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Guest columnist

Buzzing crowds make Aussie Racing very different

By James Doyle

 It never ceases to amaze me just how enthusiastic Australian crowds are when they go to the races. The atmosphere they generate is incredible.

 As a jockey, when you walk into the paddock it is very different. You can feel the buzz about the place, the anticipation. You feel the eyes of the crowd focussing on you and your horse.

 I have ridden in India, where crowds can be fanatical, but I must say that Australian fans take it to a different level. It is exciting.

 The statistics show that one in 20 Australians owns a share in a racehorse, and that level of interest in our sport really comes across.

 This weekend I am embarking on the long trip to Melbourne, to ride Godolphin’s Folkswood and Jungle Cat in their respective races at Caulfield for Charlie Appleby. 

 I boarded a plane in London on Thursday night, UK time, and I am scheduled to touch down in Melbourne early Saturday morning, Australian Eastern Standard time.

 Travelling via Dubai, where I change planes, the journey takes around 23 hours.

 Obviously, there is plenty of time to reflect on past experiences of riding in Australia, and also what might be expected on this fleeting visit.

 I have never before ridden at Caulfield but I have done plenty of homework, speaking to those who have done it, and I will speak to weighing room mates in Melbourne, as well.

 I have watched countless videos of past races, and when I walk the Caulfield track before racing, all the different points I have picked up should fall into place.

 Riding races in Australia is pressurised from start to finish. In the UK, you often have the luxury of getting your early position and then relaxing for a while before the race starts to unfold.

 It’s not like that Down Under. There, you must always be tactically aware, from the time ‘the barrier’ opens. Even if you hit the front in the home straight, travelling strongly, you are on constant watch for the late finisher.

 One of the trickiest tracks I have ridden Is Moonee Valley in Melbourne — I rode in a G1 Cox Plate — because it is so tight and the straight so short. Caulfield, I know, will be different.

 My most successful day in Australia came at Randwick in Sydney early last year (on Saturday, 14 January) when I was fortunate enough to pick up four winners.

 I am hopeful that my two rides for Godolphin at Caulfield this weekend can also be successful. I am looking forward to it.