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SCOBIE: THE STORY OF SCOBIE BREASLEY






Arthur Edward "Scobie" Breasley (May 7, 1914 - December 21, 2006) was an Australian jockey. He won the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne five times: 1942-45 consecutively on TRANQUIL STAR, SKIPTON, COUNSEL and ST. FAIRY; then on PESHAWAR in 1952. He also won the Epsom Derby twice, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe once. After retiring from the saddle, he took up training from 1968 to 1980 and sent out Steel Pulse to win the 1972 Irish Sweeps Derby.
Breasley was born in 1914 in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales and was christened Arthur Edward, but while still very young was given the nickname "Scobie", after the famous Australian trainer James Scobie.
During his career, Breasley rode 3,251 winners including over 1,000 in Australia and 2,161 in Britain. He rode over 100 winners in England every year from 1955 to 1964, and was Champion Jockey in 1957 and continuously from 1961-63. He won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for the only time on BALLYMOSS in 1958, and the Epsom Derby for the first time at the age of 50 on SANTA CLAUS in 1964, then again on CHARLOTTOWN in 1966. He also teamed up with such popular horses as TRELAWNY and REFORM.
He developed a great rivalry with Sir Gordon Richards, and later with the younger jockey Lester Piggott. He was renowned for his exquisite balance in the saddle, for refusing to race wide, and for his sparing use of the whip, preferring to use hands and heels.
Breasley retired as a jockey in 1968 and took up training in Epsom (England), France, the United States, and Barbados where he and his wife owned a holiday home. He sent out STEEL PULSE to win the 1972 Irish Sweeps Derby. He retired in 1990 and returned to live in Melbourne.
The racing authorities in the state of Victoria struck a medal in his honour, awarded annually since 1996 to the best jockey in the state. On its formation, Scobie Breasley was the first person inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
Scobie Breasley died on December 21, 2006, after suffering a stroke a few days earlier.
Scobie, who not only triumphed on the turf in Australia, but who also beat all comers in England to become perhaps the most fabled Australian jockey of the century. Scobie - the sweet stylist...all timing and grace. Never were man and horse at one than when Scobie slipped into the saddle.
(49 Minutes)
Listing Info: | |
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Listing ID: | 1127 |
Format(s) Available: | DVD And VHS |
Category: | Australian & New Zealand Flat Racing |