A.J. Beer
A.J. Beer was a jockey from Australia I discovered on MySpace and I sent her an email interview and here is what she said to the questions I posed to her:
FOTH: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
AJ: I was born in Geelong at that time my father was training,
we then shifted to Melbourne where I grew up and dad started riding again after
a small stint at training.
FOTH: Any brothers or sisters?
AJ: Yes I have 2 brothers both to big to be jockeys.
FOTH: What do your parents think of you being a jockey?
AJ: They are happy that I am living my dream, when I beat
dad he probably doesn't like me being a jockey haha
FOTH: What event or events led to you becoming a jockey?
AJ: Growing up watching dad riding, and having a love
for horses.
FOTH: Tell us what you remember about your first race.
AJ: My boss put me on our best horse in a nice race on
Kynton Cup Day. A horse took me on and I went flat out for the whole 1000m race,
the horse knocked up and I ran last.
FOTH: Tell us what you remember about your 1st win. Did you get creamed after
the race?
AJ: I was on the outsider of the field on my 19th ride,
it was over 1750m at Mansfeild on boxong day 2006, I had only been riding a
month. My horse was slow away so I sat back last coming to the 1000m the tempo
was slow so I whipped round to field to the lead and turning into the straight
I asked my horse "beautiful tiara" to go and she really let down.
I won by a nose.
FOTH: Looking back was becoming a jockey easier or harder than you thought?
AJ: Um I knew it was always going to be hard, but it's
worth it
FOTH: What are some of the tracks you rode at so far?
AJ: I've been riding for 5 months and I've ridden at 30
tracks around Victoria and New South Wales.
FOTH: Any funny jockey stories to tell?
AJ: No not yet
FOTH: Do you get along with pretty much all the jockeys?
AJ: Yes having dad helps he has known them all for years
FOTH: Do you have a favorite horse/trainer/track that you rode at?
AJ: My favorite horse will always be my 1st winner/ (beautiful
tiara)
FOTH: Are there many girl riders and tracks to ride over in Australia?
AJ: Yes a lot.
FOTH: What are some things you like to do for fun when your away from the track?
AJ: I like to play golf but I suppose I don't really have
time.
FOTH: Have you ever seen a race in the US and would you like to come over and
ride here one day?
AJ: I'd love to ride anywhere international.
FOTH: What advice would give somebody who wanted to become a jockey?
AJ: All i can say is, you have to be mentally fit, its
hard not eating and sitting in a sauna
FOTH: Do you think female jockeys will ever be given a fair shake in the sport?
AJ: Yes, you just have to work hard
FOTH: What was your proudest moment as a jockey so far?
AJ: My first winner
FOTH: If someone was to visit Australia what would be some places you would
tell them to go?
AJ: Spring carnival.
FOTH: Do they have many tracks in Australia and have you rode at all of them?
AJ: Um just in Victoria there is about 50 there is hundreds
in Australia I couldn't count them.
FOTH: Do you have any goals for yourself?
AJ: Outride my claim
FOTH: Do you like the dirt or the turf racing better and why?
AJ: 99 percent of Australia's tracks are turf. Haven't
been on other surface yet
FOTH: How long would you like to ride for and can you make a decent living
being a rider?
AJ: As long as possible
FOTH: Any last words?
AJ: Thanks for the interview.
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