BLOOD, PLENTY OF SWEAT BUT FEW TEARS FOR RACING’S TOUGH GUYS

AS millions of Australians today cheer home the winner of the $6.25 million Melbourne Cup, spare a thought for the jockeys that have risked their own health to get them across the line.

Days without eating, endless hours in the sauna and chain smoking are all part of the trade for the men and women that shed body weight on a weekly basis to make race weight.

Hoop Ryan Plumb opened up about the lengths he has to go to while “wasting” to ensure he can get in the saddle. Two weeks ago, he had to drop 2kg after riding at the Gold Coast so he could race that nightat Toowoomba.

It was already hot but things were just warming up for Plumb, who had not eaten that day. “I kept my silks on, put the windows up and the heater on full ball. I had my beanie, sweat jacket, jumpers — I had about five layers on and sweated the whole way in the car.”

It is just a glimpse into the weekly routines of jockeys who rely on making weight to have a career in racing.

You need look no further than retired two-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Peter Cook as to how dangerous it can be for jockeys.

Cook suffered a heart attack in 1991 while trying to drop a few kilograms in the sauna between meetings.

“We know the risks involved with riding,” Plumb said. “Jockeys don’t take directics any more. The retired jockeys I speak to who took it all the time, all their livers and kidneys are shot to pieces from the abuse of it.”