Episode 601: Simon Marshall - from short but stellar career to a racing media favourite

Horse RacingHorse Racing PodcastJohn TappPanthers PenrithRacing NSWSky Racing

Oct 13

Simon unsaddles his all time favourite Durbridge after a win in the 1994 George Main Stakes - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.

When Simon Marshall was booting home Gr 1 winners at the rate of knots he was lauded by experts as one of Australia’s best jockeys. Behind the scenes he was jeopardising his health to stay in the game he loved. Simon’s worst fears were realised in the Caulfield jockey’s room one day in 1997 when he collapsed following a long session in the sauna. He heeded the advice of specialists and retired immediately. Over the next five years he made his mark in racing media but the urge to give race riding one more shot never left him. He discusses that comeback and many other aspects of a fascinating career on this week’s podcast. He tells the story in his usual entertaining style beginning with a summary of his current involvement in three popular Racing.com programmes.

Simon talks about his long time ambassadorial role with Sportsbet.

The former ace jockey talks about parents Len and Gael and siblings Grant and Trent. He looks back on his father’s successful riding career with special emphasis on 1977 Golden Slipper runner-up Lloyd Boy.

Simon mentions a few more of Len’s favourite horses and talks about the veteran’s ability as a maintenance man.

He says Len later became a trainer at Cranbourne and was the obvious choice to sign him up as an apprentice. He greatly valued his dad’s tutorship.

Marshall looks back on his first win, first metro success and the magical experience of his first Gr 1 win at just 16 years of age.

The former brilliant jockey added another 14 Gr 1’s to his tally before quitting for good in 2005. He looks back on some wonderful horses with special mention of his all time favourite Durbridge.

Simon speaks with great reverence of the dashing sprinter Hareeba. He says the gelding’s win in the Gr 1 Australia Stakes was off the charts.

To this day Simon rues a lost opportunity on Better Loosen Up in the 1992 W.S. Cox Plate.

He acknowledges the talents of several other topliners he was privileged to ride.

The former top jockey looks back on his torturous battle with weight

He reflects on the blackout he suffered in the Caulfield jockey’s room in 1997. He knew he’d come to the end of his riding career - at least for the time being.

Simon looks back on his association with triple world boxing champion Jeff Fenech who helped him with a change of routine. Was that before the first retirement?

Fast forward to 2002. Simon had been away from racing for five years but the bug hadn’t left him. With the help of a biochemist, he dropped dramatically in weight and made a brief comeback. He still had the magic touch.

The 55 year old says he received a lot of support from Melbourne racing media following his permanent retirement in 2005. He became a favourite with punters on radio and television. He fondly recalls a long association with the Seven Network which led him to a spot on the equestrian commentary team at the Beijing Olympics.

He fondly recalls his association with Bruce McAvaney and the team on several Ch 7 Melbourne Cup broadcasts.

He talks about another role away from the media. Simon tells us more about his tutorship of three very high profile jockeys.

He rounds off our podcast with a special shoutout to son Ethan, daughter Shugar Bella and partner Marie.

This is Simon Marshall at his witty and humorous best.