Damian Browne keeping an eye on the next generation of jockeys

By Jordan Gerrans

Tucked away in a small ‘hut’ overlooking the Caloundra track every morning, former star hoop Damian Browne keeps his eyes fixed on the action.

The 50-year-old does it for a few reasons.

Firstly, it's his job as the track work supervisor at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club to ensure that everyone gets around safe in the morning - the human, as well as the equine athletes.

And, secondly, as a retired jockey, he loves to spot the next talented hoop coming through the ranks.

The Kiwi native has been in the role at Corbould Park for the last few years after retiring from race riding back in early 2019.

The multiple Group 1-winner takes pride in his role that he is able to stay in the industry that has given his family so much as well as staying connected with the riding ranks.

He will often go out of his way to give advice to a young rider at the track when he spots something they can slightly tinker.

The respected former jockey is also an outwardly positive person, often praising little-known riders on social media for their determination and work ethic.

Browne was quick to shout out young local apprentices Mitch Goring and Leah Martyn as they had their maiden race engagements over the last year.

“They seem to take it on board and appreciate the help,” Browne said.

“I still do one day a week over at the bull ring and the pool where I can work more hands on with the younger, inexperienced riders when they are learning and I am able to work with them.

“Hopefully that makes it safer for them and everybody else. It is hugely important because it starts at the grassroots with these jockeys when they begin.

“If you can get them away on the right foot and in the right direction, obviously it can help them later and I really enjoy helping them but also watching them blossom and grow into young riders.

“I get to follow their careers and get enjoyment through that seeing as I cannot do that myself any more.”

When he did finish up race riding after a battle with his health, the Sunshine Coast-based Browne stayed connected with racing through some corporate work and speaking functions at the local track.

That led to him giving Murray Weeding – Sunshine Coast Turf Club’s racecourse and facilities manager – a hand one morning supervising the pool and bull ring at the track.

Not long after, Browne was overlooking track work every morning on a full-time basis.

“I really enjoyed being down there and being back involved with the horses once again,” the former hoop said when he took on some part-time work.

“I was then offered a more full-time position and I have been here ever since – I am really enjoying it.

“It is great to be back involved with horses – the love of horses is what gets you into the industry and it is certainly something I missed when I was off. Just being back around the horses and the people has been amazing.”

Sunshine Coast Turf Club CEO John Miller is smiling to have a person of Browne’s skill and understanding to oversee track work every morning.

“We were keen to keep him involved with the club as he had been such a fabulous rider and particularly here at the Sunshine Coast, punters always liked to have a bet on Damian’s mounts on a Sunday afternoon,” Miller said.

In his role, Browne sits in the ‘hut’ and ticks off every horse and rider that comes on and off the track every morning from 4am.

If there is a fall or a horse gets loose, he will notify all on course to ensure there is safety for all participants.

“I think it’s fantastic, we are so lucky to have someone of his experience and a real quality person as well,” Miller said of Browne.

“He is able to give guidance and education to the younger riders coming through and I am sure they appreciate being able to bounce things off him as well.

“I just think it is nice as jockeys have a short career in the saddle and it is great that he can still be connected with the industry and involved in the sport. It is unique industry and to have that knowledge is a huge plus.”

On top of his role at the Caloundra club, Browne gets to the track every now and again on race day to catch up with his old mates and always keeps an eye on the races and results.

He loves watching James Orman and Ryan Maloney – two of his old sparring partners – the most when he is viewing gallops races in the Sunshine State.

Browne is also a positive voice on social media around his former riding mates.

He noted recently he was glad to see Jim Byrne back on race day while also congratulating Luke Dittman on his retirement.

The New Zealand-born jockey stepped away from race riding after he was hospitalised and underwent surgery to correct a perforated bowel back in 2019. 

Doctors advised his condition was caused by taking anti-inflammatory medication for leg pain on an empty stomach for a long period of time.

Browne's kidney function was also adversely affected.

Now no longer wasting or watching what he eats as much, Browne’s health has improved and he can now live a much better quality of life.

It has also given him the opportunity to spend more time with his family following the decision to retire.

There are not many days that go by for Browne where someone doesn’t stop him and talk about Robert Heathcote's much-loved sprinter Buffering.

The tough-as-nails Buffering is what stands out most when Browne reflects back on his career.

As Luke Nolen had with Black Caviar and Hugh Bowman enjoyed with Winx, Browne feels his time riding the great Queensland galloper helped define his career.

Buffering endeared himself to the Sunshine State racing public with his underdog reputation during his globe-trotting career, Browne thinks.

“It is a jockey’s dream to come across a horse like him and he was able to take me all over the world,” the retired great said.

“He was a horse that the people genuinely fell in love with and it was a great experience for me to be involved with a horse like that.

“I was very lucky to be able to ride for some great trainers and on great horses outside of Buffering.

“They are things you look back on now and cherish. It seems like a lifetime ago but every now and again I sit down with my kids and reminisce and shed a few tears.”

Browne says he looks back on his career with pride that he was able to ride at some of the best tracks across the world.