Racing stalwart Tony McMahon recognised for contribution to industry
Tony McMahon has devoted more than 50 years to his “undying passion” and the Rockhampton Jockey Club is planning a special celebration to honour a life of incredible service.
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Rockhampton’s Callaghan Park has served as the backdrop for countless achievements in Tony McMahon’s storied career.
On Tuesday, it will feature again as the Rockhampton Jockey Club acknowledges the incredible contribution the sprightly 72-year-old has made to the horse racing industry in the city.
The club race meeting has been designed to pay homage to McMahon, who has decided to scale back his workload, including his contribution to the RJC, after a health scare several months ago.
RJC CEO David Aldred said it was important to acknowledge all that Tony had done for racing in Rockhampton.
Race 6 on the seven-race card has been named the Tony McMahon Recognition, while two other races will bear the name of champion horses the racing all-rounder trained - Mamselle Corday and Paradis Imperial.
“We’re just happy to recognise what he’s done for racing in the community and to allow him to celebrate that,” Aldred said.
“Tony’s worked in various areas of the industry for so long now and done it consistently well.
“When people step up to the plate for a long time and do a good job, it’s important that they’re recognised when they decide to take a step back.”
McMahon said he appreciated the recognition from the RJC, which had been part of his journey since 1988.
The industry all-rounder launched his career as a race caller in Lismore as a 17-year-old.
He went on to fill countless roles including chief steward, trainer, racing writer and commentator.
He came to Rockhampton in 1988 and the following year was appointed caller for the RJC, a position he held for 16 years.
“Horse racing has consumed my life since I was 10 and I have an undying passion for it,” McMahon said.
“I’ve always been a stickler for accuracy, fairness and balance in my writings and tried to uphold that ideal in all my endeavours in racing.
“I got great satisfaction from representing licensees, jockeys and trainers as an advocate at their appeals against stewards’ decisions and I loved writing feature stories on the success of the ‘little people’ and battlers in racing.”
McMahon was a two-time winner of the Australian Racing Writer Award but it was as a trainer that he experienced some of his biggest thrills.
They came courtesy of Paradis Imperial who was Australia’s ‘‘winningest’’ two-year-old in 2017 and Mamselle Corday who claimed the prestigious Rockhampton Cup in 2018.
Racing is in McMahon’s blood and he will continue to stay invested through his share in various race horses and calling country meetings, including Yeppoon’s Derby Day races this Saturday.
His success has come from a genuine love of the industry, hard work and ingenuity.
“My advice to any young industry personnel is never believe in your own publicity, head down and bum up is a better way to go,” McMahon said.
“I’m proud that I have achieved what I have achieved in racing in Queensland and New South Wales without ever crawling on my knees to get there.”
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