Retired jockey Jason Benbow has joined racing’s administrative ranks as the new chief executive of the Stony Creek Racing Club.
The Group 1-winning rider will take over from broadcaster Adam Olszanski to complete a full circle following a lifetime in the sport after riding his first winner at the Gippsland track in Victoria.
He also won the 2021 Stony Creek Cup on Skelm, but after more than two decades in the saddle, Benbow’s career was cut short in November 2022 when he sustained a broken thigh bone in a race fall at Murray Bridge.
“Being a jockey is more than riding a horse, you need to be an excellent communicator and manager with all industry participants,” Benbow said.
“During my career there has been no shortage of injury and hardships, as many in the industry are aware.
“But during this time, I have been able to focus on other aspects of my professional development and I see this role as a great opportunity for me to transition to the administration side of racing.”
Gippsland born and bred, Benbow rode more than 750 winners and enjoyed an outstanding association with the Peter Moody stable.
He collected 177 wins from almost 1000 rides for the leading trainer including the 2004 Emirates Stakes (now Champions Mile) on the $51 chance Sky Cuddle.
Benbow also had the distinction of riding I Am Invincible when Australia’s champion sire claimed the McKay Stakes at Group 3 level in 2009.
Stony Creek, the scene of a triple dead heat in 1987, will become a predominantly weekend racing venue during the 2024/25 racing season.
“The committee has been extremely impressed with (Jason’s) ability
to maintain a professional riding career, whilst leading significant advancements and events for the National Jockeys’ Trust, a charity that supports injured and ill jockeys Australia-wide,” Stony Creek president John Schuijers said.
Stony Creek, located in South Gippsland, races five times a year primarily through summer, starting in December and finishing with the feature event being the Ladbrokes Stony Creek Cup on the Labor Day weekend.
