After a remarkable career spanning decades in the horse racing industry, esteemed Corowa trainer Geoff Duryea has announced his retirement.
Duryea Racing confirmed the news last Tuesday, stating that the decision was not an easy one, but recent staffing issues had accelerated their retirement plans.
Geoff Duryea, aged 72, has enjoyed a distinguished career that has left an enduring mark on the horse racing community.
Prior to transitioning into training, Duryea spent 16 successful years as a jockey. One of his career highlights as an apprentice jockey was riding Red Hope in the 1973 Melbourne Cup. After retiring from jockeying on Christmas Eve in 1983, Duryea ventured into training with remarkable success.
"Throughout 39 years of training, we have covered a lot of distance to win country races, achieved metropolitan success, and, most recently, celebrated Group race performances that made us proud," Geoff and wife Maureen Duryea said in a joint statement.
"Winning a Listed race at Flemington was amazing, but due to Covid, we couldn't celebrate together. However, we made up for that with the unforgettable celebrations that followed our victory in The Kosciuszko at Randwick. What a thrill!"
Geoff Duryea became renowned for his exceptional training skills and horsemanship. He had a knack for producing horses at favourable odds and defeating bookmakers, particularly at the Albury and Wagga Cup carnivals. Setting horses up for significant victories on the perfect day brought him immense satisfaction.
"We have shared countless evenings with owners after the races, celebrating monumental wins together. Many times, we have hosted owners at our home in Corowa, creating lasting memories and stories that will be cherished for years to come," the Duryeas added gratefully.
"We extend our sincere thanks to our family, friends, owners, and the racing and non-racing communities for their unwavering support. Many of our owners have become lifelong friends, and we are forever grateful."
Regarding the future placement of their horses, the Duryeas revealed that discussions with owners have taken place, and owners themselves will announce the decisions in due course.
While bidding farewell to the horse training industry is undoubtedly a bittersweet moment for the Duryeas, they look back on their remarkable journey with fondness and gratitude.
"We leave the horse training industry with a smile, reflecting on the wonderful and special memories we have created over the years," Geoff expressed.
"We hope you continue to #EnjoyTheRide as we have."
The Free Press caught up with Geoff Duryea at the Corowa Races on Monday, his final day of racing, where he celebrated yet another victory with six-year-old chestnut Wild Irish Rover. "Feeling pretty good after that," he exclaimed, clearly content with his last triumph.
Wild Irish Rover stormed home, crossing the finish line by eight lengths on the home track.
He also had four-year-old chestnut Albert the Cat entered in race 5.
Geoff’s introduction to horses came through his grandfather Jack Barratt, a Melbourne-based jockey. Growing up in Balranald, Geoff's passion for horse riding started at the tender age of 10.
"I had ponies ever since I was 10 years old in Balranald, where I was born. I rode about eight of them," he recalled to the Free Press.
With limited activities in Balranald, having a pony served as the primary mode of transportation, and many local kids, including Geoff, had their own ponies.
At the age of 15, Geoff moved to Berrigan to pursue his dream of becoming an apprentice jockey. His natural talent, combined with his small and lightweight frame, propelled him to numerous victories. While he rode in Melbourne as an apprentice, Geoff trained under the legendary Bert Honeychurch.
Throughout his illustrious career, Geoff amassed a substantial number of wins in country races, including Cups at Wagga, Albury, Wangaratta, and Corowa. He also achieved success in races held in Melbourne.
As a longtime member of the Corowa Race Club, Geoff has witnessed numerous changes over the years. Reflecting on the club, he commended the team.
“I would like to thank the Corowa Race Club for their support,” he said. It’s the end of a career. I’ve made many different friends and no matter who they were, a factory worker, or multi-millionaire, there was no discretion or discrimination on the track. We were all the same.”
Among Geoff's key highlights was his triumphant victory with six-year-old gelding Front Page in The Kosciuszko, Australia's richest country race for country horses, at Randwick in October 2022. Leading all the way and holding off a late challenge, Front Page clinched the 1200m race by three-quarters of a length, delivering Geoff Duryea his maiden stakes victory. This accomplishment followed previous wins in the Listed Creswick Stakes at Caulfield in 2020 and the feature Wagga Town Plate.
Geoff Duryea's retirement marks the end of an era in the Australian horse racing community.
Corowa Race Club President Brian Scolyer congratulated Geoff on his outstanding career, expressing gratitude for his and Maureen’s contributions to the sport.
“It’s sad day to see out last trainer in Corowa retire,” Mr Scoyler said.
“We are now looking at other opportunities to hopefully get other trainers to Corowa, but we have great local support from our neighbouring towns.
“Geoff and I have been mates since 2011 when I moved up from Melbourne. The family been instrumental to the Corowa Race Club. They’ve been on the committee and brought lots of credibility to the club.
“They’re a lovely family and the entire Corowa racing community wishes Geoff and Maureen all the best on their future endeavours.”
As Geoff Duryea bids farewell to the racing industry, his legacy as a respected trainer and jockey will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.