Ken Russell - By: K Cummings

The late Ken Russell was an extraordinary jockey with impressive statistics that could have eventually remained in the record books for a long time to come if it wasn't for an unfortunate accident that took his life. During his career, he won 1804 races of over 10,000 races. For the most part, Russell was good on any track. His successful riding career took him to the Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Macau, and Malaysia. Back home Down Under he was nicknamed 'King of the Coast' and 'Monto Marvel' as he stormed Queensland's Gold Coast track right though his career.

Russell's father was a dairy farmer who was also an amateur jockey before the Second World War. He continued riding after the war, winning the 1958 Central Queensland Derby astride Gayndah Bay at Rockhampton. Gordon embarked on a career in training which lasted over thirty years. Russell won the Rockhampton Cup on Panard, a horse trained by his father. He began his apprenticeship soon after his formal education, riding for his father on some mornings, and took on a few local amateur rides. After his apprenticeship, Ken was granted a professional license. An initial move south-east of the state proved unsuccessful, prompting his to return to Rockhampton after a brief period. He began riding for trainer Lloyd Hickmott in Townsville and Mackay as well. Ken's first winner was on 24th June 1972 on a track in Banana near Biloela.

Russell moved back south in October 1979, riding for Hickmott on the Gold Coast and Queensland's biggest ever bookmaker Laurie Bricknell who raced Venom. Success was in his blood where he became the leading rider in the next season. What followed were extraordinary achievements which included 4 winners in a day on 24 occasions. He also rode 3 winners in a day on 106 occasions. Scoring a double in a day became a habit which he repeated 315 times. He also won 14 Jockeys Premierships during his career.

Some of Russell's other notable achievements were the Queensland Derby on Hidden Rhythm. He won two Magic Millions with Sea Cabin and Malibu Magic and the 1984 Prime Minister's Cup on Avitt. In 1985, the Goldmarket on Princess Tiber and BATC Tourist Minister's Cup on Sports Ruler were just two of many of his feature triumphs. Russell also won two Queensland Oaks on the Bart Cumming's-trained Round The World in 1987 and Triumphal Queen in 1989. Another memorable victory was in the AJC Doncaster Handicap on Merimbula Bay at 33/1 and the AJC Spring Champion Stakes on Sakana.

Russell rode for Sydney trainer Dr. Geoff Chapman during mid-1987, winning the STC Theo Marks Quality Gr. II astride Groucho. However, a near-fatal accident on Killer Khan at the Orange track left him with broken ribs and a lost kidney. However, Russell was back in the saddle within three months, but this time he was back to Rosehill after severing ties with Chapman. Back with his former premier trainer, Brian Mayfield-Smith, Russell continued his winning streak.

In January 1989, he romped home in the Magic Millions on a second string horse Malibu Magic, from Bart Cumming's stable. The duo beat their fancied stable-mate, Tristanagh by a narrow margin. 1991 was a great year for Russell with major triumphs in the STC George Ryder, STC Storm Queen Stakes, SAJC Angus Brut, and the SAJC Goodwood. His prowess on the track attracted offers from the Middle East and South-East.

Russell's illustrious career sadly ended in October 1993 when he fell of his mount, Tuig at Rosehill. Mayfield-Smith remembered him as one of the most dedicated jockeys of all time. In memory of the champ, a large portrait is placed at the foyer leading to the Gold Coast track. In Rockhampton, annual races are held in his memory, while in Monto a statue of Russell was erected in his honour. His last victory was in the race before his fatal fall on the 9th of October 1993 astride Whivory. Undoubtedly, many in the racing fraternity regard Russell as one of the greatest post war Australian jockeys.

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