General News
1 September, 2025
Keith Ballard recognised with Spirit of Racing Award
The legendary Outback jockey was in the spotlight at the Australian Racing Hall of Fame gala.
Black Caviar, Winx, Peter Moody, Zac Purton, John Tapp and Keith Ballard – all champions of Australian racing who were recognised at a gala function in Brisbane on Sunday as part of the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards.
While the now-retired Outback jockey says he's humbled to be sharing the stage with such icons, Keith said he was pleased that Australian racing recognised the contribution of those in the bush.
“The first inkling I got was when they called my name,” Ballard said on Monday morning after he was presented the Spirit of Racing Award.
“It didn’t even register when they started to read things out because I thought it wasn’t possible, you know.
“We were always going to come (to the Brisbane awards) because they rotate the states all the time so it only comes to Queensland once every six or seven years and it was an opportunity for us to attend.
“So, we went to the 160-year dinner at Eagle Farm on Saturday and backed up here (on Sunday).
“It’s been a wonderful weekend.”
Along with wife Denise and son Dan, the Ballards were joined by family friend, owner and stablehand Tammy Parry, along with long-time friends Neil and Sharon McDonald.
“I think the first five rides I had (for the McDonalds) were four winners,” Keith said.
“They used to have a lead-up race to the (Mount Isa) Cup, a 1400m race the week before, the Patrons Handicap.
“Their horse Walkaway won that and ran a track record. They brought him back to the Coppermarket (1200m) the next week and he won it.
“I rode him from go to whoa. He was a lazy bugger and he won by a couple of lengths.
“He then came out and won the Diggers Cup (1660m) the next week.”
The legendary bush jockey, who rode 1700 winners across a 55-year career in the saddle, also praised the contribution of Parry to the team.
“There’s no show without Tammy,” he said.
“Denise and Tammy are like bloody sisters. She’s been mates with the whole Parry family for years.”
With so many racing stars in the room at the Star Casino in Brisbane, Keith said he was eager to catch up with one man in particular, Hall of Fame inductee John Tapp.
“It was mind-blowing,” he said of the names who were inducted or elevated to legend status on Sunday.
“Zac (Purton) was one of the big reasons we came. He was an extra lever for us because he is a good friend.
“Unfortunately, (star Hong Kong sprinter) Ka Ying Rising was barrier trialling and he wanted to ride him. And rightly so – he’s possibly the best sprinter in the world and he doesn’t want to be off him, so that’s why Zac didn’t come.
“But, you know, Moods (Black Caviar’s trainer Peter Moody) is a personal friend and I desperately wanted to meet John Tapp and I got to do that.
“In a function like last night, everyone wants a bit of John Tapp, but I got my little bit, which was fantastic.”
Keith, who is already a member of the Racing Queensland Hall of Fame, said it was an honour to big given national recognition.
“Anything or anyone who is recognised out of country racing is a boost for country racing,” he said.
“I’ve always said that if a journalist or anyone ever wanted to talk to me and it was about country racing – as long as they don't want to dig up shit – I've always made myself available because it's part of your job.
“I just think that I owe country racing a lot because it's done a lot for me.
“I just take on board (that my recognition) was on behalf of country racing.”
Keith saved his final words for praise for his family.
“It’s extremely strong,” he said of his relationship with Denise, who continues to train horses in Mount Isa.
“We’ve had a great life and a lot of it’s because she’s supported me in every way.
“All I’ve had to do is my job because Denise has done everything else for me. She’s just made life pretty easy.
“And Dan’s been a pretty big contributor, too, especially now as we’re getting a bit older and the world’s modernising.
“He and (daughter-in-law) Lacey are such great help. With the computer stuff and different things like Denise’s business, Lacey is always available to help, and so is Dan.
“Our family extends beyond Denise and me; we’ve had good support from the big circle for a long time.”
SUNDAY CELEBRATIONS
Major Awards
Champion Racehorse of the Year – Via Sistina
Champion 2YO of the Year – Marhoona
Champion 3YO Filly of the Year – Treasurethe Moment
Champion 3YO Colt/Gelding of the Year – Broadsiding
Champion Sprinter of the Year – Bella Nipotina
Champion Middle Distance Horse of the Year – Via Sistina
Champion Stayer of the Year – Knight’s Choice
Champion Jumper of the Year – Duke Of Bedford
Other Awards
Bart Cummings Award (Group 1 Trainer of the Year) – Chris Waller
Group 1 Jockey of the Year – James McDonald
Champion Sire of the Year – Zoustar
Australian Spirit of Racing Award – Keith Ballard
2025 Australian Racing Hall of Fame
New inductees
Horse – Hydrogen
Horse – Mahogany
Trainer – Peter Moody
Jockey – Zac Purton
Associate – John Tapp
Elevated to Legend status
Black Caviar
Winx