Group 1-winning jockey Robbie Dolan in top form after Queensland move

Group 1 winning hoop and 2022 The Voice Australia contestant Robbie Dolan has hit the ground running in Queensland as he opens up on family life and his new found confidence.

Robbie Dolan is loving life on and off the track in Queensland. Picture: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography

Superstar jockey Robbie Dolan is only three months into his Queensland transition but has already won over many fans with recent wins.

The 27-year-old Irishman made headlines in 2022 as a standout contestant on The Voice Australia and gained significant attention for his singing, with the jockey branching out and doing gigs on the side.

He said his race riding slipped away during that period which is a key reason for the move from Sydney to Brisbane.

“I feel it’s gone pretty well, in this game you can always go better but sometimes it doesn’t work out,” he said.

“I feel I’m riding well and riding with a lot more confidence than I have for the past few years.

“If I can keep going the way that I’m going then the sky’s the limit.”

Tojaki too dominant on speed! 🔥

Robbie Dolan is going great guns in Queensland. 💪@[e-mail]/kQcDQZ5iiJ

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) November 25, 2023

The natural lightweight rider, who is a two-time Group 1 winner, has recorded 20 wins and 30 placings from 134 starts since making the move north in October.

“I think I’m just thriving in the atmosphere and in the Queensland lifestyle,” he said.

“It’s obviously not easy like it’s still very challenging and competitive as there are plenty of good jockeys here but I’m enjoying the off-track life and I think that’s playing a part.”

Dolan also credited his recent good form thanks to the teachings of former leading jockey, now trainer, Chris Munce.

“There’s been a few key trainers that have shown their support which has been great and Chris Munce has been really great to work alongside,” he said.

Robbie Dolan winning the Group 1 The Galaxy on Shelby Sixtysix last year. Picture: Getty Images

“He was obviously an amazing jockey back in the day so to ride for him and get his perspective on certain races has been a massive help.

“He understands that not everything always goes to plan in a race but different moments and decisions have different outcomes.”

Dolan has two rides for Munce at Eagle Farm on Saturday aboard Poster Girl ($10) in the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) and Jetty ($13) in the Listed Bernborough Plate (1600m).

Dolan and his partner Christine welcomed their daughter Maisie 15 weeks premature last year and endured 110 days of intensive care treatment as a result.

He said the pair were still back home in Sydney but hoped that could change in the new year.

“I’m taking it meeting by meeting at this stage but I’m close to hitting 300 career wins which would be pretty special and a nice goal I’d like to aim for,” he said.

“Christine and Maisie are still back home so without her none of this would be possible and she’s doing such an amazing job with everything.
“Nothings permanent in this game but at the moment I’d like to be staying here for the foreseeable future.”

Originally published as Group 1-winning jockey Robbie Dolan in top form after Queensland move