August 1 is already a significant day in the thoroughbred racing industry.

Horses birthday, the start of a new racing season… but this date is also significant for the start of a new partnership between The Australian Jockeys Association and their new sponsor, LUCRF Super.

LUCRF stands for Labour Union Co-operative Retirement Fund, and to find out more about them visit www.lucrf.com.au. Over the next 3 years, LUCRF has committed to a substantial amount of money for the naming rights on jockey breeches. The majority of this money will be set aside for the National Jockeys Trust, who financially assist jockeys and their families in difficult times when a work related accident occurs.

Jayco have been a generous sponsor for the naming rights on jockey breeches for many years now, and we wish them all the very best of success in their other chosen sports sponsorship.

All jockeys should have received their new complimentary breeches by now, as you are required to start using them from August 1st. As a service to jockeys and the NJT, if you need to purchase new breeches in the future, you will only need to pay for the breeches as we will continue to offer FREE printing of LUCRF and FREE printing of your names on the legs.

The rubber crossover noseband has been a popular crossover noseband for horse trainers in the USA for many years.

We have recently sampled these with some of our local trainers, and the feedback has been encouraging. The one solid piece of rubber is believed to be more forgiving for the horse than traditional crossovers, allowing the horse to relax rather than fighting the device.

We are now stocking a version with leather head straps (darker than the picture):

Rubber Crossover Figure 8 Noseband, Leather Straps

…and nylon head straps:

Rubber Crossover Figure 8 Noseband, Nylon Straps

We first started manufacturing barrier rugs some 10 years ago. We have been supplying them to race clubs, horse trainers and pre training facilities, but had neglected a web link on them… till now.

Carpet barrier blanket rug

Black Caviar made the “sooky” rug famous, but the barrier rug has been pacifying horses for many years that enable them to settle in a set of barrier stalls. We have refined our design over the years, so they now come with a waterproof vinyl exterior, and are available in a variety of colours, mainly Black, Red, Green and Blue. When ordering, please allow two weeks for your chosen colour.

The Hyland Super light saddle looks and feels stronger than their previous model. The Kevlar half tree of the saddle looks very clean cut and strong, and the top and base round out a smooth looking saddle. Now in stock:

Hyland Super Lightweight Race Day Saddle

Hylands are now manufacturing black padded whips to meet the ARB standards. They come with a quality wrapped grip , and offer 3 flex options, which are clearly labelled on the whip. Flexi, Medium Flex or Stiff. Lengths are available up to the maximum 70cm, with shorter options also available. In stock now.

Hyland Padded Whip USA Grip Black Only

By now, you should be aware that, from August 1

Markey Saddlery is one of a few companies involved in supplying your new complimentary breeches. Very soon, the AJA will inform you of the quantity of silks to be allocated to each jockey in the first year of the new 3 year contract.

The AJA is allowing us to take orders on behalf of all licensed jockeys riding in Australia, regardless what state you are based in. As you can imagine, supplying all jockeys before 1st August will be a massive job, so to ensure a smooth transition we will need to start taking orders very soon.

When placing orders it is extremely important you decide on your brand and sizing BEFORE you contact us. Feel free to phone us on 02 9601 3464, or email info@markeysaddlery.com.au with your intended orders.

Described as the best gripping wet weather gloves, these Japanese gloves are not traditional horse riding gloves, but extremely effective. Some of Australia’s best jockeys swear by the above claim, using these gloves for trackwork, trials and raceday in wet conditions.

Available in Black/Grey or Blue/White only, we currently have size Small & Medium in stock, with more stock on its way to cover size Large. The second best thing about these gloves is the price!

Pittari Club, Black Japanese Wet Weather Gloves

Pittari Club, Blue Japanese Wet Weather Gloves

In stock right now, are this season’s Horsemaster Ripstop Canvas Winter Rugs. These are made from 20oz Ripstop waterproof canvas cotton lined with 200gms of poly fill.

This rug’s features include:

• Double chest fronts
• Shoulder gusset
• Crossover surcingles & removable leg straps
• Fleece wither protector
• Rump darts & tail flap
• Hood D’s.

Currently stocked in Sizes 5’9″, 6′ & 6’3″ in Green with Yellow trim.

If you prefer combo’s, we can also order these and arrange a quick delivery as required.

We have some great deals to be done with quantity buys, so if you are wanting to purchase 10+ contact us immediately to guarantee your availability and delivery time.

Horsemaster Ripstop Canvas WINTER RUG

New from Racelite, are the free size Nylon/Lycra Sweat Shirts. These have been designed in a traditional long sleeve model, and a no sleeve model for more freedom of arm movement when racing.

These tops are not waterproof, but are ultralight, which will assist those jockeys needing to ride light yet still assist in having a sweat in a race to maintain or lose some of their weight. The shape of the free size will fit the majority of jockeys. Available in white and in black at a cost of $33 each.

Racelite Ultralight Sweat top, Sleeveless

Racelite Ultralight Sweat top, Long Sleeves

The latest addition to our lightweight saddle range for jockeys, is the OLYMPIA.

Weighing around the 125gm mark, this saddle has been sampled by Corey Brown in Australia for the last 13 months, and Zac Purton in Hong Kong for a similar period with great success.

The OLYMPIA’s size and shape mimics the previously recalled EVO model from over 12 months ago, BUT with one significant improvement. The tree of this saddle is thick and sturdy, and has not flattened out like some lightweight saddle trees can.

This latest model is identified by its OLYMPIA label sewn to the flap of the saddle.

Currently priced at $495.00 the OLYMPIA comes in different colours (see below) and will be available while stocks last.

OLYMPIA, 125gm (4oz), Italian Superlight Saddle

Former jockey Chris Barrett has joined the team at Markey Saddlery, and brings along a wealth of industry experience and knowledge.

Originally apprenticed to Megs Elkington in Victoria, Chris rode over 850 winners in his riding career. He won 3 Group 1 races, rode in all the Melbourne major races including two Melbourne Cups. He brings to the team international experience also, having ridden in Singapore and Malaysia, and he represented Australia in a Jockeys Series in Japan in the mid 1980’s. Before coming to Markey Saddlery, Chris worked at Qantas for 15 years. During this time, Chris has also kept his eye in the racing game by privately valeting for the majority of Sydney’s leading jockeys for the last 10 years.

Chris will be assisting in our Sydney stable runs, working from our shop base, as well as continuing his private valeting which will assist our customers for raceday deliveries.