Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions
Not far off his 83rd birthday, John Jeffs; affectionately known by many as "JJ," is still passionate about his involvement in the industry he loves so much.
For many years working in racing administration as one of the most respected track managers in the country, he spent five years working in that role for the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Returning to Australia for a stint at Randwick, he then made himself one of the most well known faces on the sales circuit; the go-to person as 'front of house' for major breeders as he manages their drafts at the sales complexes.
Along the way he has made lots of memories and many friends, enjoying the catch-ups at the sales with "people I've been chatting with for 30 and 40 years."
What advice would you give to a 20-year-old just starting out in racing?
Listen and try to learn. Nobody knows it all so be prepared to close your mouth and open your ears! And don't ever stop listening; I have been working at the sales for 27 years now and just today a young kid said to me 'why don't we do that this way?' and I thought 'yes that's a great idea.'
John Jeffs working at the sales | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
There are so many beautiful, knowledgeable people in this industry willing to share their experiences and don't ever think that anyone is passed their used-by date!
Are there any figures in the racing industry who you feel deserve more recognition for their contribution?
No one will ever convince me that you can pay strappers enough, they always deserve more money and more recognition.
And the barrier attendants, they are the most important people on race day; if they don't do their job right everyone is at a disadvantage.
Barrier attendants after loading a full field at Rosehill | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
What has been the biggest obstacle you faced in your career?
I have been very, very fortunate to have never really faced any major obstacles during my time in racing; firstly in 42 years in administration and since then working at the sales. It's such a great game, I don't know what I'd be doing without it.
I've had people ask me recently if I am considering retirement and I say 'why, what would I do?' Sit at home with some mind-numbing hobby, I'd go berserk! I could not ask for a better life than having worked in racing for all this time.
John Jeffs | Image courtesy of Inglis
Can you share a story that had a lasting impact on you?
When I first started as racecourse manager at the Sydney Turf Club the Chairman Sir Clyde Kennedy asked me to go for a walk out onto the track with him.
He pointed to the grandstand and said 'its a beautiful stand isn't it Jeff?'
I said 'yes it is,' and he then looked down, pointed at the grass and said 'forget that, forget everything else, this is the stage and if there's no stage, there's no play.'
The grass is the mainstage | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
I have never forgotten that and in the years following whenever I was invited to visit a race club I would always say the same things.
Which people influenced your career the most?
The three greatest men in my life; Sir Clyde Kennedy, Jim Fleming and Major General Guy Watkins.
Sir Clyde was a wonderful man, very firm but very fair and admired by everyone; he was a great administrator.
Jim Fleming, well there really isn't much need to say much, every one acknowledges that he was Australia's greatest racing administrator. I've asked racing people if they thought the AJC/STC amalgamation would have taken place under his watch and the answer is always 'no!'"
(It was Fleming who pointed JJ in the direct of his new career; asking him to help him with his Tyreel draft at the Sydney sales, and he has not looked back since!)
I still keep in touch with Guy Watkins, he is in retirement living in Surrey. He was the youngest ever Major General in the English army and is so well liked and respected. Just a lovely, lovely man.
