Tucked away in a small hut overlooking the Caloundra track every morning, former star hoop Damian Browne keeps his eyes fixed on the action.
The 50-year-old does it for a few reasons.
Firstly, it’s his job as the trackwork supervisor at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club to ensure that everyone gets around safely in the morning – human and equine athletes.
And, secondly, as a retired jockey, he loves to spot the next talented hoop coming through the ranks.
The Kiwi native has been in the role at Corbould Park for the past few years after retiring from race riding in early 2019.
The multiple Group 1 winner takes pride in his role, staying in the industry that has given his family so much and remaining connected with the riding ranks.
He will often go out of his way to advise a young rider at the track when he spots something they can slightly tinker.
The respected former jockey is also outwardly positive, often praising little-known riders for their determination and work ethic.
“They seem to take it on board and appreciate the help,” Browne said.
“I still do one day a week over at the bull ring and the pool where I can work more hands-on with the younger, inexperienced riders when they are learning and I can work with them.
“Hopefully that makes it safer for them and everybody else.
“If you can get them away on the right foot and in the right direction, obviously it can help them later and I really enjoy helping them but also watching them blossom and grow into young riders.”
Sunshine Coast Turf Club CEO John Miller loves having a person of Browne’s skill and understanding on his staff.
“We were keen to keep him involved with the club as he had been such a fabulous rider, particularly here at the Sunshine Coast,” Miller said.
“We are so lucky to have someone of his experience and a real quality person as well.
“Jockeys have a short career in the saddle and it is great that he can still be connected with the industry and involved in the sport.
“It is a unique industry and to have that knowledge is a huge plus.”
There aren’t many days for Browne where someone doesn’t stop him and talk about Robert Heathcote’s much-loved sprinter Buffering.
Browne feels his time riding the great Queensland galloper helped define his career.
Buffering endeared himself to the Sunshine State racing public with his underdog reputation across Australia and the globe.
Buffering’s final Group 1 win came in the Al Quoz Sprint (1000m) at the 2016 Dubai World Cup race meeting.
“It is a jockey’s dream to come across a horse like him and he was able to take me all over the world,” Browne said.
“He was a horse that the people genuinely fell in love with and it was a great experience for me to be involved with a horse like that.”
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