Tony McEvoy’s remarkable career in the racing industry is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and an unwavering passion that has seen him traverse the country for five decades. From his early days as a jockey and shearer to becoming a highly respected trainer, McEvoy’s journey is one of humble beginnings and significant achievements, culminating in his well-deserved induction into the South Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
McEvoy’s upbringing on a family farm in Calca, South Australia, instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and a grounded perspective, a far cry from the glamour of the racing world. Growing up with five brothers, he learned early on the importance of humility and the consequences of getting ahead of oneself. Whether in the dusty backwaters of western South Australia’s bush tracks or the demanding environment of shearing sheds, McEvoy honed a work ethic that would define his career.
The pivotal moment in his early life came at the age of 16 when he was picked up by the legendary Colin Hayes. This marked the first step in what would become a profound connection with the Hayes dynasty and a significant chapter in South Australian racing history. Despite his initial nervousness, McEvoy found himself immersed in the world of horse racing, a world he would go on to conquer.
The call informing him of his induction into the South Australian Racing Hall of Fame came as a complete surprise. “I was gobsmacked to be honest,” McEvoy admitted. “Nothing really stuns me these days, but this did. I thought, wow, how incredible. Me?” This sentiment underscores his characteristic modesty, a trait forged in the crucible of his early life experiences.
His early memories, rather than recent successes, were what the induction announcement stirred. The stark landscapes of Streaky Bay and the demanding bush tracks, many of which are now gone, were instrumental in shaping the man he is today. His reputation for a “steel jaw” and a willingness to settle disputes, even with his fists, speaks to the tough, no-nonsense environment in which he grew up. The McEvoy family was known for its tight-knit bonds and fierce loyalty, with disputes often being resolved in a makeshift boxing ring on the veranda.
McEvoy’s passion for horses began early. At the age of 11, he was a “whippet” of 35kg and harbored dreams of becoming a jockey, a dream shared by his brother Phillip. With the support of his parents, he moved into a caravan at Bill Holland’s stables in Streaky Bay, a sacrifice that allowed him to ride trackwork in the mornings before attending school. This early dedication laid the foundation for his subsequent success as a jockey.
His jockey career, though less celebrated than his training achievements, was the crucial stepping stone. Riding at various bush tracks across South Australia, McEvoy quickly made a name for himself, weighing in at a mere 36kg and riding 25 winners in a short period. This remarkable record caught the attention of Colin Hayes, who was seeking an apprentice. A chance encounter facilitated by newspaper editor Kevin Sattler led to McEvoy being offered a position at Hayes’s renowned Lindsay Park stables.
Arriving at Angaston in 1976, McEvoy was initially intimidated but was warmly welcomed by Colin and Betty Hayes. Despite being an apprentice, he was treated with a level of care and consideration that impressed him, highlighting the family-oriented culture of the Hayes operation. He went on to become the second-string stable rider, securing 70 winners, including a South Australian Oaks and several victories in Melbourne.
However, the physical demands of riding at low weights eventually led McEvoy to return to Streaky Bay. He then embarked on a period of diverse experiences, including a stint in Alice Springs, riding in remote racing circuits, and embracing the “bush swag” lifestyle. This period was cut short when he collapsed from dehydration after a race in Darwin, marking the end of his riding career.
The subsequent chapter of McEvoy’s life saw him transition to shearing for three and a half years. He described the shearing shed life as “quite amazing,” noting the incredible work ethic of older shearers who, despite physical ailments and personal struggles, possessed a profound sense of honor and camaraderie.
Tragedy struck the racing world in 2001 when Peter Hayes died in a plane crash. McEvoy, who was waiting for him at the stable office, found himself thrust into the role of head trainer for Lindsay Park during David Hayes’s absence in Hong Kong. He fulfilled this demanding role with distinction until David’s return in 2005, always feeling like an integral part of the family.
Following his tenure at Lindsay Park, McEvoy ventured out on his own. He established his primary training base at Kildalton Park (formerly Lindsay Park) from 2010 to 2022, further solidifying his reputation as a leading trainer. In 2019, his son Calvin joined him, marking the beginning of a new generation in the McEvoy racing dynasty. The partnership with Calvin became even more critical when McEvoy experienced a serious health scare attributed to the stress of managing multiple stables across different states.
Looking ahead, McEvoy and Calvin are set to expand their operation, taking up 30 boxes at Flemington. While Ballarat will remain their main base, the move to Flemington signifies a strategic step in their continued growth. McEvoy emphasizes the importance of succession planning in the training ranks, recognizing that having a successor like Calvin ensures that knowledge and experience are not lost. He expressed immense pride in how David Hayes’s sons, despite facing significant challenges, persevered and maintained the stability of the stable, embodying the resilience of the Hayes family.
Tony McEvoy’s induction into the South Australian Racing Hall of Fame is more than just a personal accolade; it’s a recognition of a lifelong commitment to the sport, a journey that began on the dusty tracks of rural South Australia and has led to the pinnacle of Australian racing. His story is a powerful reminder that dedication, hard work, and a touch of humility can pave the way for extraordinary achievements.
