Mick spent a lot of time in these colours during his years with Tommy Smith - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
We’re delighted to present a lengthy chat with one of the greatest jockeys of his generation. Mick Dittman retired from the saddle eighteen years ago after a stellar career which brought him 1700 wins including 88 Gr 1’s.
He looks at a likely date for his return to Singapore where he manages the extensive racing interests of Lim Siah Mong.
The former champion jockey talks of childhood days in Rockhampton and the story behind his Christian name.
Mick reflects on the starting gate injury he suffered towards the end of his career.
He looks back on a short stay in Macau where he had his final race ride.
He explains how his new job came up.
The distinguished horseman reflects on his two phase apprenticeship, and his very first winning ride.
He looks back on a few early Queensland Gr 1 wins, and a rewarding trip to Sydney in 1981 to win the first of his three Golden Slippers.
Mick clearly recalls his association with Gurner’s Lane and the Melbourne Cup win in which he defeated a racing idol. He talks of another Melbourne Cup that got away from him in 1988.
He talks of his exciting partnership with the great Queensland galloper Strawberry Road.
Mick talks glowingly of the horse he rates the best he ever rode.
The former great jockey has a special place in his heart for the wonderful grey filly Bounding Away - his second Slipper winner.
Mick changes the subject briefly to talk about his jockey’s room scuffle with another high profile jockey.
He pays tribute to other topliners like Research, Sydeston and Bint Marscay.
Mick didn’t think he deserved the nickname “The Enforcer”.
He pays tribute to his late wife Maureen, and the emergence of their son Luke as a jockey in Queensland.
Mick talks of his second wife Anna Mae and new family - 14 year old daughter Ali McKenzie and 7 year old son Jackson 7.
(Banner image - Mick wins the 1993 AJC Oaks on the flashy Mahaya for Graeme Begg - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.)
Bounding Away gives Mick his second Golden Slipper win 1986. The jockey won 6 Gr 1s on the talented grey filly - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Mick got plenty of advice before Stargazer’s win in the 1990 Packer Plate. Here he is pre-race with TJ, Ernie Smith and Gai, who had just begun her full time role with Tulloch Lodge - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Mick wins the 1992 AJC Derby on Naturalism defeating Veandercross (Jim Walker). Dittman won seven stakes races on Naturalism including two Gr 1's. The pair combined to finish a close second in the 1992 Japan Cup - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Bint Marscay was way too good for them in the 1993 Golden Slipper - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
The 1993 Slipper presentation. Lee Freedman, Mick Dittman and winning owner H.H. Sheikh Bin Hamdan Al-Nahyan - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.
Mick was all smiles after winning the Gr 1 BMW on Kaaptive Edition 1993. He also won this race on Sydeston in 1990 and on Alibhai (1985) when it was known as the Tancred Stakes - courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.