While some people don't like horse racing, there is no denying that the best people in the sport have an amazing affinity with the horses. Luke Currie is just one such person. You can see it here as he reaches out with a gentle hand to the neck of Mystic Journey.
Anyone who also thinks that jockeys are not in the top tier of elite athletes, needs only to listen to Luke Currie's story. Originally from Tasmania, Luke has ridden in Singapore, Malaysia and Mauritius. He is now based in Melbourne, and has won over 1000 races. His most prestigious race wins include the 2003 Group 1 Toorak Handicap riding Roman Arch, and 2002 VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes, where he rode Makybe Diva to victory.
Now let me put that last one into perspective for racing novices. Makybe Diva is regarded as the greatest Melbourne Cup winner in history. The only horse to win three Cups in a row (2003,2004,2005), and won a total of $14,500,000 in race earnings. The great Glen Boss was her cups jockey, but for Luke, riding this magnificent horse was a career highlight.
But jockeys also know that they are in a very dangerous sport.
In February last year at the Moonee Valley course in Melbourne, Luke was thrown from a horse and broke numerous ribs and fractured his spine. Yes, he broke his back!
Sixth months later (while Melbourne was in the grip of the longest lock down in Australia), Currie was back in the saddle and riding again. But last October he was in another fall at Geelong. This time he was cleared of injury. So bravo Luke Currie, your courage is undoubted.
Here is an interview with Luke as he was recovering from his injuries:
www.facebook.com/racingdotcom/videos/luke-currie-why-i-ri...
