Riordan to Ride in NZ

Date: 9 Oct 2024

Riordan to Ride in NZ


With Liam Riordan set to don the tangerine silks at Ashburton this weekend,courtesy of punters.com.au enjoy a Q&A with the rider published earlier this year:


1. Firstly, how did you get into racing?

My brother was a jockey. He's six or seven years older than me and Mum used to watch him a fair bit and had a fair idea about racing. She pushed pretty hard for me to do some work experience in racing. I went and did a week at John O'Shea's and I never looked back. I've loved it from that day on. 


2. Did you always want to be a jockey?

No, I wanted to play for Man United.


3. What's the best thing about being a jockey?

Winning and being able to call a sport/hobby a full-time job. 


4. What's the worst thing about being a jockey?

The alarm clock, 3 and 4am wake ups are the absolute pits.


5. What would you be doing if you weren't a jockey?

Some sort of trade I'd say. I like to keep busy. 


6. Most memorable win/moment in the saddle?

A winner for my parents at Echuca that they bred - a horse called I Am Sugoi. It was the first horse they had ever bred and it saluted at its first start for Troy Corstens.


7. Favourite track to ride?

Metro, Flemington. In the country, Geelong.


8. Least favourite track?

Traralgon and Stony Creek - dead heat.


9. What is your go-to blowout meal?

Fine dining hidden gem called Amaru in Armadale (Vic).


10. Best horse you've ridden?

Runson. He was very fast on his day.


11. Which trainer gives the best spray?

Darren Weir. He told me to go home after riding the first of four rides I had for him in Adelaide one day. The horse was Kellstorm - it was a horrific steer.


12. Biggest pest in the jockeys' room and why?

Melham. He's just a Diggers Rest in general. He's pretty funny but if you're having a bad day, he really baits you.


13. Which jockey spends the most time in front of the mirror?

Fred Kersley's skin routine takes close to half an hour, so it's definitely him. 


14. Best gags/storytelling ability of the jocks?

Froggy, can tell a story and is always a laugh. Damian Lane and Zahra have the best one-liners.


15. Favourite sport (and team) outside of racing?

Cam Smith on the PGA tour. I don't watch much EPL anymore due to the times the games are on.


16. Three-wide no cover or three-back the fence?

Three-back on the dulux.


17. Favourite drop of alcohol or favourite beer?

Carlton Draught. Has to be off the tap though.


18. Race you'd most like to win?

Cox Plate.


19. The last couple of years you've increased your winning strike rate - have you made any changes or just natural improvement with experience?

I think because I didn't grow up riding horses it took me a while to get the hang of it. Over the last two years I have worked very hard on my fitness, balance, style and diet. I think I'm riding well at the moment, just feeling more relaxed and confident in my ability. The stables I'm riding for have that confidence in me too, importantly. 


20. Any advice/pearls of wisdom for young apprentices starting out in the game? Do's or don'ts?

Don't get ahead of yourself - your claim makes you look good. Don't get suspended every second week.


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