Jockey representative Des O’Keeffe stands down as chairman of the Australian Jockeys’ Association

Des O’Keeffe went into bat for jockeys around the nation for 15 years but he has decided to hand over the reins by stepping down as chairman of the Australian Jockeys’ Association.

Des O’Keeffe fought hard to improve the working conditions of jockeys for more than a decade.

An era ended when Des O’Keeffe, a champion for the conditions of the nation’s jockeys, stepped down from the Australian Jockeys’ Association board last week.

O’Keeffe spent 15 years fighting for better pay, conditions and improved safety for riders at a Victorian and national level. He was the chief executive of the Victorian Jockeys’ Association before moving to a federal role.

O’Keeffe’s decision ends a career spanning more than 35 years in racing.

He started going to the races as a punter in his teenage years before landing a job with the Victoria Racing Club when the Flemington organisation ran racing in the state.

The 63-year-old moved to work with Melbourne Cup-winning trainer John Meagher before branching into jockey management.

O’Keeffe experienced the worst side of racing when supporting with the families of jockeys who died in races or at trackwork. He was proud of the position in which he has left the Australian Jockeys’ Association.

“Everyone’s goal, when they do anything, is to leave something in a better state than when they joined it,” O’Keeffe said.

“One thing I’m proud of is the increased levels of safety overall for riders, the increased level of welfare of wellbeing support nationally for jockeys.

Des O'Keeffe fronting the media during his time as Australian Jockeys’ Association general manager.

“Also, another thing is the level of respect that I feel jockeys are now held in compared to years ago.

“I’m also really proud of the level of support provided to injured riders and particularly the families of riders that we have lost.”

Whip rules are among the biggest challenges facing Australian jockeys but O’Keeffe said he was happy to hand over the reins to WA-based jockey Craig Staples to lead the national riders’ body.

He said Staples and the AJA board had the unanimous backing of riders around the country. He added such unity was the backbone of the improvements in jockeys’ conditions.

“I think the great thing about jockeys in Australia and the associations that represent them, there’s a real unity of purpose and there have been a lot of really solid outcomes delivered,” O’Keeffe said.

“And if you’ve got that unity, you’ve got a really strong voice for the betterment of the job of being a jockey in Australia.”

O’Keeffe jokingly described himself as a “man of leisure” after his decision. He said he’d take a break but remains a non-executive member of the Victorian Jockeys’ Association board, meaning he’ll be available to provide advice if needed.

“I’m a really strong believer in fresh ideas, fresh faces, fresh directions and fresh goals,” O’Keeffe said.

“I haven’t got anything planned. I’m really keen to have a break and step away to let other people do their roles.”

Originally published as Jockey representative Des O’Keeffe stands down as chairman of the Australian Jockeys’ Association