Former Corowa local Danny Beasley and multiple Group 1 champion jockey called time on his illustrious race-riding career last month.
Spanning thirty-two years, his career began with an apprenticeship in Wodonga in 1992. Mr Beasley achieved several placings before his gallant win on a horse ironically named 'Power Street' at the Corowa Racecourse in 1993. He went on to ride in over fifteen-thousand races, with nearly two-thousand of those being winning rides.
Mr Beasley mentioned that his retirement last month was not voluntary, but necessary for his recovery from a significant facial injury sustained during a track work riding accident in Wodonga.
Born into a racing family, it was only natural for him to choose a career as a jockey, following in the footsteps of his father, Mr Bobby Beasley, a well-known Corowa jockey.
"I completed my secondary education at Corowa High School and lived in the town with my family for close to ten years,“ he recalled.
“After finishing school, I enrolled in the 'Country Apprentice Jockey Program' at Wangaratta TAFE.”
This is where Mr Beasley first met Power Street’s trainer, Ms Dona McQueen who coordinated the ‘Country Apprentice Jockey Program' at Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, formerly Wangaratta TAFE, in 1989.
She applied for her trainer's license the same year and went on to train and mentor several superstar jockeys, including Melbourne Cup winning jockey Mr Brett Prebble and Ms Clare Lindop, the first Australian female jockey to win a Group 1 race and ride in a Melbourne Cup.
Ms McQueen fondly remembered Mr Beasley as a standout apprentice to Peter Maher at Wodonga.
"Peter and I could see he had major ability on a horse and was just the nicest young fella you would find in a long day's walk,“ she said.
“I was determined to give Danny a ride on one of my own horses. At the time, I had an old handicapper in work, a chestnut gelding, that, I thought, would be a perfect choice.
"The horse’s name was 'Power Street' and he was a wonderful kid's horse. You just had to tell each person who rode him to sit still in the saddle and let him do all the work.
“He was integral in getting another young fella, Mr Wayne Kerford, started, and Ms Alicia Brew also rode her first winner on him. So, of course, I put Danny on him at Corowa that day in 1993, and they won," Ms McQueen shared.
As Mr Beasley’s career took off, he rode for some of the best trainers in the world, including Australia's first lady of racing and champion trainer, Mrs Gai Waterhouse.
"Winning for Gai was my biggest career highlight. The 2003 Group 1 Doncaster Handicap riding Grand Armee was my favourite win, beating the great stallion Lonhro. It was an incredible experience," Mr Beasley said.
After several successful years in Australia, Mr Beasley embarked on a fifteen-year stint riding in Singapore. In early 2023, he returned to Australia with his family, seeking a quieter life for his wife and young children. He settled in Wagga Wagga, but never forgot his roots in the birthplace of Federation.
"Corowa will always feel like home to me. It was a great town to grow up in, a close-knit community, and everyone I knew was involved in some form of sport."
The Corowa Racecourse has always been a lucky place for Mr Beasley, having won many races there over the years.
"I have always loved racing there. Corowa was my fourth meeting, and it was a special day as my family and friends were there when I had my first win."
Fast-forward to 2024, and Dona and Danny were back in the winner's circle again, this time with a chestnut filly called 'Out of The Shadows'.
"The win with 'Out of The Shadows' was fantastic. I have been very patient with her, and it has paid off. To have Danny ride her was just brilliant,“ Ms McQueen said.
“A full-circle moment. He is such an accomplished horseman and still the nicest bloke you could ever meet.”
Upon Mr Beasley's retirement from the saddle, Ms McQueen reflected on their over three-decade friendship and felt proud to have been a part of his journey.
"I know the local country racing community will look back at Danny's wonderful career and be proud that it started here." she said.
Mr Beasley described his career as hard work but very fulfilling.
"Race riding is hard work and an unforgiving game, but if you are willing to make the sacrifices, it is unbelievably rewarding emotionally and financially," he said.
He encourages aspiring jockeys to pursue their dreams.
"Kids, don't be scared to dream big and chase your dreams. I'm a good example of a country kid growing up in a small town. I had a dream, and it took me all over the world."
Mr Beasley is optimistic about his new career as a trainer in Wagga Wagga, where he has already set up an impressive stable complex.
"I am very fortunate to have the support of my family and the country racing fraternity. I've been given a few good horses to train.
“I can't wait to return to Corowa as a racehorse trainer and repeat the past success I've had there," he said.