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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