Author Description

Coming from an Aboriginal family involved in racing, John Maynard has always know there have been more Aboriginal jockeys contributing to Australian racing than is generally known. In Aborigines and the Sport of Kings he combines his skills as a researcher and historian with his deep knowledge of Australian racing. In this revised edition he celebrates the significant and exciting Aboriginal involvement in Australian racing history. For Aboriginal pastoral workers to move from being the backbone of the pastoral industry to being superb jockeys was an obvious step. Amongst the many Aboriginal jockeys highlighted in the book are Merv Maynard, Norm Rose, Frank Reys, Richard Lawrence 'Darby' McCarthy and Leigh-Anne Goodwin, Australia's first female Aboriginal jockey to ride a winner at a metropolitan track. Published formerly as Aboriginal stars of the turf.