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.

Frank had ridden in the Melbourne Cup 8 times, his best a third in 1964 on Welltown before the 1973 Cup.

In 1973, he rode Gala Supreme to a second place in the Caulfield Cup. This second place meant that he still only had a handicap of 49kgs in the Melbourne Cup.

For the 1973 Melbourne Cup Frank drew the most outside barrier - 24! No one had ever won from this position!

Frank was also the oldest jockey at 41 in this Melbourne Cup race.

During a 27-year racing career, Frank notched up 1,329 wins and was renowned for his professionalism and unassuming nature.

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)

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)

Frank Reys with daughter, Shelley

Achievements

Group 1 races are the most esteemed races around the world, featuring the greatest sprint and staying racehorses from across the globe. Horses in these races are the best of the best, and each contest is a test of class.
(Victoria Racing Club)

Frank's Group 1 wins

Melbourne Cup (1973) - Gala Supreme
Oakleigh Plate (1972) - Dual Choice
Oakleigh Plate (1971) - Dual Choice
Caulfield Guineas (1970) - Dual Choice
VRC Classic-Craven 'A' Stakes (1970) - Dual Choice
Australian Cup (1969) - Cyron (NZ)
Sir Rupert Clarke-Invitation Stakes (1969) - Heralding
Toorak (1969) - Crewman
VRC Classic-Craven 'A' Stakes (1967) - Iga Ninja
VRC Oaks (1962) - Arctic Star

Photo Gallery

Frank with his brothers

Frank in racing colours

Melbourne Cup win on Gala Supreme

Frank with his trainer Ray Hutchins

Frank kissing Melbourne Cup

Frank with brothers after win

His granddaughter looking at display about Frank at Fleming Race Course

To see more, read his granddaughter's account - Reining Supreme, ABC News 2023
 [local copy]

Links

Autumn Leaves mp3 audio Local copy - Transcript of article	ABC - Hindsight: Aboriginal Stars of the Turf
Sydney Morning Herald - Nov 4 2013 - Forty Years On...	Racing.com - Frank Reys - The Ride of his life: 2017 Local copy - Transcript of the article
Reining Supreme - ABC News 5 November 2023 50 Year Anniversary Melbourne Cup win by Frank Reys Local Copy - Transcript of article by his granddaughter	Magical Milestones: Gala Supreme Victorian Racing Club 30 October 2023 Local Copy - Transcript of article
Shelly Reys: Living her father's legacy Victoria Racing Club 11 July 2023 Local Copy
Racing for Reconciliation - Racing Qld 16 September 2024
SBS - NITV 5 November 2024
Australian Dictionary of Biography Indigenous Australia Life Summary

YouTube Videos

Frank Reys - The Ride of his Life - Racing.com - 24 mins
https://youtu.be/u5TZVwdGgUg?si=pezB_6XhzBsX1l6x

Frank Reys - The Road to the Cup 4 mins
https://youtu.be/u7ONxqD4etA?si=zkJBgihq9SsI0NFV

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
Magical Milestones: Gala Supreme