Racing minister farewells champion
Racing Minister Damien O'Connor today paid tribute to retiring jockey Lance O'Sullivan.
Mr O'Connor said Mr O'Sullivan had set the benchmark for New Zealand jockeys. He had scored 12 jockeys' premierships and
ridden 2358 career winners - both New Zealand records.
"Lance displayed great courage and a fighting spirit to return successfully to racing after shattering his leg in an
horrific crash at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day in 1997.
"His deeds on the track have given the public many great memories. His wins in the 1989 Japan Cup on Horlicks and in the
1991 WS Cox Plate on Surfers Paradise are great highlights. His most famous second would have to be in the 1986 WS Cox
Plate, when Waverley Star was pipped at the post by Bonecrusher.
"I wish Lance all the best in his retirement as he turns his attention to fresh challenges."