Mount Isa jockey Keith Ballard to compete in last race marking end of 55 year career

Mount Isa based Keith Ballard has been racing for 55 years and is the oldest active jockey in the country. This weekend he will take part in his last race.

Keith Ballard (left) next to champion hoop Glen Boss and the Ballard family during last years Melbourne Cup tour in Mt Isa.

Hanging up the reins for the last time, 71-year-old Mount Isa jockey Keith Ballard will compete in his last race ever this weekend.

The oldest active jockey in Australia has competed in almost 10,000 races over his 55 year career and has more than 1300 wins under his belt.

Father and son jockey duo Keith and Dan Ballard. back in 2019. Photo – Peter Wallis

Horse racing runs through the Ballard’s veins, with the family inducted into the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame in 2021.

Mr Ballard’s wife Denise is a jockey turned trainer and their son Dan is also a jockey, who was elected as a Mount Isa councillor at the start of 2024.

Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter said Mr Ballard had cemented himself as a “leading light” in the North West Queensland racing scene.

Keith Ballard won the 2009 Birdsville Cup on Equitant, trained by Richard Simpson.

Mr Katter said Mr Ballards last race made him reminisce on early days spent enjoying the races with his family and friends.

“If I was to pick out the most significant representatives of the racing industry in North West Queensland, I would not hesitate to say Keith Ballard as well as George Tipping,” he said.

“For me personally, while Cloncurry boys don’t cry, I can’t help but recall stories of my father and the Backash brothers who were all obsessed with racing and of course having a punt as well.”

Mount Isa Rodeo 2024 – Bob Katter Federal Member for Kennedy and Leader of the Opposition Pater Dutton. Picture by Luke Marsden. – Photo Supplied

Mr Katter said Mr Ballards last race was the finale of the racing life of one of the “great titans” of his homeland and highlighted his success over the years.

“While many saw fortunes vanish, Keith as the leading light was able to look after his family and provide leadership in an industry that brought entertainment and community to our rural areas,” he said.

Originally published as Mount Isa jockey Keith Ballard to compete in last race marking end of 55 year career