Episode 577: Justin Sheehan - The heavyweight jockey whose enforced retirement cut a brilliant career far too short.

After a win on Magic Albert for the late Albert Stapleford - Kensington track 26/05/2001 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

The first bloke to give me a wrap for the talents of Justin Sheehan was John O’Shea. It was 2000 and John’s solo training career had just begun at Warwick Farm. Sheehan was then 28 and although struggling with weight issues, was quickly establishing himself with some very discerning trainers. O’Shea described him as an “innately talented rider.” Just eight years later Justin’s career was all over as the ravages of the sweat box began to affect his health. In his relatively short time as a professional jockey, he stamped himself as one of the best in the land. The 54 year old Queensland born horseman joins us on the podcast this week to look back on the highs and lows of an amazing twenty one year career as a professional jockey. Justin begins by talking about some recent health issues.

He looks back on fifteen years as an in demand trackwork rider at Warwick Farm.

Justin has clear recollections of his final day at the races - two unplaced rides at Rosehill in 2008. His final win at Kembla Grange remains near and dear to his heart.

He takes us back to childhood and memories of the equine skills of his late father.

The former jockey recalls the family’s move from Charleville to Dalby and an early introduction to thoroughbreds, albeit at an illegal age.

He looks back on his first race ride, his first win and the experience gained riding on some dry and dusty tracks in the Northern Territory.

Sheehan remembers his excitement when awarded a life changing NT Government Apprentice Grant which took him to Adelaide for a three month stint with trainer Danny Callaghan.

He looks back on a freak run of success and the opportunity to partner a marvellous old sprinter in nine wins.

Justin remembers his transfer to Kembla Grange trainer Bernie Howlett.

He recalls being very impressed with the talents of John O’Shea when the former Queenslander first began his training career at Warwick Farm.

Justin talks of his two race rides on budding champion Saintly.

He talks of his engagement to Ann Maree and the beginning of an association with top filly Kenbelle, then trained by his future father-in-law Kevin Robinson. Justin takes us through his 1996 Oaks win on Kenbelle.

Justin remembers two race rides on “champion in waiting” Tie The Knot. To this day he wonders what might have been, had things worked out a little differently.

The former ace jockey remembers with sadness the horrific Ipswich race fall in which eight horses crashed in the backstraight.

On a brighter note, he looks back on his sudden engagement for genuine sprinter Adam and a Gr 1 win first up. This was the horse at the centre of his first overseas trip.

We devote ample time to Justin’s review of his exciting involvement with Universal Prince - four Gr 1 wins and one freakish fall in Singapore.

He pays tribute to three other talented horses he got to ride for different trainers.

Justin’s unrelenting weight struggles were well known to racing people. He looks back on the horrors of constant wasting.

Justin and Ann Maree are the proud parents of 23 year old Darby Sheehan. Dad says Darby hasn’t inherited the racing genes.

This is an interesting chat with a former jockey who left an indelible mark in a brief but brilliant career.

Most jockeys would be proud of a photo as flattering as this! Justin looked the part as he won the Stayer’s Cup on Mushtak to give John O’Shea his first stakes win in 2000.

Darby Sheehan on a nostalgic trip to the remote Pine Creek racecourse in the NT. This is one of several tracks where his father '“cut his teeth” in the late 80s.

With great mate Bede Murray after Universal Prince’s win in the 2000 Spring Champion Stakes - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

One of the most emphatic AJC Derby wins ever! Universal Prince beat Sir Clive and Danamite - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Happy owners accompany Universal Prince as Justin brings him back to scale after a dominant AJC Derby win in 2001 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

One of many post race interviews after the AJC Derby - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Justin had a big book of rides the day this photo was snapped at Rosehill 08/01/2005. He won two races on Magic Marvo and Hadaaf - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Sheehan brought Universal Prince from last at the 600m to stroll home under the lights in the Canterbury Guineas - courtesy Bradley Photographers.