Episode 547: Greg Ryan - Motor mechanic turned jockey who rode 4,035 winners - second largest win tally in Australian racing history.
In the Pat Farrell colours after a stakes win on Alarta at Rosehill 2015 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
“I’ll just wake up one day and say to myself that’ll do me,” was the reply given by Greg Ryan when quizzed about a likely retirement date on a podcast posted on October 27th 2020. He was then 54 years old and still riding in races. The winners were flowing and so were the opportunities from a wide range of prominent stables.
That fateful day was to arrive just six weeks later. Greg was booked for six rides at a Mudgee meeting on Friday December 4th, including three for Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker. As he drove away from his Dubbo home for the 126km trip to Mudgee, not even wife Pauline knew this was to be her husband’s final day as a professional jockey.
The punter’s favourite had to settle for a fourth and a third on his first two mounts, but was quietly chuffed when he came from well back to win a 1200m maiden on Without Shame for longtime supporter Sue Grills. His final three rides all finished out of a place, and still he hadn’t breathed a word to anybody about his impending retirement. The fact that he hadn’t taken a ride beyond the Mudgee meeting should have aroused suspicion. Perhaps people thought he’d been suspended or was simply taking a short break. Inevitably it wasn’t long before participants and punters alike were all asking the same question - where the hell is Greg Ryan?”
Greg Ryan had retired, that’s where the hell he was! - no bells and whistles, no fuss, no elaborate farewells. Despite self confessed withdrawal symptoms, the jockey with the second largest win tally in Australian racing history has stayed retired. He’s about 12 kilograms heavier than he was in riding days, but quietly chuffed that he still doesn’t carry an ounce of fat on that wiry frame - the direct result of an ongoing work schedule, and regular activity.
Greg had begun assisting son Isaac in his growing Dubbo tree services business, even before calling time on his riding career. He continues to work full time with Isaac and valued staff member Andrew Cook, although he’s currently threatening to scale back, as his 60th birthday approaches.
I’ve had several emails in the last six months about Greg Ryan’s current whereabouts and lifestyle. I recall the earthy way in which he shared his story in that 2020 podcast, and I’d love to give it another run. If you missed it last time, I know you’ll enjoy the reminiscences of a former automotive mechanic who rode 4,035 winners and 5,825 place getters in a career that was very late getting started. During the podcast Greg makes loving reference to grandmother Betsy who was still going strong at age 94. The remarkable veteran, a classic example of the stoic and hard working women of her generation, had turned 98 shortly before her recent passing. For Greg Ryan fans this is a comprehensive summary of the career of a legendary country jockey.
Greg was at his vigorous best on Without Shame at Mudgee 04/12/2020 - his 4035th and final winner - courtesy Janian McMillan Racing Photography.
Greg’s final journey to the winners circle on Without Shame - courtesy Janian McMillan Racing Photography.
A portrait like photo from Janian McMillan. Greg on the winner Bengalla Bay and his great rival Matthew Cahill on the unplaced Hope Island after a BM66 at Narromine 16/08/2020.
Greg gets Larlabrook home narrowly in a TAB Hwy at Randwick 2017 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
With great supporter Rod Northam at Muswellbrook 2016 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
On his way to scale at Scone 2015 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
One of Greg’s 4035 winners - Hillandale at Scone 2020 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
