my surname “Fawke” and they add “Lift.” Plus, when I started in SA I was riding long priced winners all the time!

How long have you been riding as a jockey?

Five and a half years.

As an apprentice – who was your boss?

Moved from Brisbane to South Australia as an apprentice and formed a relationship with Tony McEvoy. He flew me to Melbourne to ride a few for him. I rode Kourkam at Flemington to win for him!

When I was in Brisbane my boss was John Meagher.

Fondest memories of working for Tony McEvoy?

Well, riding some of the wonderful horses in his stable.

What is the best thing you like about your work?

I love the competitiveness – I just love the thrill of going fast.

What do you do when you cannot sleep?

I watch TV all night.

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

Well, if you know me I am always at least 10 minutes late. You normally have to be at the track by 4.00am – but I always roll in around 4.10am.

How do you prefer to be woken in the morning?

I get woken up by about 10 alarms. I set my first alarm at 3.35am – then 3.40am – then 3.45am – 3.50am then 3.55am and 4.00am on my iPhone. It normally wakes me up!

What is the most memorable day in the saddle for you?

Winning at Flemington for Tony McEvoy.

What is your favourite horse you have ridden?

I don’t really have any favourites to be honest.

What was the turning point of your career?

I think when I moved from Brisbane to Adelaide. Once I got there I think I got far more opportunities. Especially riding some of the horses Tony McEvoy had in the stables.

Around the jockey’s room who is the biggest pest?

In Brisbane - Beau Appo. In South Australia - No real pests – they are all good to me down there.

The biggest Joker?

In Brisbane - Chris Whiteley. In South Australia - Dom Tourneur. He is always good fun and full of laughs.

What are you always late for?

Work – I am hopeless for getting there on time.

If you were not riding what do you think you would do for a job?

I probably would be a comedian.

What – you rate yourself do you?

I am pretty good.

Okay – have you got a joke for me?

Of course! Why did the chicken cross the road?

WINNO: I don’t know … Why?

Sairyn: To get to your house! Knock – knock.

WINNO: Who is there?

Sairyn: The chicken you idiot! Make sure you put that in WINNO!

If you could learn to do anything what would it be?

Love to be a pilot – I love speed and things that go fast!

What is your favourite music?

New Day Country.

Who is your favourite musician?

Don’t really have one – just like all the old style music sing along songs that are played.

What is the most embarrassing song on you IPOD of IPHONE?

Haven’t got one really.

Can you cook?

Yeah, I can cook – I go okay.

What can you cook?

My speciality is sweet and sour pork.

Do you have a missus?

No, I do not – I am still a bachelor.

Can you do the laundry or any other house duties?

Yeah, I wash my own clothes. I keep the place clean. I am really good at cuddles as well – if there are any women out there looking!

If you had a missus would you buy her chocolates or flowers?

I would buy her flowers.

Why?

They smell good and look nice.

What would you choose as your last meal?

Cheesecake.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world who would it be?

Scarlett Johansson.

Why?

As she is HOT – HOT!

Do you think you would be single after you had dinner with her?

For sure – she is too good for me!

Name 3 things you could not live without?

1. My phone. 2. The Internet. 3. Beer.

What is your greatest fear?

Failing.

Would you ever go skydiving or bungee jumping?

I would not go bungee jumping. That is just crazy! I would go sky diving – but would have to suppress a fair bit of fear to do it. Plus, get the courage to do it!

Why – do you hate heights Sairyn?

I hate heights. But I would still do it!

If you won Lotto – what would be the first thing you would do with the money?

Celebrate – and then go on a trip overseas.

Where do you like to travel to – for holidays etc?

I have never been anywhere overseas – but I would love to go to Rome. They have so many old wonderful buildings and ancient artefacts.

Do you watch much TV?

All the time.

What is your favourite show on TV?

The Big Bang Theory.

As a child what was your favourite TV show?

Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z.

Winter sports are here. NRL /AFL?

NRL – Brisbane Broncos. AFL – I got into it in SA – I follow Adelaide Crows.

State of Origin – NSW or QLD?

QUEENSLAND! As NSW suck WINNO!

Politics – Labour/Liberal/One Nation?

One Nation.

Why?

As I had to pick one – Pauline Hanson is ok!

If you could ask one question to Donald Trump what would it be?

Why do you not like black people?

Who do you speak to most often on the phone?

My Manager – Nadia Horne.

Who is your man crush?

Leonardo Di Caprio.

Who is your female crush?

Oh … Scarlett Johansson.

Do you have a favourite fragrance?

I love most of the Versace fragrances.

What are you grateful for everyday?

That I am still here kicking every day.

What inspires you?

Wanting to be a successful jockey.

What item or landmark symbolises Australia?

The beaches – Australian beaches are beautiful.

Do you have something unusual you put on a sandwich?

Beetroot. (Stop it says WINNO). No, I put Beetroot on white bread with some salt and pepper – no butter.

Pizzas – do you like them?

I love pizza!

What is your favourite topping?

Peri Peri Chicken.

Where do you buy them?

Dominos – with the cheesy crust.

What is your favourite drink?

Vodka Cruises – Vodka double blacks.

How do you define success?

Hard work – determination and perseverance.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you that not many people know?

I spend a lot of time by myself thinking about things. I do YOGA as well to relax! Plus – I can dance really well!

Do you have any pets?

I have a Husky dog. Kovu is his name – I stole it from the Lion for Lion King. I think he is about 7 years old.

If Kovu could speak what do you think they would say about you?

He is the best owner ever!

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

I would buy some cheesecake or something sweet!

Thanks for spending Sixty Seconds with WINNO.

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