Scott reflects on longevity as William starts riding journey

By Jordan Gerrans

As talented son William begins forging his own path in the riding ranks, retired hoop Scott Galloway looks back proudly on his own longevity in the saddle before officially calling time on his career two years ago.

The Group 1-winning jockey stepped away with little fanfare, taking his final race ride in July 2024 on the Gold Coast Polytrack.

Scott’s last winner came a few weeks earlier, partnering Bauhaus to victory for local conditioner Toby Edmonds at the same venue.

In his prime, Scott was competitive with the best of the best in the saddle, registering more than 20 victories at black-type level, including one at the highest level.

He notched more than 1,500 career victories, with in excess of 400 of those coming in the city.

Asked to reflect on his own riding tenure, the 56-year-old says his durability in the saddle over the decades is what stands out when he looks back on it all.

“I had many good wins,” Scott said.

“I had a good career at the Gold Coast before I went to Brisbane.

“I rode plenty of big race winners in Brisbane. Winning a Group 1 in Brisbane was probably a highlight.

“I think, to ride for over four decades is an achievement.

“It's a tough game with weight and opportunities. Overall, just to survive that long is an achievement in itself, I think.”

Scott’s teenage son William made an instant impact at the races last week, registering his maiden triumph at Gatton in his first day as a professional hoop.

The lightweight youngster scored aboard Tassorati for his master Tony Gollan, while he also took two other bookings on the program.

The Galloway family made the trip to the Lockyer Valley-based track from their Gold Coast base for William’s big day and were able to savour the memorable triumph.

Scott, who began riding in the 1980s, was naturally beaming with pride post-race.

“It has been years in the making,” he said.

“It is a great day.”

The promising William is back in action at Warwick on Tuesday with five bookings.

The 18-year-old William can recall his father riding in races in his young days, which sparked his interest in the caper, alongside his grandfather Peter Cuddihy, who was also a jockey.

“I remember my Dad riding when I was younger, but when he was in his prime days - I don't really remember too much of it,” the teenager said.

“I do not even necessarily remember his big wins.

“But, when he came to the end of his career, just in the twilight stages, I was helping him with his gear when I was a bit younger.

“Even just watching him ride a winner at the Gold Coast, that was pretty exciting for me to watch.

“Seeing my Dad obviously win the race, that filled me with a lot of joy.

“My Dad being a jockey, I was pretty sure I was going to have to do something with horses.

“And, obviously, him being a jockey, I just followed in the footsteps and now I'm really, really loving it.”

Arguably Scott’s greatest day in the saddle was when he tasted Group 1 glory in the Sires’ Produce Stakes over 1400 metres in May of 2003 at Eagle Farm. 

He did so aboard an outsider in the market for champion trainer John Hawkes, who Scott considers one of his greatest supporters during his stellar riding tenure.

The Magic Millions 3YO Trophy aboard Biaggio for Gai Waterhouse, also in 2003, was another career highlight, the former hoop notes.

“I won quite a few premierships at the Gold Coast,” he said.

“I won an apprentice title in Newcastle before I moved up here. 

"I won a Magic Millions three-year-old race here. I won some big races in Brisbane riding for some big stables in Brisbane.

“John Hawkes was probably the biggest stable I rode for quite a few years as a main rider.

“I had some good success there and many good years throughout my career. It's been pretty good, I think.”