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Kerrin McEvoy had a smile on his face this week when remembering fondly his chats with father-in-law Paddy Payne.
Often, the calls came after McEvoy had ridden a winner, something he hopes to reflect on more with victories from a strong book of chances at Rosehill on Saturday.
Payne, the patriarch of one of Australian racing’s most famous families, died this week at the age of 90 after a short illness. A former jumps jockey and trainer, Payne raised 10 children, eight of whom became jockeys, including pioneering Melbourne Cup winner, Michelle.
McEvoy and Payne’s daughter, Cathy, have been together for almost 30 years, and he was among those to pay tribute.
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“He’s down as 90, but I think he’s officially 93,” McEvoy said.
“But a great innings, a great family man, great man, and he just loved his racing.
“He used to actually follow me as well as plenty of other family members. His kids had horses running left, right, and centre, with Paddy, Michelle and Andrew. He was always keen on how you were going, and gave you a shout if you had a winner.
“He had a great time as a trainer himself and he was actually a jumps jockey before that. He rode plenty of winners and he would tell plenty of good stories about racing back in the day.
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“He lived a good life. He’ll be sorely missed, but some great memories had with him along the way for all the kids and extended family.”
McEvoy has excellent chances across the four features at Rosehill on Saturday, although trainer Chris Waller indicated Lady Shenandoah ($5.50) may be saved for another week after drawing wide as topweight in the group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m).
Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained Skyhook, a $2.90 favourite for the group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m), also has a wide gate.
McEvoy had success taking Skyhook to the front from an outside barrier last time out in the group 3 Gunsynd Classic (1600m) on heavy going at Eagle Farm in June, but he was cautious of a repeat strategy first-up on Saturday.
“He’s versatile, but I’ll have a sit down and chat with Gerald and Sterling,” he said.
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“I don’t want a sizzling first run back, so we’ll see what it looks like in regards to where we ride him and whatnot. But he’s in good form and he could be in for his best preparation yet.
“I think he’s grown up physically. Mentally, he’s always been there, but he’s a little bit wiser now as well, so I think he’s in for a good prep.”
McEvoy has a similar task from a wide alley on Gratz Vella-trained Music Time ($14) in the group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m). The Golden Slipper placegetter raced just behind the leaders first up in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) and was tough late to hang on for third in Guest House’s track-record win.
“It was first time riding him the other day, and Gratz was really happy with his run, as I was,” he said.
“And I think he hadn’t yet screwed him fully down, so I think you can definitely expect improvement again fitness wise for the weekend.
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“He’s got tactical speed, so you’d like to think he can get a spot somewhere and he’s on trial to go out to 1400 for the Golden Rose, so that’s a box to be ticked.”
He has the advantage of gate three with Richard and Will Freedman-trained Genesis Runner ($4.20) in the group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m). Genesis Runner was doing his best work late to finish second to Plagiarism last start in the Up And Coming Stakes (1300m).
“Nice horse and he is still improving,” McEvoy said.
“Lightly raced, and will improve over further, so you’d like to think Saturday is a great stepping stone for him.”
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