Prebble calls time on illustrious career
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Brett Prebble, who rode with distinction in Hong Kong for more than a decade, has officially called time on his glittering career in the saddle.
Victorian Prebble, who has also won a Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) and a Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m), had been based in Sydney at the end of his riding career with his last winner coming aboard Eagle Nest (Shalaa) at Rosehill on November 11.
He has not ridden in a race since taking two rides at Rosehill on February 24.
“It’s a real mix of emotions, but I know the time is right,” Prebble said in a statement.
“I’ve had the most incredible career. It’s not lost on me just how fortunate I am to leave my time in the saddle a fit, healthy, happy and content 46-year-old. Over four decades of riding I’ve seen way too many times just how incredibly dangerous, devastating and life-changing the job can be.
“I’m extremely grateful, proud and genuinely satisfied with what I’ve been able to achieve both in Australia and internationally. A CV including a Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Golden Slipper, a 15-year career in Hong Kong with more than 800 winners including the Hong Kong Derby and basically every other major race there, as well as the most incredible Group 1 winners in Japan and Singapore.
“Reflecting on it, I know it’s real but it’s also totally surreal at the same time … It leaves me lost for words to be honest.”
Prebble, who rode nine winners in 1999 and 2000 at the four-day Flemington Melbourne Cup carnival, was apprenticed to Terry O’Sullivan before transferring to John Meagher to finish his apprenticeship.
He spent 15 years riding in Hong Kong from late 2002 before returning to Australia, firstly based in his home state of Victoria, prior to relocating to Sydney.
Prebble has owned and operated riding gear business Persuader for 25 years and he will concentrate on that firm alongside business partner Mark Bourke.