There are not many jockeys in any era that can point to a milestone of riding 2000 race winners during their riding career. But when you are sixty two years of age and still in the saddle and riding winners, the achievement is all the more special.
Neville (Nifty) Wilson achieved this milestone recently at Stawell in Western Victoria when he rode Cocojet to victory to become the only jockey of his age to ride 2000 race winners in Australia.
Neville’s career as a jockey began in 1960 when he commenced his apprenticeship at the tender age of 14. Forty six rides later and three years on he rode his first winner on a horse called Touress at Mansfield. Since that time Neville Wilson has ridden winners everywhere in Victoria, from the provincial circuit to the metropolitan area. Included in his 2000 winners are a career highlight three Group One wins aboard his favourite galloper Redelva whom he piloted to win a Lightning Stakes, William Reid Stakes and Futurity Stakes.
He has also won 16 South Western District Racing Association jockeys premierships and six Pat Hyland medals for the best jockey in the region – the votes being cast by Stewards.
Away from the saddle, Neville is also President of the Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA), and has played a key role in many of the gains that the VJA has successfully negotiated for jockeys.
The ATA extends its congratulations to Neville Wilson for achieving this wonderful milestone of 2000 race winners. The Victorian racing industry is extremely proud of his achievement.
