Get to know Tommy

Tommy has had success in both Australia and also the racing hot bed of Hong Kong and is battling hard to win the Sydney jockey’s premiership.

Tommy has also won three Golden Slippers in 2013, 2015 and 2021 and an Australian Derby on board Tevago in 2016.

But while he loves winning Group Ones, Tommy also loves spending time at home with his four children, who keep him every bit on his toes as the million dollar champions he rides for a living.

“My children are a massive inspiration to my career,” Tommy says. “I am at my proudest when they are at the races watching me and I strive to be the best I can be in every aspect for them. Things have certainly changed a lot since they have come into our life.

“The best thing about being a dad is definitely the unconditional love shared between each other … it’s unbeatable!

QDo you find it hard spending time away from the family due to your racing commitments?

AYes it has always been something I’ve been very conscious of balancing my work and family life. Doing stints overseas was always hard but I’ve cut back on them now the kids are a little older. 

QHave you been involved at the kids school and do you have any funny stories of the kids talking to their friends and teachers about you?

AYes I go to the kids open school days and drop off and pick them up whenever I can. 
When Charlise was starting big school the teachers at her a daycare had to fill out a form about her for the teachers and they asked her what do you want the teachers to know about you and she said that my dad is a really good jockey and has lots of trophies!

QOn race day, do you usually relax with the family, do you have a set routine?

AI usually help Sharnee with their breakfast and lunches for school then have a sweat for the races. Every race day I have to sweat off between 1-2kg before I leave for the races to make weight.

QDo they enjoy watching you race and are they keen to be part of your work?

AYes they all love coming to the races, it’s a great community of jockeys who all have kids witch is great. Levi wants to be a jockey so he loves to be involved.

QTell us about your wife Sharnee?

ASharnee is known to everyone as super mum! She is just incredible in every aspect of the word. Her patience for the kids is incredible and she always has time for them no matter what and seems to find time to have the house in order .. and she looks after me as well which isn’t an easy job! She never complains .. she just seems to do everything without a fuss.

QTell us about your daily family duties?

AGetting them breakfast in the morning and helping pack their lunches, showering and dressing them for bed, playing board games and helping them clean their rooms and playroom. I always love putting them to bed as well!

QWhat is your favourite activity with the kids?

ATaking them for a ride on their pony and donkeys is always heaps of fun but you can’t beat a dance around the lounge room watching MTV!

QDo you have any memorable moments with them?

AThere are plenty but one that comes to mind is our caravan holiday last Christmas. Just playing with them at the parks and in the pools it was a great week away!

Now let's hear from Sharnee & the kids

QHi Sharnee, do you have any funny stories about Tommy?

ATommy overall has always made me laugh. The people that know him know he loves to muck around and he is often doing and saying very stupid things. He is great at his job but not the smartest guy I’ll tell you that!

QAnd kids, what’s the best thing about your dad?

AKaiden: He takes us to inflatable world!
Charlise: He took us to Elmo circus!
Levi: When he takes me to the races by myself.