The inspiring revival of Coast’s greatest jockey Dan Griffin

Jockey Dan Griffin is the undisputed King of the Coast but midway through last year he was a broken man.

JOCKEY Dan Griffin is the undisputed King of the Coast but midway through last year he was a broken man.

Physically and mentally he was shattered.

A broken neck suffered at the track he had dominated for years had taken him out just weeks after he returned from shoulder surgery but it was just part of a life changing period Griffin conceded plunged him into despair.

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Not long after suffering the injury he always vowed would be the moment he gave up riding, Griffin’s 10-year relationship with wife Jana broke down and he was left trying to pick up the pieces while staying strong for daughter Ayla, 7, between his recovery from injury.

For the first time Griffin, 38, has opened up about the dark period of his life and his incredible journey back to the saddle and a record ninth Gold Coast jockeys premiership after tallying 42 wins over the course of the 2018-19 season.

“I’ve come back from injury before to win but this one, mentally I was probably broken as well,” Griffin said.

Dan Griffin has won the 2018-19 Gold Coast jockeys premiership. He is pictured at Aquis Park. Photo by Richard Gosling

“To lift up and get through it was a bloody big achievement for me.

“I always said if I would ever break my neck that I would retire because it’s something I didn’t want to take the gamble with.

“But I went through the divorce and then having a young daughter and the flexibility of racing it was probably my best option to come back.

“There were a few dark moments where I didn’t think I’d be able to pull through it but my mum and dad, close friends and my manager Glenn Perry, they banded together and lifted me up.

“I was able to pull through and regain a bit of strength and get back into it.”

Griffin said the major injury contributed to his relationship breakdown

“Every time you get injured there are a lot of bad injuries and down time and mentally its draining. I think it was a combination of things,” Griffin said.

“For the first bit I was living up at mum and dads. There were plenty of late nights sitting around the fire having a yarn with them.

“The strength of them and having a guy and guidance and love and support from them and close friends really got me back. I wasn’t in a good place for a fair while there.

“I didn’t rely on the bottle, I never drank. You honestly felt like your world was going to come crashing down and the only positive I had in it was Ayla.

“I spent a lifetime with somebody and then for that to come crumbling down when you are already down and out was a pretty tough spill to swallow.

“It was pretty dark and grim there for a bit.”

Griffin had managed to make comebacks before after knee and shoulder injuries but he faced mental demons when he returned to the saddle for trackwork in September and racing in November.

“The Gold Coast trainers support has always been great. This time people knew mentally I wasn’t there,” Griffin said.

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“Every time I have come back from injury they know I’m 100 per cent focused and committed and this time there was a bit of a cloud over it.

“Credit to them they all dug deep they gave me the opportunity to come and ride.”

Griffin had given up a three-month headstart to rival jockeys but the moment he started racing was the moment he believed he could win another premiership.

“The moment I came back I thought if I’m coming back then I’m coming back a winner,” Griffin said.

“There are more downs than ups in racing and if you don’t have a goal or mindset then it can get a bit too much.

“I find a lot of young riders don’t really set their goals and achievements.

“Sometimes they are unrealistic but you have to set them. If you can accomplish them then it keeps you going forward and positive out there and racing is a massive confidence sport.

“If you’re confident, things just happen out there but if you doubt yourself, you can only expect a trainer to doubt you as well.”

Griffin has since started a new relationship with jockey Tay Williams.

“I’m in a good place now. My daughter is doing really well and I’m in a new relationship.

“Life is good and I’m happy.”

Griffin still gets headaches relating to his neck injury and his shoulder and knee joints ache through the colder months but he loves it.

Griffin’s dream is to win 10 Gold Coast jockeys premierships, something well within reach.

“I’ll be attacking it again this year,” Griffin said.

“You can’t do it unless you’re on the right cattle and have the right support.”

His building connection with leading Gold Coast trainer Les Kelly in the second half of the season played a huge part in Griffin’s success and the jockey is now considering whether he should continue to be the stable rider or go back to freelance work.

“I’m really grateful for the support of Les and the team,” Griffin said.

“His owners are really good. It’s one of those things when you’re riding for a stable sometimes it will cost you and sometimes it’s good for you.

“Trainers will look and see Les has one in it and not bother ringing.

“It might have too much weight or might not have enough and will go without a ride in that race because they think you have a commitment.

“But their support has been terrific. I don’t know what the new season entails or if they use the same rider.

“I probably enjoy being a freelance rider and getting rides for a lot of people.”

Among Griffin’s other goals is to finally win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic one day.

“That is my Melbourne Cup. It’s my home track and have ridden so many good horses in the race, that is one I definitely like to tick off before I hang the boots up.”