Episode 583: Brad Rawiller - A Doomben $10,000 win on a mount he didn’t see coming. He and Rothfire have a lot in common.

Waiting to mount Weekend Hussler before his win in the 2008 Randwick Guineas - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

You don’t see too many $61.00 “pops” generating ovations like the one Rothfire and Brad Rawiller got after the recent Doomben $10,000. The horse all but written off when he broke down almost six years ago, and the tough-as-teak veteran jockey served up a fairy tale story in winning the famous sprint after a very wide run.

It was Gr 1 number 26 for the hard working Rawiller who hadn’t won at the elite level since scoring on Elite Street in Perth’s Winterbottom Stakes five and a half years ago. Brad, who makes a habit of “walking racetracks” when track conditions are suspect, went out with a set plan. He answers all of the questions that people have pondered in this week’s podcast. He begins by explaining how he secured the ride from a stable he hasn’t ridden for previously.

The jockey takes us through the tactics he employed in the big sprint.

He talks of Rothfire’s unlucky seventh in the Kingsford Smith Cup two weeks later.

Brad pays tribute to his remarkable dad Keith, a versatile horseman who enjoyed success as a jockey both on the flat and over the jumps. Rawiller Snr also made his mark as a trainer and driver of harness horses.

The jockey gives a shout out to his mum Elaine who closely monitors the progress of brothers Nash and Brad.

Brad makes special mention of brother Todd and sister Stacey, both highly efficient horse people in their own right.

He makes no secret of the fact that brother Nash is his primary inspiration.

Brad goes back to his initial apprenticeship to Alan Bowell at Bendigo and a later transfer to Tony Noonan at Mornington. In his final year with Noonan he won the Victorian country jockey’s premiership.

He’s never forgotten his win as a 19 year old in an Apprentice’s Cup at Belmont in WA. He formed an instant attachment to Perth racing.

Brad was thrilled to win his first Gr 1 in Perth for high profile trainer David Hayes.

He looks back on a national jockey’s title in the 2007/2008 season. His win tally was extraordinary.

Brad recalls the unfortunate circumstances that brought him a Golden Slipper win on Phelan Ready in 2009.

He looks back on a brief association with the grand stayer Viewed. He enjoyed a freak run to win the Caulfield Cup on the handsome stallion.

Brad reminisces about his exciting journey with the talented galloper Weekend Hussler. He won 11 races on the gelding including 7 Gr 1’s.

Only one other horse even gets close to Weekend Hussler in the jockey’s affections. He pays homage to the remarkable Black Heart Bart, a horse he partnered in 6 Gr 1 wins. The last of those wins triggered high emotion.

Brad looks back on his snap decision in 2020 to try his luck on a permanent basis in Perth. There were several highs and one devastating low.

The 47 year old is greatly inspired by older brother Nash but there are two other Victorian jockeys for whom he had special admiration.

Brad makes special mention of daughter Cleo (14) and son Lucas (11).

A nice chat with one of Australia’s hardest working jockeys who hopes to enjoy similar longevity to brother Nash.

Rothfire seemed to know he’d bagged another Gr. 1 - courtesy Trackside Photography.

Nash Rawiller’s Doomben $10,000 ride was a scratching but he was there to hi five his brother after the big sprint - courtesy Trackside Photography.

Brad was chuffed to be given the opportunity on the remarkable veteran and rewarded connections with an outstanding ride - courtesy Trackside Photography.

Brad found the right lane to win the 2009 Golden Slipper on Phelan Ready in H10 conditions - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Brad with the late Ross McDonald after Weekend Hussler’s Randwick Guineas - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Brad was the centre of attention after his 2009 Golden Slipper win on Phelan Ready for Bruce McLachlan - courtesy Bradley Photographers.