Date of Birth: 27 June 1974.

Town where born: Coburg, Victoria.

How did you get into racing? Father Vicent, rode as an amateur and worked for a trainer for many years (ED Courtney).

First Winner/Track: Raining Aces (Healesville Picnics).

Favourite Track (and why): Flemington for its spaciousness and Warrnambool for the variety.

Best thing about being a jumps rider: Teamwork and challenge between myself and the animal. Winning and sometimes just completing the course (Warrnambool).

Worst thing about being a jumps rider: Injuries.

Best jumper you’ve ridden: Zabenz. A very smooth jumper with tremendous excelleration.

Jumper you would like to have ridden: I have ridden him, Zabenz..

Outside of racing what are you most passionate about? Family and friends.

What are your riding career goals? To win the Grand National Steeple and Hiskens..

What will you do after your riding career is over? Continue my plumbing and I would enjoy training as a hobby.

What is the strangest (amusing or serious) experience you’ve ever had in racing?

Most amusing being that I was interviewd once about a horse's chance in a race at Sandown. I was asked, "What is my main danger", and I replied, "Bad Luck!" As it turned out I was slapping the horse just to keep up after the second jump.

Would you like to tell us something about your family (partner, children, parents etc.)?

Engaged to Margaret Payne. I have no children yet. My father works as a valet at the races, so I see him regularly which is great. My mother works as a cook, my brother Simon is a retired jumps jockey and is now a plumber, my brother Justin is a successful chef and my sister, Angela works in insurance. I have two nephews, Patrick and Ethan.

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