A remarkable riding career came to an end at Doomben in July 2019 when Jeff Lloyd donned the silks for the final time. Imagine how many sets of colours this man had worn in a career embracing 41 years, 5500 winners, 94 Gr 1’s and countless stakes races. He was 50 years old when he arrived in Brisbane in 2012 but soon demonstrated the skills that had built his image as a world class jockey. Not even a 14 month absence recovering from the effects of a stroke could force his retirement until he was good and ready. The continued success of his sons Zac and Jaden has triggered several requests for a podcast. We’ve been into the archives and regenerated an interview recorded with Jeff Lloyd almost 6 years ago. Let’s give it another gallop. He began by looking back on cherished memories from his final day at Doomben.
The former ace jockey reflects on his English origins.
He says there was no actual racing background in his family other than his father’s love of a punt.
Jeff recalls watching racing on television at every opportunity and the hero worship he developed of legendary jockey Lester Piggott. He says Piggott had more impact on his life than any other jockey.
He recalls riding with Piggott many years later in South African Invitational events.
Jeff outlines the reason for his family’s move from Great Britain to South Africa.
He’s never forgotten his enrolment with the famous South African Jockey’s Academy where strident discipline applied.
Lloyd recalls his initial apprenticeship to respected trainer Brian De Villiers who gave him unexpected support.
Like most jockeys Jeff vividly recalls his first winning ride.
The former champion jockey talks about the development of his trademark style.
Jeff picked up a special nickname early in his career which sticks to this day- a nickname inspired by his English roots.
He reviews the countless highlights of his South African career.
Jeff says he competed in South Africa against some of the world’s best jockeys.
Lloyd still regards a 7 time Gr 1 winner called Wolf Power as the best horse he’s ridden. The big grey was a specialist miler in South Africa.
He looks back on a stunning day at the Kenilworth track shortly before his relocation to Australia. His haul of wins included three of the country’s top Gr 1 races.
Jeff talks of his participation in the famous 2000m race the J&B Met. He won it five times.
He talks of several trips to other countries including Mauritius. He was lukewarm about a short term contract but finished up riding more winners there than any other jockey before or since.
When his stellar South African career came to a close he was given two unforgettable sendoffs. Jeff Lloyd farewells at Scottsville and Turffontein were emotional experiences.
Jeff looks back on the worrying aspect of living in Durban in the early 2000’s. He and wife Nickola lived in a housing estate which offered round the clock security.
He says dining out wasn’t a pleasant prospect.
When Jeff decided to try his luck in Australia, brother-in-law and fellow jockey Glyn Schofield opted to do the same.
The former star jockey pays tribute to the horse who got him up and running in his adopted country.
He’s never forgotten a Randwick treble on New Year’s Day 2008.
Jeff says he was well aware Sydney racing people were talking about his unorthodox style. He simply let the results do the talking.
He recalls his surprise when he learned that the Aussie horses were not as “hyped up” as their South African counterparts.
Lloyd was overwhelmed when a wide range of Sydney trainers started to seek his services. Even Jack Denham jumped on the bandwagon.
He looks back on a career defining win on Kiwi 3YO Nom De Jeu In the 2008 Australian Derby.
Then came a contract to ride in Hong Kong. Initially it was to be a three month arrangement but things changed.
Jeff was delighted to win the Gr 1 HK Mile on the remarkable Able One, an unsound nine year old at the time.
When the decision was made to return to Australia Jeff and NIckola plumped for the Gold Coast as their preferred location.
He talks openly about the lowest point in his life. He had a minor tumble at a Doomben midweek meeting and felt unwell on arriving home. He tried to honour commitments at the Sunny Coast the following day, but had to stand himself down. Tests over the next few days revealed a very serious medical situation.
Jeff says the enforced break enabled him to completely get over an old back injury.
He still marvels at the fact that he was able to win four Brisbane premierships after such a debilitating illness.
Jeff rates his 2017 Magic Millions win on Houtzen as a career highlight.
He says the luxury of being a natural lightweight enabled him to ride into his mid fifties.
A forty year career and 27000 race rides wasn’t devoid of accidents. At the time he left South Africa Jeff had been involved in 14 race falls. A few more followed in Australia. He admits to having caused a handful of those falls himself.
The veteran says he’s still very conscious of fitness levels in retirement.
This podcast was recorded soon after Jeff’s retirement from race riding. Nowadays he’s enjoying his role as manager to sons Zac and Jaden and to promising apprentice Zac Wadick. The Jeff Lloyd story is one of racing’s most fascinating. He’s a great listen.
