Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Brett Prebble, renowned for his illustrious career spanning more than a decade in Hong Kong, has officially retired from racing.
The Victorian native, who also claimed victory in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m), concluded his riding career based in Sydney.
His final win came aboard Eagle Nest at Rosehill on November 11. Prebble last rode in a race on February 24 at Rosehill, taking two rides that day.
“It’s a real mix of emotions, but I know the time is right,” Prebble stated.
“I’ve had the most incredible career. It’s not lost on me just how fortunate I am to leave my time in the saddle a fit, healthy, happy, and content 46-year-old.
“Over four decades of riding I’ve seen way too many times just how incredibly dangerous, devastating and life-changing the job can be.
“I’m extremely grateful, proud and genuinely satisfied with what I’ve been able to achieve both in Australia and internationally.
“A CV including a Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Golden Slipper, a 15-year career in Hong Kong with more than 800 winners including the Hong Kong Derby and basically every other major race there, as well as the most incredible Group 1 winners in Japan and Singapore.”
“Reflecting on it, I know it’s real but it’s also totally surreal at the same time.
“It leaves me lost for words to be honest.”
Prebble’s career highlights include nine wins in 1999 and 2000 at the Melbourne Cup carnival. He started as an apprentice under Terry O’Sullivan before moving to John Meagher to complete his apprenticeship. Prebble spent 15 years riding in Hong Kong from late 2002 before returning to Australia, initially to Victoria, and then relocating to Sydney.
In addition to his racing career, Prebble has owned and operated the riding gear business Persuader for 25 years and plans to focus on this venture alongside his business partner, Mark Bourke.
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