Francis Reys (1931 - 1984) - JOCKEY

(Source: Herald Sun)

Introduction

Frank Reys (c.1931–1984) was the first, and to date, only Australian Aboriginal jockey to win the prestigious Melbourne Cup when, in 1973, he rode to victory on Gala Supreme.

Gala Supreme was foaled in 1969 and was by Gala Crest out of the mare Smoke Fairy (by Talisman) As well as the 1973 Melbourne Cup, the gelding's main wins were in the 1973 VATC Herbert Power Handicap, 1973 VATC Manfred Stakes and 1974 STC N.E. Manion Cup. Trained by Ray Hutchins, he was ridden to victory in the Melbourne Cup by Frank Reys at 9/1 in the time of 3.19.15. Gala Supreme defeated Glengowan and Daneson in to second and third places and collected $153600 to become the first Victorian bred horse to win the Melbourne Cup since Wodalla in 1953. After his racing days were over, he became a successful show horse. (Source: RaceRate)

Listen to the story of Frank by his brother Fred, 2010

Frank Reys was born in about 1931, one of 14 children, 8 boys and 6 girls. His father, who had immigrated to North Queensland before Frank was born, was a Filipino labourer and cook who worked on farms in North Queensland – inland from Cairns. He was born of his father's second relationship, and Frank was the first child of 9 to his Aboriginal mother [Anne].

Frank Reys' father was Filipino and his mother Aboriginal, a descendent of the Djiribul people of Northern Queensland.

Did You Know? Location of Djiribul nation Speech from Shelley Reys ....."Djiribul nation in Innisfail, northern Queensland. There are two Djiribul areas, one the rainforest people which is where my great grandmother is from, an area spanning what is now Cardwell through to Mallanda in the Queensland tablelands". (Source: Reconciliation Australia - Shelley Reys) (Source: Google Maps)

Yet, he was widely reported as Filipino only throughout his career. Many believed that it would have hindered his prospects had he discussed his Aboriginal heritage openly in a time of racial discrimination and legislative limitations.

Frank's daughter Shelley Reys once said: "...My father was one of the fourteen children. It was a different time in those days, a time where Indigenous heritage was not valued as it is today. The reconciliation movement was yet to be realised and people were marginalised simply on the basis of race and colour. Many years on, we are a different nation where fellow Australians not only acknowledge Indigenous people and culture, but appreciate that it is an intrinsic part of being Australian and in doing so, celebrate it". And later, "Dad was proud of their Aboriginal and Filipino heritage. Both parents made their mark in shaping who he was, as too his many brothers and sisters".

Frank Reys died from cancer in 1984 – aged 53 (Source: Wikipedia)

Education:

"Frank Reys' Melbourne Cup win of 1973 put him in the record books as the first Aboriginal Australian to win the coveted trophy - a win which came after years of hard work. Born in 1931, Frank was the eldest child of his father’s second marriage. He was a larrikin, smart and self-motivated. As a child he and his siblings spent much of their time swimming in fresh water creeks, throwing themselves from flying foxes into rivers, and riding wild brumbies through the Atherton Tablelands. Along with his brothers, he would ride all day long and developed a great love for horses. Once older, Frank sought to turn his riding into a viable career - he wanted to be a jockey. Being young and black it was a hard slog but Frank rose above it and obtained his riding licence in June 1953.

Settling in Melbourne, Frank began a long and successful career as a jockey and on the first Tuesday in November 1973, he won the Melbourne Cup. The press, the neighbourhood and local community were running on overdrive with accolades and adoration. His Melbourne Cup win garnered considerable media coverage and had him labelled as the public’s favourite. Yet, he had been a successful jockey long before the Melbourne Cup. He won the Oaks, the Oakleigh Plate twice, the Lightning Stakes twice, the William Reid Stakes twice, came second in the Derby and came second in the Caulfield Cup just to name a few of his triumphs. In all, he won an impressive 1329 races throughout his career. From his first ride in 1949 to his retirement in 1976, his career was bookended by winning his first and last rides." (Source: Graeme Weatherburn, Deputy Principal - Gilston State School, 2013)

Employment & Training:

Reys' career began in Northern Queensland. He raced in North Queensland, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne and Victoria and won his first ride in 1948 as a 16 year old.

In his career as a jockey he had 1,330 winning rides, made more impressive by the fact that there was only one metropolitan and one regional race meeting per week compared to today where one can race day, every day.

His 1973 Melbourne Cup win was his last. In winning his last race at 45 years of age in 1976.

(Source: Herald Sun)

Teenage Frank was first indentured as an apprentice jockey in June 1949, to trainer Alfred Baker at Cairns. Later his apprenticeship was transferred to trainer Gordon Shelley.

During his apprenticeship Reys rode about 45 winners. He began at Cannon Park Racecourse at Cairns, and at other district meetings. At a meeting at Gordonvale Reys won his first race riding a horse named Cruedon. In the autumn of 1950, Baysure gave him his first win in Brisbane. At the end of his apprenticeship he travelled widely and became on of a few who have ridden over 1000 winners. One notable performance was in Queensland when he rode four winners in one afternoon at Cunnamulla. He won the Cunnamulla Cup on three occasions.

In his early riding years Reys worked hard to establish himself as a fully fledged jockey without the assistance of anyone but his "boss", Mr. Shelley. (Source: Wikipedia)

Experiences:

Only six years on from the 1967 decision which handed Indigenous Australians the right to vote, the 1973 Melbourne Cup provided more Aboriginal triumph - with 41-year-old jockey, Frank Reys.

Reys had faced a turbulent career as a jockey. He had ridden over 1300 winners, but had also broken nearly every bone in his body.

Between 1969 and early 1972, Reys was out of the saddle for a combined 70 weeks. Towards the end of 1972 he injured himself on the family property, setting himself up for a further 42-week stint on the sidelines.

Less than three months after returning from that hiatus, he climbed aboard Gala Supreme, a nine-one chance in the Melbourne Cup of that year.

It was his best opportunity of achieving a lifelong dream.

Jumping from the outside in barrier 24, Reys settled Gala Supreme in the field but had worked to sixth by the final turn.

It looked as though Glengowan and Daneson had too greater lead, but Reys and Gala Supreme flew home to win in a photo finish.

Following the race, Reys gave an emotional speech where he talked about picking himself off the ground and repeatedly overcome adversity. (Source: Herald Sun)

Links

Autumn Leaves	ABC - Hindsight: Aboriginal Stars of the Turf
Sydney Morning Herald - Nov 4 2013 - Forty Years On...	Herald Sun - Nov 4 2013

Online: The Melbourne Cup Numbers

5. Based on these statistics, what would you recommend to a trainer for the best horse to win?

Material sourced from 

ABC: Autumn Leaves;
RaceRate;
Herald Sun;
Graeme Weatherburn, Deputy Principal - Gilston State School, 2013
Wikipedia