Black Onyx was the first horse to win the Doomben Ten Thousand in consecutive years 1969 and 1970. Gordon rode him in the second one.
In the second segment the champion jockey looks back on his first Group 1 winner as a fully fledged jockey- again provided by T.J.Smith.
Gordon pays tribute to Black Onyx, a great sprinter of the early seventies who gave him a Doomben $10,000 win.
He looks back on his retainer as number two jockey for the powerful Stan Fox stable at Rosehill. He talks of his admiration for the stable’s number one rider, the legendary Athol Mulley.
Gordon talks of a working holiday in England where he rode for leading trainer Sam Armstrong. He remembers many a “weight shedding” jogging session with Armstrong’s son in law Lester Piggott.
He recalls another overseas trip at the suggestion of Irish training legend Dermot Weld. On arriving home he began an association with Jack and Bob Ingham who were spending freely at the yearling sales.
Gordon reflects on his final overseas adventure in Tehran where racing had just begun. The sport was doomed from the moment the Shah was overthrown in 1979.
Old timers will remember the achievements of Gordon Spinks. I hope younger “podcasters” will tune in to learn just how good he was.
(Banner image - Gordon was still an apprentice when T.J. Smith started to give him opportunities in Group One races.)
Gordon wins an ordinary midweek race on Tasrana. Note the way Spinks is coaxing the mare to the line.