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"In The Chair "
with Steve Hawkins
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DAN GRIFFIN
Griffin eyes off champion's record
Top Gold Coast jockey Dan Griffin has his heart set on breaking the late Ken Russell’s premiership tally at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Ken Russell, one of the greatest jockeys to ever ride at the Bundall track, amassed five consecutive premierships in the early 80’s a record most thought would remain for decades to come.
Then comes along 29 year-old Dan Griffin, a jockey dedicated to Saturday riding at the Coast with an ambition to be the best amongst his colleagues.
Griffin has won the past three titles at the Gold Coast and looks odds on to make it after recent hauls of four winners, a treble and a double just last Saturday (17.4.10).
Griffin has done the hard yards to be where he is today.
Steve Hawkins "In the Chair" talks with Griffin on the premiership aspirations and more.
Q. Dan... thanks for taking the time to join me “in the chair”. Before we talk about the premiership and your ambition to break the record I want to set the scene for those that don’t know your background.
A. Thanks Steve. I’ve been all over the place really. I spent 5 years at Lowood in my early childhood and then spent time with a number of trainers including Barry Baldwin when I was just over 15 years old. I started my apprenticeship there. I then was with Jeff McCarter, Bryan Guy, the late Peter Hayes in Adelaide and Peter Moody when he was in Brisbane. I really enjoyed Adelaide with Peter Hayes, he was great. He loved his horses and planes. Moody and Guy are the two trainers that I believe placed their horses perfectly, as they still do today. In between Lowood and my apprenticeship I ventured to Alice Springs to Tanami Downs Station where I was a jackaroo. I just didn’t fancy school, I left when 15. I’ve always been an outdoor person so the work suited me.
Q. This premiership record of Ken Russell’s you are chasing – it’s a big ask. He won five premierships, you are on three now and odds on to make it four premierships. Next year in 2011 would equal Russell’s feat. So assuming you win this year you are still two and half years further away from setting a new standard. Can you do it?
A. It’s a tough task but it’s something I’ve set my mind on. He (Ken Russell) was a super rider so it will be a real thrill to beat this record. I’m not sure how long I’ll be riding for though. I have thought about other opportunities including riding overseas.
Q. Dan I want to touch on two things you mentioned. Other opportunities and overseas?
A. My ambition is to stay at the Gold Coast and ride for the time being but you never knock back an opportunity Steve. To be honest you are wasting your time riding in town on a Saturday unless you have a big stable behind you. I would love to ride overseas, maybe in Singapore, Hong Kong or Macau. It’s no use going over unless you can make some decent money though.
Q. You mentioned other opportunities Dan. What do you mean? Will you stay riding?
A. I have thought at times about heading to the mines and driving a coal truck earning $100k a year and not having to worry about wasting or about my weight. Whilst I’m going well at the moment it’s not all easy. It’s tough for a provincial jockey. I really don’t know how some jockeys survive.
Q. So whilst you are concentrating on this premiership record there is no certainty you’ll continue to ride?
A. That’s a fair comment. Depends on the opportunities that arise really. I don’t want to be slogging my guts out riding till I’m 50.
Q. We all witnessed a great win by Shootout earlier this month in the AJC Derby. Shootout gave you your first Group Two victory last season in the Queensland Sires. What’s the story behind you and Shootout and the fact you weren’t aboard?
A. I was happy for the Huddys (owners) to win the race. He’s a great horse. But I was gutted to lose the ride to Stathi (Katsidis) down south but that’s racing sometimes.
Q. Is Shootout the best you’ve ridden?
A. No doubt. A real racehorse.
Q. We’ll talk about life socially in a moment but whilst on great horses what about some of the trainers you ride for?
A. Gillian (Heinrich), Trev Bailey and John Morrissey are all good supporters of mine. Gillian is the backbone of my rides, Trevor Bailey places his horses beautifully and John Morrissey is a great judge. John trusts me as a rider and this gives you more confidence when riding one of his horses. Beaudesert trainer Ted Ainsworth is a great old trainer too. I’ve done a lot of riding for him over the past few years with success.
Q. There’s some great riders in Queensland. Who are the toughest to beat?
A. Chris Whiteley is tough. He tries to dominate in races and he’s very good tactically. Away from the Gold Coast there’s plenty of real competitors but none better than Damien Browne. He’s so balanced. He’s impossible to beat in a tight finish. Horses just travel for him. He’s really a freakish rider and doesn’t probably get the accolades he deserves.
Q. Your parents have been behind you all the way Dan with plenty of support?
A. That’s right Steve . Mum and Dad have always been there through thick and thin. Tremendous supporters and I couldn’t have done it without them. I’m very lucky really.
Q. A jockey’s life can be busy riding 4 to 5 days a week plus form and trackwork. Do you socialise much and what’s your favourite ways of relaxing?
A. I prefer to ride 4 to 5 days to keep fit. I love fishing. Matty Palmer and myself love getting outside “at the 50’s” either fishing for snapper or crabbing. It’s relaxing. Don’t mind a game of squash either or going to the movies.
Q. What about food and drink Dan?
A. I love Italian food and the odd Corona goes down well.
Q. So in summary you are happy in life at the moment riding plenty of winners at the Coast but not sure where the road may end?
A. That’s right. The record is there as a challenge to me but I’m open to offers.
Thanks Dan and good luck for the remainder of the season.
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