STREET CRED
Melbourne Cup ace eyes Ascot win
utmost respect for his mate Gerald Mosse, representing the European team.
“He’s been riding extremely well,” said Brown. “I spent a lot of time riding with him in Hong Kong and Singapore. Out of all the competitors, he’s the one I fear.”
But no jockey can match the ability of the now-retired Mick Kinane, according to Brown. “When he won the Melbourne Cup with Vintage Crop (1993) it was incredible how he adapted.
“Australian racing has got softer than it was a few years ago. But it’s still very aggressive, no room for error and nobody gives an inch or takes one.”
Brown might be riding in his first Shergar Cup, but he rode at Ascot three years ago when partnering the Singapore-trained Emperor Max to finish seventh behind Muhaarar on Champions Day.
“Hughie (Bowman), a great mate of mine who used to ride in England, said the Shergar Cup will be one of the best days you will compete at, and it’s fun.
“It’s not too serious, but it will become serious as you’ll find yourself competing to
your top level. These sorts of things are a bit like a brotherhood – you compete all over the world – and coming back to something like the Shergar Cup is very much like joining the family again.
“There will be plenty of banter, which is good to have, you’ll get the feathers up on your back and it makes for good competition.”
Brown believes he has another 10 years before hanging up his saddle bags and appreciates what racing has given him.
But he admits his wife Kylie is his biggest critic.
“She’s only once sat on a horse but has become the best grandstand jockey there is,” he said. “She quickly tells me what I’ve done wrong!”
Brown, the proud father of three daughters, is hailed as a hero in his hometown of Wingham where they named a street after him and the local racecourse at Taree run a race in his honour.
“The race first took place last year and I finished fourth,” said Brown.
“Of course, I have to win it at some stage but it would also be something special to get a winner at Ascot.”