Jack Martin doesn’t beat around the bush when discussing his enigmatic career in the saddle.
At only 27, the Victorian has experienced the highest of highs and is a Group 3 and Listed winning hoop following his successful association with the Peter Gelagotis-trained Moss’ N’ Dale, which won the 2018 Craven Plate at Royal Randwick and Tokyo City Cup at Morphettville.
He came through a promising class of apprentices that included Patrick Maloney and Jordan Childs, and for most parts, he matched motors with some of the best in Victoria.
Like everyone, he’s also suffered through the lowest of lows, with a car crash early in his apprenticeship almost claiming his life while puting a temporary halt to his promising career in the saddle.
More recently, the Canberra-based jockey spent six months on the sideline after being charged with ‘conduct prejudicial to the image and integrity of racing’ and ‘wagering on races’.
Although there were extenuating circumstances that not everyone was privy to, Martin copped the decision on the chin.
While disqualified, he worked behind a bar, gaining a new appreciation for his life as a jockey before working as a trackwork rider during the remainder of his suspension.
“It was hard, and since I’m originally from Melbourne, I ducked back home and lived with mum and dad for a bit and had the chance to ride work for Nick Ryan and Patrick Payne,” Martin said.
“I had gone away to Europe last winter and came back 63kg, and it took a long time to get fit, but this time, I made a promise not to let myself go during my time off.
“That meant I was riding up to 20 a morning, and it gave me a good base and a fire in the belly, plus I was making some good money at the same time.”
Since returning from his sabbatical, Martin has hit the ground running in the South East and Southern Districts.
Riding at Corowa on July 3, Martin won on the Andrew Dale-trained Chairman’s Choice, and followed that effort up with wins at Moruya (July 14), Wagga (July 15), Narrandera (July 16), Canberra (July 21), and a winning double at Leeton (July 22), which equates to 34 rides for seven wins.
“I was actually meant to ride at Moruya on the Friday before Corowa, but my dates got messed up, so I couldn’t ride, and I missed out on two winners,” he said.
“It was frustrating, but it gave me a bit more fire in the belly to ride a winner at my first few meetings back, but I didn’t think I’d get this number of winners.
“I did set myself a bit of a challenge coming back, and it doesn’t hurt getting some winners; the only way to get momentum in this industry is getting those results and your name in the paper for all the good reasons.”
For Martin, he was just thankful that trainers were still supporting him.
“I was going well at the end of last year, but with everything that happened, some owners and trainers parted ways, which I understand,” he said.
“I was lucky because a few trainers like Keith (Dryden), Andrew (Dale), Gratz (Vella), and Kayla’s old man (John Nisbet) stuck by me, and they could have easily turned their cheek, but they have still put me on.
“I’m just grateful to be repaying them with these results, and hopefully it can continue.”
The in-form hoop boasts an impressive resume since kicking off his career in 2013.
He took his first ride at Jerilderie when legged aboard Nice Wheels and brought up his first winner at Gunbower on Logical Lad.
He’s ridden over 250 winners, including metropolitan victories in Victorian, NSW, South Australia, and Tasmania, while riding and winning on handy gallopers such as Moss’ N Dale, Milwaukee, and North Afrika.
“My great grandfather (Albie Brown) was a jockey, but like most young Melbournian boys, I grew up wanting to play footy and cricket,” he laughed.
“When I realised that I wasn’t good enough at cricket and too small for footy, I decided to get into racing.
“None of my immediate family was involved in racing, but with my grandfather being an ex-jockey, we were always going to the races, so I did a school-based apprenticeship.”
Martin spent the first 12 months of his apprenticeship with Flemington trainer Mick Cerchi before a nasty car crash put him on the sideline.
“When he returned, Martin moved to Mornington and was indentured to Pat Carey for the remainder of his apprenticeship.
“I had a fairly good apprenticeship, and I rode Group and Listed winners and got some good results all over the place,” Martin said.
“I was able to ride in the first-ever All Star Mile, which was a massive thrill to be a part of; it was one of the biggest highlights of my early career.
“Then, like most apprentices, I had to work my arse off to keep my head above water in the strong Melbourne and provincial ranks once it ended.”
While many punters believe Martin moved to NSW for a chance to ride in the South East, he explained that fellow jockey Kayla Nisbet was the main attraction.
“A lot of people think that I moved for career opportunities, but I moved for love,” he said.
“I met Kayla through Jordan Mallyon, and I was back at home and mainly riding in the country, so I thought I’d move up here and get to spend more time with Kayla.”
Living in Canberra can be challenging in winter, but Martin is enjoying the central location to South East and Southern Districts racetracks.
“It’s hard work this time of year, being minus four in the mornings, but it’s good in the sense we are very central to all the places we are riding at,” he said.
As far as what the future holds for a lovestruck Martin, he wants to continue riding winners.
“I’ve never doubted my ability,” he said.
“I have ridden and competed with the best in Melbourne, and I think my time away from racing has done me a world of good.
“My weight is good, and I’m physically and mentally in a good spot, and there is that fire to want to ride winners.”
Martin will be back in action on Sunday, taking a good book of rides at the Sapphire Coast.
