Episode 594: Jason “Stubby” Holder - Adelaide riding legend wins fourth metro premiership at age 50
Champion jockey for the 4th time. “Stubby” also claimed the SA title for 2025/2026 - courtesy Atkins Photography.
Youngest jockey to win a metropolitan premiership in Australia last season was Tasmania’s 27 year old Erica Byrne Burke. Second youngest was 29 year old Ben Thompson who was dominant in winning the Brisbane title. 34 year old James McDonald predictably won the Sydney honours, while 40 year old William Pike claimed yet another Perth premiership. 49 year old Craig Williams was superb in winning his tenth Melbourne title, but it was Adelaide veteran Jason Holder who dominated the headlines by winning his fourth metro premiership at the remarkable age of 50. “Stubby” Holder hasn’t been on the podcast for six years. He was happy to join us again to talk about his new lease of life. He says this was the most satisfying of his 4 premiership wins.
The popular jockey talks about his good start to the new season.
He recalls the origins of his longtime nickname of “Stubby”.
Jason talks of three stakes wins last season, one of them on Air Assault. He’s won nine races on the Andrew Gluyas trained gelding.
Stubby says he’s all the better for riding a touch heavier nowadays. The jockey pays tribute to manager Cheree Gask and talks of his recently adopted relaxation therapy. He talks of partner Ghiann’s involvement in the racing industry.
Jason talks of a new business venture launched in collaboration with daughter Paris.
He talks of happy days in a popular husky club. While other jockeys were playing golf Stubby was out on the trail with his Siberian huskies.
The champion jockey says his initial interest in thoroughbreds was inspired by his mother’s passion for racing.
He looks back on a happy apprenticeship to Leon Macdonald and an enduring friendship with the recently retired trainer. He has a funny story about his early participation in Adelaide barrier trials.
Jason looks back on his first ride, first winner and maiden city success.
The jockey says he was thrilled to win the historic Goodwood Hcp early in his career.
He looks back on a memorable feature double on the Colin Alderson trained French Resort in 1996. The Victorian trainer wanted a local jockey and Stubby got the job.
Jason looks back on his only Melbourne Cup ride, a third placing on Skybeau. This was the first of the gelding’s five Melbourne Cup starts.
The multiple premiership winner talks of his SA Derby win on Markham and an opportunity on the same horse in the Caulfield Cup. He thought he was a chance of gaining the Melbourne Cup ride, but it was not to be.
Holder looks back on his bittersweet four year stay in Queensland. A partnership with Bruce McLachlan brought him a Magic Millions win on Phelan Ready in 2009. A serious Eagle Farm race fall later cost him a possible Golden Slipper win on the same horse.
He looks back on a series of overseas stints after returning from a four month absence. He enjoyed great success in Mauritius, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau.
On returning to Adelaide in 2015/2016 he set his sights on a third metro premiership and duly succeeded.
Jason browses through a list of his favourite horses.
This is a laid back chat with yet another legend from the state that has been producing top jockeys for many decades.
Jason brings Phelan Ready with a barnstorming run to beat Paprika and Motown Lady in the 2009 Magic Millions - courtesy Trackside Photography.
A whoop and a holler and a wave of the whip as Phelan Ready wins the famous Gold Coast classic - courtesy Trackside Photography.
Jason was thrilled to win the rich 2yo feature for great supporter Bruce McLachlan - courtesy Trackside Photography.
Jason sends handsome chestnut Dalasan to the line to win the Port Adelaide Guineas 04/04/2020 - courtesy Atkins Photography.
Jason’s final metropolitan win of the season was on Centu Cavaddi for the Busuttin/Young team - courtesy Atkins Photography.
