Kerrin McEvoy has set himself the challenge of defending his Everest title. And McEvoy has always delivered when it counted. Whether it was bringing home the first Everest trophy on Redzel or winning the Melbourne Cup twice. He has also won the Caulfield Cup and the Golden Slipper during his exciting career riding for top trainers and horses owned by heads of states and business leaders.
In an exclusive interview with Everest Diaries, Kerrin McEvoy chats about his plans for 2018 and preparations for The Everest. Q: Given that most of the field for the 2018 Everest is known, is there a different strategy you will be employing for getting Redzel ready for the big day? A: Redzel is physically very fit and training well. He has had one trial already and will be doing his second trial in ten days' time. We have planned a campaign similar to last year.
He will have a prep race and a break before he goes into The Everest. I know the horse well and I am confident he will put up a good show.
Q: Any contenders you are concerned about?
A: Trapeze Artist has improved quite a bit and he beat me in the TJ Smith. We have all got to topple Trapeze Artist in this race.
Q: You have won both the Melbourne Cup and The Everest. How would you compare the two races?
A: Both races have tremendous pre-race pressure and build-up despite the fact The Everest is in its infancy. One is speed and the other is a distance race the protocols are the same, so for a jockey, both are very high-pressure races
Q: How would describe Redzel's personality?
A: He has a very relaxed nature. He saves himself for race day. He is quite the athlete and a very push-button horse. You can control your destiny with him.
Q: What are your milestones for 2018?
A: I aim to win 6 Group One races each year. So I will be focused on achieving that goal through the high-level races in the carnivals in Australia. Hugh Bowman, Cory Brown and my self are also going to Singapore for a jockey's challenge at the end of December. It will comprise of top jockeys from UK, France, South Africa, Australia and Singapore. I am quite excited about that event.
Q: Which horses are you hoping to ride in the future?
A: There is a horse in the Chris Waller stables called Autumn Sun who is only going to get better. He could become a derby horse. Also, Godolphin owned Avilius (formerly trained in France by Andre Fabre, who was having his first Australian start in the Benchmark 91 Handicap) is another one destined for greatness, once he settles into Australia.
I enjoy travelling and would love to go overseas (to legendary events like Royal Ascot) with an Australian runner.
Q: Could you tell us about your family?
A: My wife's name is Cathy Payne (elder sister to Melbourne Cup winner Michelle Payne). She was also a jockey and understands the industry very well. We have four children. Three boys and a girl. They are all very happy riding their ponies right now. Rhys is keen on becoming a jockey like me.
Q: Both you and your wife understand the pain and the glory of being a successful jockey. Would you encourage your children to follow in your footsteps?
A: We would leave it up them to decide. It's a dangerous game but hopefully, we will be there to guide them. I think back to the time I first started and how stressful it was for my mother. I think it will always be stressful for us parents but then hopefully our experience can help them out.