Former jockey Tye Angland is forging a new career on the racetrack
Former champion jockey TYE ANGLAND talks about forging his new life after his career was tragically cut short and the importance of The Everest to Sydney racing.
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If my situation was different, I would be doing what I love and riding on a big Group 1 day at Royal Randwick on Saturday. But obviously my career as a jockey was cut short by my fall in Hong Kong last year, so am I doing the next best thing with my role as an expert commentator as part of Channel 7’s race day coverage.
I don’t like to dwell on what happened as it can get me down but I am very appreciative of what I have at the moment — and that is my amazing wife Erin and our beautiful children, and a very supportive network of family and friends.
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I am continuing my physiotherapy, also doing a weights and strengthening session, plus doing as much as I can at home.
With hard work and determination, I have gained some strength back in my upper body.
So, I know I need to keep working hard and maintain a healthy mindset.
I consider myself very fortunate to have such good support with people there for me when I need them.
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THERE were a few nerves to start with but I really enjoyed my first day as part of Channel 7’s team covering the Epsom meeting last week.
Back in the autumn, I was still in rehab but was able to get to Randwick for Winx’s last race, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, when Bruce McAvaney heard I was on course and found me. Being the wonderful man he is, he gave me a kiss on the head and wished me well.
I’ve watched you achieve many things over the years, yesterday was something special â™¥ï¸ #TeamTye @TeamTye1 @tyeangland @TommyBerry21 @7horseracing @atc_races pic.twitter.com/m2B5oLlwpc
— Erin Angland (@erinangland) October 6, 2019
We got talking that day and Bruce said if the situation came up would I be interested in coming on the panel as part of Channel 7’s racing coverage.
I said it would be something I’d enjoy doing and, sure enough, the people at Channel 7 followed that up and I started last week.
The first on-camera piece I did was interviewing Tommy (Berry) in the jockeys’ room which I hope went well. Unfortunately, my hand function hasn’t really improved at all so although I wasn’t really holding the microphone, I was able to balance it in my hand.
Bruce is the ultimate professional and he carries the coverage but he makes you feel very much a part of the team.
From rodeos to @7horseracing coverage, @tyeangland sure is talented!
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 5, 2019
We’re stoked to see him taking on the new caper. 👠pic.twitter.com/F8uKvkYQnT
He gave me a lot of support and I felt comfortable working alongside him. He is the type of person who brings out the best in you.
I realise there is always room for improvement but I felt the longer the day went, the more relaxed I became.
Obviously, being a jockey, it is part of your job to handle the media. You get used to being on camera and getting asked questions.
But it is a very different role from talking about your own rides to voicing an opinion on other jockeys’ rides and what they are doing in a race. I had no problem discussing what was happening at Randwick as I know how the jockeys ride in Sydney but it was a bit more challenging talking about the Melbourne races.
By the end of the day, I must admit I was exhausted and I lost my voice Saturday night but overall it was a great experience and I’m looking forward to Spring Champion Stakes day on Saturday.
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THE Everest is next level — it is so good for racing. I got to ride in both The Everests run so far, finishing out the back on Fell Swoop in 2017 then riding Trapeze Artist into second placing last year.
In the first year, everyone was saying “what is this all about” but then last year, everyone just wanted to be a part of it. The race was established from year two and just keeps getting bigger every year.
The final field for The Everest next week is still being finalised but the quality of sprinters already in the race is outstanding.
Obviously, the barrier draw on Tuesday night is going to be crucial, it will play a massive part in deciding the Everest outcome.
If you have a standout horse in a race you can overcome an awkward barrier but when the field is so even, as this Everest is shaping, then the draw becomes so important.