STAUNCH BUT EFFECTIVE
A Magic Millions jockey on a top ride today stays sharp thanks to former bikie-busting cop
TOP Gold Coast jockey Ryan Maloney says former bikie-busting cop turned personal trainer Jim Keogh has not lost any of his edge.
Keogh, retired from the force after a high-profile stint on the Gold Coast leading the charge against outlaw motorcycle gang members, now has a stable of jockeys he trains including Maloney, who has a key ride at today’s Magic Millions race day.
Maloney, who will be on 3YO Guineas favourite Alligator Blood, says Keogh has made a big difference to his fitness in the three months they have been working together.
Asked if it was obvious he used to tackle bikie crime, Maloney says: “Yeah, he’s very staunch. You figure that out as soon as you meet him.
“He’s a very energetic bloke. He’s in his 60s and still spars three times a week. If I’m going half as good as him when I’m in my 60s, I’ll be rapt.”
The pair do a training session most days when Maloney is not racing and had a 45-minute workout yesterday ahead of his big ride at the Gold Coast Turf Club today.
Maloney, who relocated to the Gold Coast from Melbourne 18 months ago to be the main rider for Toby Edmonds’ stable, says Keogh understands the requirements of jockeys “better than a lot of other personal trainers”.
“A lot of PTs are run of the mill. Jim offers a mix of everything and it mainly relates to riding. I did train a lot by myself but I find when you have someone behind you pushing you, you tend to do that bit more. He’s a good motivator.”
Maloney, who has two young daughters, says of his Gold Coast move: “The lifestyle is second to none. Melbourne is just a rat race.”
Keogh says jockeys are athletes and it is important they stay focused as well as at peak fitness.
“They live a pretty sparse existence food-wise and then on a Saturday in 30C heat they have to get on a half-tonne animal going at warp speed and control it. They are in boots, body vests, helmets, on a horse going flat tack – if you lose concentration, you’re dead.”
Very staunch. You figure that out as soon as you meet him