She is the first Australian woman to ride in a Melbourne Cup the first female to win the VRC Derby and one of the most accomplished female jockeys of all time, but a new chapter in Clare Lindop’s remarkable story now beckons as she today announces her retirement from racing.
Lindop has co-incided her announcement with the 2018 Adelaide Cup, the stage of her first Group 1 success on Exalted Time in the 2006 Adelaide Cup.
“I’m looking forward to riding on Cup Day as it’s one of my favourite days of racing in Adelaide. I am also keen to finish my career with riding for the last time during Adelaide’s Festival of Racing through April and May.”
“As those who know me will attest to, I possess a fierce competitive streak and an unrelenting desire to succeed” Lindop said. “To be able to go out on a high would be the ultimate”
“I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank everyone who has helped and supported me. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the journey and have been privileged to work with some wonderful colleagues, trainers, officials and administrators, many of whom I consider dear friends,” Lindop said.
Lindop started race-riding in 1995 and her 23 year career has included four Group 1s, over 50 black type races, some 20 odd cups and more than 1,400 winners. Now though, Lindop is thinking about what the future holds.
“I’m excited for my next chapter, whether that be in the racing community, business or in parenthood; only time will tell,” she said.
Originally from the Victorian town of Warrnambool, the four-time Group 1 champion and winner of three SA Metropolitan Premierships has spent most of her racing career in South Australia since moving here in 1999 to complete her apprenticeship at Morphettville Racecourse.
A trailblazer for women in racing, her maiden SA Metropolitan Premiership in 2005 was the first time a female jockey had won the coveted title. Since becoming a senior jockey in 2000, she has also won two state championships and finished in the top-5 on the Metropolitan Premiership table 13 times.
“Racing has treated me as an equal from the outset and it has only been recently that I have taken the time to reflect on my role as a ground-breaker for women in the sport, which is testament to an industry that does reward ability over gender or background,” she said. I am also extremely proud of my achievements and the fact that I am part of racing history.
Like any good sporting tale, Lindop’s career has not been without its share of adversity. A heavy fall off the Leon McDonald and Andrew Gluyas trained gelding Gambling Guru in March 2014 nearly spelt the end for Lindop, who broke 15 ribs, her right collarbone and shoulder and was kept off the track for five months.
“That year was the toughest of my career and to come back from that injury and win the 2014-2015 Premiership was amazing.” she said. “I also had a fabulous year last season finishing runner-up to Jamie Kah, and being part of the team contributing to the Training Premiership win for Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas ”
TRSA Chair Frances Nelson commended Lindop for her ability and impact upon racing, saying she leaves behind a legacy that will have a lasting impact on the industry.
“Clare is one of the finest jockeys to have graced Australian racetracks and we have been privileged to witness her ride for more than two decades. Her fierce competitive desire will be fondly remembered, as her achievements will long be celebrated in the annals of racing,” Nelson said.
“Clare’s contributions to racing have paved the way for increased female in engagement in the industry at all levels, and we wish her well in all her future endeavours.”
Media enquiries: Caroline Plant, Michels Warren on 0431 287 093