Magic Millions 2015: Wife of jockey Chris Munce hoping for fairytale finish

CATHY Munce says she will be shedding tears of happiness if her husband Chris can conjure a fairytale send-off on Wicked Intent in Saturday’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

Chris Munce

CATHY Munce says she will be shedding tears of happiness if her husband Chris can conjure a fairytale send-off on Wicked Intent in today’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic, but insists it won’t be a sad day.

After nearly 30 years of carving out one of the most successful riding careers in Australian racing, Munce retires today and says he has tried to approach it like any other.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Munce said.

“It’s a tough race and it’s in the lap of the Gods now, but I’m very confident.”

Munce’s 19-year-old son Corey was scheduled to fly in overnight from New York, to join his mum and siblings Caitlin, 16, and Connor, 14, to watch their Dad sign off on his riding career today.

Cathy is looking forward to waking up tomorrow and kicking off the next phase of the couple’s life, as Chris takes on the challenge of training.

“It’s not sad. It was always going to happen, it was just a matter of when,” Cathy said of today's farewell.

“It’s been a passion of his for a long time and really, we’re just looking forward to the next day and starting a new career.

“We’re all very proud of what Chris has achieved, but now it’s time for the next challenge.

“I’m not concerned one little bit. We’re both very determined and nothing is going to stop us.” The new era started yesterday at the Magic Millions complex, with Munce Racing signing for a $55,000 Northern Meteor filly from Stuart Ramsey’s Turangga Farm.

It won’t be an official training partnership, but Cathy will be beside her husband every step of the way as he enters the training ranks.

“I’ll be helping, but whether he listens is another thing. And that’s not just isolated to the horses!” she said.

Wicked Intent is a special horse to the family, having picked him out as a baby last year.

“There’s definitely a lot more emotion attached to this horse,” Cathy said.

“If he happens to win, there will be tears of happiness for sure. I will be happy for myself, but also for Chris and my Dad (Barry Mitchell).

“There’s also a wonderful group of people who own him and most of them had never been in a horse before.”

Mitchell will continue to be an integral part of Munce Racing, even if his name is no longer in the form guide.

“Dad will still keep his license and will be involved quite heavily with us,” Cathy said.

“He’s going to take a break for a while now, which he deserves but when he comes back he’s going to be a great help to us.”