"In a Life Time"

Betty Lane, sometimes called the grande dame of Australia's female horse trainers. Betty got a blunt refusal, the first time she applied for an AJC licence in the early seventies. She went to the bush, gained a licence in the western districts, and promptly won three premierships.20 Nov 2018

Patto a jockey, a teacher of apprentice jockeys, a horse breaker, a master teacher, a Royal Melbourne Show competitor and a drover. The common theme across all these iterations is best captured by Peter Cox, an erstwhile colleague of Patto’s from the Newmarket sale yards. “He always stood out as a great horseman. He gets to the bottom of what a horse is thinking very easily. He has a great understanding of them and the horses seem to trust him. I’ve never seen a horse whisperer like him.”

Darby McCarthy life is mixed with triumphs then there were scandals, disasters and injustices that plagued his racing career and reputation, and indeed nearly cost him his life. To return from those dark places, to become a role model, Darby does his part in advancing the breakdown of barriers between Aboriginal people and white Australians. Olympian, Cathy Freeman, freely acknowledges Darby as a key mentor in her teenage years in the 1980s, as he was rebuilding his own life. Through Darby McCarthy life, on his own merit and his incredible riding ability he was able to travel the world meet the most incredible people, and become a legend.

For a young aboriginal man from outback Queensland to travel overseas and mix it with the best European and English jockeys of the time, is an amazing story in itself. Don't forget Darby was uneducated, wagging (staying away) from school... but then given the opportunity as a 10 year old to ride in his first race and win... at Thargomindah, this event set up Darby's life journey, which he grabed with both hands and never looked back. No Managers then, as there is today... Darby did it on his own merit. FLASH: 9 SEPT 1966 Contract with Daniel Wildenstein for McCarthy. PARIS, Thursday - Australian jockey Darby McCarthy, who made his French debut this year, will ride as first jockey for Mr Daniel Wildenstein, a leading French racehorse owner. A spokesman for Mr Wildenstein said McCarthy had recently signed a three year contract with the stable and would begin at the start of the next season – in February, 1967. McCarthy would spend the 1966-67 summer in Australia.

Darby McCarthy’s disqualification 1976-77 The modest Black and White Whisky Handicap over 1600 metres at Hamilton in March 1976 was to propel racing – and its appeal procedures – into the limelight. It developed into one of the longest racing enquiries in Australia. Lasting more than three months, the inquiry dwelt on the ride of jockey R.L. (Darby) McCarthy, who finished fifth in the race on Rickshaw’s Luck. Stewards said his actions in the race caused interference to favourite Blue Bubble, which bumped into the eventual race winner Matrium. While stewards only reprimanded McCarthy at the time, sinister allegations were reported by newspapers next day. The allegations included stories that McCarthy had traveled to the races on the same plane as a well-known racing figure, identified only as “Mr. X”, who allegedly conspired with McCarthy to fix the race.

Dec 1962 Alspick (R. McCarthy) wins AJC Summer Cup Queensland aboriginal jockey R. “Darby” McCarthy, rode a calculating race. His horsemanship to-day should put him in top demand for classic events. July 1963 Re: Doomben Cup Final acceptances for the Ten Thousand and the Doomben Cup to be run on Saturday week, are due to morrow. Queensland jockey R. ‘Darby’ McCarthy, who won the Stradbroke Handicap on Mullala has decided to ride Prince Regoli in the cup. Prince Regoli is equal favourite with Merthyr for the £10.000 race. McCarthy said he had decided not to ride Mullal in the cup because he thought the horse faced a difficult task with 9.1. 19 Dec 1964 Photo of Darby on horse Richard McCarthy, alias “Darby” McCarthy, who will ride Rosier Sun in the Villiers today. Richard was called “Darby” because his christian name was too long for a jockey. Pa Easton and Noel Thompson call him Darby when his first (1st) win at an amateur race at a picnic race day at Thargomindah in Western Queensland. Darby was 10 years of age at the time, the jockey he was named after was Darby Monroe, in later years Darby would be a close friend and companion to Darby Monroe (in the later part of his life). Darby Monroe owned the Coogee Bay Hotel in Sydney, where Darby McCarthy also lived.

Racing Queensland and Godolphin, offered their support for the Darby 'In a Life Time" PROJECT which allowed for the production to exclusively record with Darby McCarthy at Eagle Farm presenting for the first time the Darby McCarthy Jockeys trophy for the feature race for the TAB BATTLE OF THE BUSH SERIES FINAL. Further; Darby McCarthy has been attending Melbourne in Victoria as part of his indigenous mentor program with Godolphin. Darby's, Godolphin Mentor Program is enthusiastically taken up by young people who would like to consider being involved in the Australian Horse Racing Industry. Darby McCarthy always would be encouraging the younger generation to reach their full potential.

It has been a unique achievement for film maker David Waddington and producer Chris O’Reilly to interview on film and in depth more than sixty remarkable individuals – participants and witnesses to seventy years of Australian racing history. All share one thing: admiration for the career of the former champion jockey Darby McCarthy. This is a story of the success, the disasters and ultimately the survival of a unique individual. The stories and perspectives that emerged from so many different points of view amazed me. Even in their raw and unedited state they have now provided a unique archive which the racing industry should treasure and preserve. They give a precious insight into an era in Australian racing that has passed. That world has gone. It is sobering but true to say that it will never, ever be possible to bring these people together again on film in this way. (Dr) Andrew Lemon AM FRHSV Historian Melbourne, AUSTRALIA.

Through Darby McCarthy life, on his own merit and his incredible riding ability he was able to travel the world meet the most remarkable people, and become a legend. • At the age of 10years he had rode his first winner of (over) 1000 winning rides in Australia, England and France. • His horse falling in a field of 32 in front of one hundred and one thousand people who packed Flemington race course for the 1960 Melbourne Centenary cup, 16year old Darby McCarthy fall changed the running field to 24 horses forever in the rules of the Australian turf. • Creating history 1969 by winning the Epsom (Brokers Tip) and AJC Derby (Divide and Rule) double at Randwick on the same (day) meeting, back to back rides. • Darby McCarthy record winning rider of three (3) Stradbroke’s. • His racing life plunged into controversy and personal dramas, with a court case the longest every run by the VRC (Victorian Racing Club) 3 months from which he was suspended for seven (7) years. Darby McCarthy (the Boy from Cunnamulla) life journey is one of extraordinary achievement and purpose, and told on an international stage. The international interest in the Darby McCarthy story "In a Life Time", is very strong; Darby left Australia by invitation to ride in France and England with great success, being an indigenous man made his presence on the international scene quite a remarkable achievement based on the times. To see and witness the extraordinary life and times of the young fella from Cunnamulla Darby McCarthy, who took on the sport of kings as his life’s passion, to travel the world, Darby always said without the infinity which he found as a young fella with his original night horse on Yakara station nurtured by Ma and Pa Easton at Thargomindah, his life could have been very different.

Darby McCarthy life is mixed with triumphs then there were scandals, disasters and injustices that plagued his racing career and reputation, and indeed nearly cost him his life. To return from those dark places, to become a role model, Darby does his part in advancing the breakdown of barriers between Aboriginal people and white Australians. He would take the world… by storm. His name would become legendary He was to become the best in his chosen field. Flash _ Deauville, France. Australian jockey Darby McCarthy said today he hoped to get a contract to ride in France next season. He planned to remain in France for another year or more. McCarthy finished fourth on Sweet and Lovely in the one-mile Prix de Viclot on Wednesday. When he arrived to take part in the races in France, McCarthy said it was his ultimate ambition to ride in England. "My ambition is to ride for the Queen, and to win an English Derby. I think it would be easier for me first to build up a reputation in France, where the competition is perhaps less tough than in England", he said. Darby was to see his ambition come to true and indeed he wqmoved to France the following year on a very lucrative contract.

Darby rode many winning rides across Australia and overseas. Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria – and from the racing clubs on whose tracks Darby had his biggest successes. These include Randwick, Flemington, Rosehill, Eagle Farm,Doomben. Support from these racing clubs includes making available to the film, visual and research materials (such as archival film footage and other images) as well as facilitating access to appropriate venues and personnel for interviews. Flash_BRISBANE, Queensland — New Zealand stayer Apa won the Brisbane Cup at Eagle Farm today to give Aboriginal jockey Darby McCarthy the Queensland Turf Club double… McCarthy gave all the credit for his win to Apa. "He's a great little horse, all heart", he said. On Saturday McCarthy won the Stradbroke on Castanea... and also won the Moreton Handicap on Apa, the first time in post-war years that one jockey had won the three races. A truly magnificent horse man.

Father Brendan Dillon “Father Brendan” – Catholic Priest, Melbourne Racing Fraternity chaplain for 25 years from 1992, close personal friend and advisor of Darby McCarthy.

In 2005 Victorian policewoman Lauren Callaway published the first full-length biography of Darby McCarthy, with his full co-operation. To many readers it was a revelation. Documented along with the triumphs were the scandals, disasters and injustices that plagued his racing career and reputation, and indeed nearly cost him his life.

Born In the sand hills outside of Cunnamulla in Western Queensland at “The YUMBA” aboriginal Camp. Darby was the tenth (10) of thirteen (13) children. It was a very different time then. Born black in a known racist town wasn’t a great start to life for Richard Laurance McCarthy. But this little fella would not let that deter him. He was about to take the world… by storm. His name would become legendary. He was to become the best in his chosen field. He would travel the world. Meet the most unlikely of people. As an Australian Aboriginal of that time this was a remarkable feat, he became an inspiration for all who were interested in his journey. Being Aboriginal in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and even today the cards were stacked against him. "In a Life time" is the inspiring life story of Australia’s most successful Indigenous jockey, Richard Laurence "Darby" McCarthy.

In 2018 and 2019 we exclusively recorded Darby McCarthy, then again in February 2020, before embarking on a road trip to recording 62 interviews across three states of Australia, Qld, NSW, and Vic with colleagues, friends, trainers, professional’s and family members all who witnessed the remarkable life of Darby McCarthy. Screen Australia committed to help with funding this “Time Critical” material, as did Racing Queensland. Documentary Australia Foundation has endorsed the Darby McCarthy PROJECT “In a Life Time” allowing for 100% tax deduction for those providing funds deposited through the DAF into the project.

Olympian, Cathy Freeman, freely acknowledges Darby as a key mentor in her teenage years in the 1980s, as he was rebuilding his own life. Through Darby McCarthy life, on his own merit and his incredible riding ability he was able to travel the world meet the most remarkable people, and become a legend. As an Australian Aboriginal of that time this was a remarkable feat, he became an inspiration for all who were interested in his journey. Being Aboriginal in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and even today the cards were stacked against him. The film is a Dramatised Cinema Documentary, re-creating the narrative as recorded in the 65 interviews and as in the written history of Darby’s amazing inspirational story.

This documentary is told by "Darby" and through the interviews and recollections of those who have known and worked with him over his racing career, and then on through his post racing career, where "Darby" become a mentor for many young people supporting their endeavors through incentive and educational programs specifically initiated by Darby McCarthy, who received an honorary doctorate from the Southern University of Queensland for this work, an OAM (order of Australia award) from the Australian Government, also named one of Queensland’s "Greats" (by the Queensland Government) and on the 14th May 2021 inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame (twelve months after passing into his dreamtime) Darby would say, not bad for a “Young Fella” from Cunnamulla who didn’t go to school.

Out of the saddle Darby was charismatic, photogenic, well-spoken and impeccably dressed, soon earning himself a lucrative contract to ride in world-class company in England and France. Here he met and mingled with the rich and famous.

Darby's life of highs and lows, one that no scriptwriter would dare invent... Few Australian children were born into greater disadvantage, yet by his early twenties Darby McCarthy was dominating in our top races on Australia’s best racecourses.

Darby McCarthy life is mixed with triumphs then there were scandals, disasters and injustices that plagued his racing career and reputation, and indeed nearly cost him his life. To return from those dark places, to become a role model, Darby does his part in advancing the breakdown of barriers between Aboriginal people and white Australians. Olympian, Cathy Freeman, freely acknowledges Darby as a key mentor in her teenage years in the 1980s, as he was rebuilding his own life. Through Darby McCarthy life, on his own merit and his incredible riding ability he was able to travel the world meet the most incredible people, and become a legend. Born In the sand hills outside of Cunnamulla in Western Queensland at “The YUMBA” aboriginal Camp. He was the tenth (10) of thirteen (13) children. It was a very different time then. Born black in a known racist town wasn’t a great start to life for Richard Laurance McCarthy. But this little fella would not let that deter him. He was about to take the world… by storm. His name would become legendary He was to become the best in his chosen field. He would travel the world. Meet the most unlikely of people. As an Australian Aboriginal of that time this was a remarkable feat, he became an inspiration for all who were interested in his journey. Being Aboriginal in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and even today the cards were stacked against him. Through Darby McCarthy life, on his own merit and his incredible riding ability he was able to travel the world meet the most incredible people, and become a legend. Your interest is much appreciated please Contact: The Documentary Australia Foundation https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/darby-mccarthy-project-in-a-life-time-working-title/ cjoreilly@bigpond.com - david@imagine-if.com.au

Darby McCarthy life is mixed with triumphs then there were scandals, disasters and injustices that plagued his racing career and reputation, and indeed nearly cost him his life. To return from those dark places, to become a role model, Darby does his part in advancing the breakdown of barriers between Aboriginal people and white Australians. Olympian, Cathy Freeman, freely acknowledges Darby as a key mentor in her teenage years in the 1980s, as he was rebuilding his own life. Through Darby McCarthy life, on his own merit and his incredible riding ability he was able to travel the world meet the most incredible people, and become a legend. Born In the sand hills outside of Cunnamulla in Western Queensland at “The YUMBA” aboriginal Camp. He was the tenth (10) of thirteen (13) children. It was a very different time then. Born black in a known racist town wasn’t a great start to life for Richard Laurance McCarthy. But this little fella would not let that deter him. He was about to take the world… by storm. His name would become legendary He was to become the best in his chosen field. He would travel the world. Meet the most unlikely of people. As an Australian Aboriginal of that time this was a remarkable feat, he became an inspiration for all who were interested in his journey. Being Aboriginal in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and even today the cards were stacked against him. Through Darby McCarthy life, on his own merit and his incredible riding ability he was able to travel the world meet the most incredible people, and become a legend. Your interest is much appreciated please Contact: The Documentary Australia Foundation https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/darby-mccarthy-project-in-a-life-time-working-title/ david@imagine-if.com.au - cjoreilly@bigpond.com

Darby McCarthy life is mixed with triumphs then there were scandals, disasters and injustices that plagued his racing career and reputation, and indeed nearly cost him his life. To return from those dark places, to become a role model, Darby does his part in advancing the breakdown of barriers between Aboriginal people and white Australians. Olympian, Cathy Freeman, freely acknowledges Darby as a key mentor in her teenage years in the 1980s, as he was rebuilding his own life. Through Darby McCarthy life, on his own merit and his incredible riding ability he was able to travel the world meet the most incredible people, and become a legend. Born In the sand hills outside of Cunnamulla in Western Queensland at “The YUMBA” aboriginal Camp. He was the tenth (10) of thirteen (13) children. It was a very different time then. Born black in a known racist town wasn’t a great start to life for Richard Laurance McCarthy. But this little fella would not let that deter him. He was about to take the world… by storm. His name would become legendary He was to become the best in his chosen field. He would travel the world. Meet the most unlikely of people. As an Australian Aboriginal of that time this was a remarkable feat, he became an inspiration for all who were interested in his journey. Being Aboriginal in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and even today the cards were stacked against him. Through Darby McCarthy life, on his own merit and his incredible riding ability he was able to travel the world meet the most incredible people, and become a legend. Your interest is much appreciated please Contact: The Documentary Australia Foundation https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/darby-mccarthy-project-in-a-life-time-working-title/ david@imagine-if.com.au - cjoreilly@bigpond.com

Darby McCarthy life is mixed with triumphs then there were scandals, disasters and injustices that plagued his racing career and reputation, and indeed nearly cost him his life. To return from those dark places, to become a role model, Darby does his part in advancing the breakdown of barriers between Aboriginal people and white Australians. Olympian, Cathy Freeman, freely acknowledges Darby as a key mentor in her teenage years in the 1980s, as he was rebuilding his own life. Through Darby McCarthy life, on his own merit and his incredible riding ability he was able to travel the world meet the most incredible people, and become a legend. Born In the sand hills outside of Cunnamulla in Western Queensland at “The YUMBA” aboriginal Camp. He was the tenth (10) of thirteen (13) children. It was a very different time then. Born black in a known racist town wasn’t a great start to life for Richard Laurance McCarthy. But this little fella would not let that deter him. He was about to take the world… by storm. His name would become legendary He was to become the best in his chosen field. He would travel the world. Meet the most unlikely of people. As an Australian Aboriginal of that time this was a remarkable feat, he became an inspiration for all who were interested in his journey. Being Aboriginal in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and even today the cards were stacked against him. Through Darby McCarthy life, on his own merit and his incredible riding ability he was able to travel the world meet the most incredible people, and become a legend. Your interest is much appreciated please Contact: The Documentary Australia Foundation https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/darby-mccarthy-project-in-a-life-time-working-title/ cjoreilly@bigpond.com - david@imagine-if.com.au

This dramatised feature bio-pic "In a Life time" is the inspiring life story of Australia’s most successful Indigenous jockey, Richard Laurence "Darby" McCarthy. Told by Darby and through the interviews and recollections of those who have known and worked with him over his racing career, and then on through his post racing career, where Darby become a mentor for many young people supporting their endeavors through incentive and educational programs specifically initiated by Darby McCarthy, who received an honorary doctorate from the Southern University of Queensland for this work, an OAM (order of Australia award) from the Australian Government, also named one of Queensland’s "Greats" (by the Queensland Government) and on the 14th May 2021 inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame (twelve months after passing into his dreamtime) Darby would say, not bad for a “Young Fella” from Cunnamulla who didn’t go to school.

Darby McCarthy was a respected mentor and elder to his immediate community. He has had a life of highs and lows that no scriptwriter would dare invent. The truth is stranger than fiction. Few Australian children were born into greater disadvantage, yet by his early twenties Darby McCarthy was dominating in our top races on Australia’s best racecourses. Out of the saddle he was charismatic, photogenic, well-spoken and impeccably dressed, soon earning himself a lucrative contract to ride in world-class company in England and France. Here he met and mingled with the rich and famous. Seemingly, colour prejudice that dogged the lives of all Indigenous Australians, no longer applied. But it was never going to be as easy as that. Darby life is mixed with triumphs then there were scandals, disasters and injustices that plagued his racing career and reputation, and indeed nearly cost him his life. Yet here is the twist. To return from those dark places to become a role model to young indigenous people nationally – not just to aspiring jockeys and athletes – is a unique story. ‘Darby does his part in advancing the breakdown of barriers between Aboriginal people and white Australians. Please consider your contribution to this production through The Documentary Australia Foundation. The Darby McCarthy PROJECT “In a Life Time”. https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/darby-mccarthy-project-in-a-life-time-working-title/