Written by Emma Berry
Timing is everything. Well, almost. The organisers of the STC International Jockeys’ Challenge in Riyadh on the eve of the Saudi Cup meeting were a little late in calling Glen Boss to request his participation, but not so much that they haven’t been able to persuade the star jockey out of retirement for one last hurrah.
“It was actually the day after I retired that I got the call – if they had asked me two weeks after that, I might have said no,” Boss recalled on Thursday morning at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. “I was thrilled – I’ve obviously ridden in a lot of countries around the world and never been to Saudi Arabia, so it was a great opportunity to come here and see how things are done.”
Boss is one of seven male riders competing against seven female jockeys from around the world through four races on Friday. Among those he will be riding against are French-born, Japan-based Christophe Lemaire, Britain’s Jim Crowley and Hayley Turner, and Joel Rosario and recent Eclipse Award-winning apprentice Jessica Pyfer from the US.
“It was actually the day after I retired that I got the call – if they had asked me two weeks after that, I might have said no.” - Glen Boss
He continued: “It took me about two seconds to say yes to this. I knew I would have a month or so off then this in February would give me something to focus towards. I started riding work again, did some jump-outs, and it just gave me an opportunity to see another racing jurisdiction to see how it is done.
“I rode a lot in other countries and I think that it doesn’t matter where you are, unless you travel and see what other people are doing, you’ve got no idea. Just as a rider I would never have learnt so much unless I had travelled; when I came home, I was a better person for it.”
The 52-year-old, who has won all of Australian racing’s major prizes during a 37-year career in the saddle, promises that this is not the start of a comeback, but one final chance to compete on the world’s stage.
“A lot of the other male jockeys in the jockeys’ challenge I know; a lot of the women I don’t, and I am looking forward to riding against these young women because, as everyone knows, women around the world are really getting their foot in the door and making a huge impact, which I am fully behind,” he said. “I think the concept of seven men and seven women is a beautiful one because it gives the women a chance to showcase their incredible talents.”
"...I am looking forward to riding against these young women because, as everyone knows, women around the world are really getting their foot in the door and making a huge impact, which I am fully behind.” - Glen Boss
Boss continued: “I’m going to take it very seriously – I feel I am representing my country, but I am also representing myself. I’m going to build as many points as I can and hopefully hold that trophy. If I happened to do that, it would be a crowning moment in my career.
“I promise this is going to be the ‘drop the mic’ moment. I’ve had so many calls from Australia asking if this is going to be a door opening for me to start up again and, trust me, it's not. This is going to be the last moment I ever ride a racehorse, and to get to do it in Saudi is quite a thrill.”
