Sport
6 November, 2024
Keith Ballard farewells Cloncurry with a fairytale victory
You couldn't have scripted it any better as he rode the heavily-backed Capiteel to victory.
200 to go and Capiteel is your leader.
KB goes for the doctor ...
Capiteel!
Could it be the Cloncurry fairytale for Keith Ballard?
Yesss sirrrr reee!!!!
KB gives us a wave and beats The Eighth I Am!
Those are the words of racecaller Andrew Watts, who couldn’t help but get caught up in the emotion as Keith Ballard saluted in the final race of the day at Cloncurry on Saturday – his last ever ride at Schumacher Park.
It was a call worthy of the grand occasion that had punters cheering for joy as “KB” scored aboard the heavily backed Capiteel, who was plunged from $10 into favouritism.
The word is that one of the co-owners of the horse, Cloncurry’s favourite son Cameron Moore, might have needed a security escort to get out of the track, such was his collect.
Not only was the win a fitting way for Keith to farewell a track that he has so many fond memories of – including last year’s Cup – but he was also riding a horse trained by his wife Denise.
Needless to say, there was no shortage of emotion in the mounting yard as Capiteel crossed the line for an easy win.
When the dust finally settled and Keith returned to the scales – after doing one last trip past the crowd – he was met with a kiss and a hug from Denise.
With just two race meetings left to go, including what will be a large farewell at Mount Isa next Monday, even Keith admits he’s getting caught up in the moment.
“It is and it will. The number of winners I’ve got has dropped off but it was bloody fabulous to fluke one there on Saturday.
“The last race always makes it better, doesn’t it?”
Keith gave a rare salute on the line as he crossed in front, a nod to the Cloncurry & District Race Club and their support for him and fellow jockeys over the years.
“They were really kind to me down there and have done a lot of good things for me ... it makes you feel very, good and very grateful for the way you’re treated,” he said.
As the door is about to close on Keith’s 55-year race riding career, he is now paying closer attention to the new riders coming through the ranks.
He’s become a quasi-mentor for some of the apprentices visiting the region, including rising star Chloe Lowe.
When speaking to North West Weekly, he made special mention of apprentice Mel Campbell, who rode her first double on Saturday.
“We took Mel down with us in the car and she’s been having a bit of a drought so was a bit quiet,” he said.
“But coming home she was a lot better after getting a couple of winners.”
Setting a strong example is the key to leadership and Keith and fellow experienced jockey Jason Hoopert showed what it takes to be a good bush racing person as they drove into Mount Isa after the races.
“Jason Babarovich had run out of petrol just the other side of Telstra Hill with the horses,” Keith said.
“Immediately we pull up and see how he is and it turned out he needed diesel.
“I said well we’ll have to go and get it. So Hoops and I got a jerry can from his place and filled it up and went back and got it going. It wasn’t what you wanted to do after a long day but it had to be done.
“Well, Mel was stunned.
“She said, ‘I can’t believe that you all pull up and help one another. Where I come from that wouldn’t happen’.
“I told her that’s just what you do in the bush.”
All eyes now turn to Buchanan Park on Monday for the seven-race TAB meeting programmed for what will be Keith’s home track farewell.
In honour of the legendary hoop, all races are named after Keith’s favourite, best or notable rides over the years.
They include: King Wells, Mr Ziesel, Sahara Canadian, Kerr Street, Cruise Control, Cheval D’Eclair and All Fives.
Mount Isa Race Club president Jay Morris said the bar would be kept open later than usual so that trainers, jockeys and punters could have a beer with “KB” after the last and celebrate his career.
There will be plenty of attention on the retiring jockey on Monday, with Sky Racing, ABC and Racing Queensland all sending cameras to the track to capture his final race at Buchanan Park.
North West Weekly will be there, as well as his final meeting at Julia Creek on Saturday week.