Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil to represent fellow riders on Australian Jockeys’ Association board

Jye McNeil reached the peak of Australian racing with his Melbourne Cup win on Twilight Payment but he’ll take on a new challenge representing his fellow riders on the Australian Jockeys’ Association board.

Jye McNeil after winning the 2020 Melbourne Cup on the Joseph O’Brien-trained Twilight Payment. Photo: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images.

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil will have big shoes to fill in 2021.

McNeil reached the pinnacle of Australian racing when he won last month’s Melbourne Cup on Twilight Payment but will move deeper into the industrial relations side of racing next year.

McNeil will replace the long-time advocate Des O’Keeffe as one of the two Victorian representatives on the Australian Jockeys’ Association board alongside VJA chief executive Matt Hyland.

The rider said he has been interested in the conditions he and his fellow jockeys face in their dangerous occupation, attending Victorian Jockeys’ Association meetings for some time.

He became a riding director of the VJA last year but will ramp up his involvement as part of the federal body.

“It’s an honour to be asked to join and I’m looking forward to it,” McNeil said.

Jye McNeil returns to the mounting yard aboard Twilight Payment (IRE) after winning the Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse on November 03, 2020 in Flemington, Australia. Photo: Natasha Morello/Racing Photos via Getty Images.

“I guess they wanted to target someone that is probably a bit younger that could get involved and learn all about it, which is great.”

McNeil he would take some time get up to speed in the new role but he was keen to roll up his sleeves to work on behalf of his fellow jockeys.

“It’s all a bit new to me but I’m slowly getting my head around and, over time, help out when needed,” McNeil said.

“Being involved in it is about building up our industry and being in control of some things that happen to jockeys.”

McNeil has remained busy since his Melbourne Cup triumph but is looking forward to a week spending time with his family in the country town of Kerang over Christmas.

He said he would make a day trip to ride at Caulfield on Boxing Day but would otherwise take a short break to wind down after a hectic 2020.

Originally published as Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil to represent fellow riders on Australian Jockeys’ Association board