A project from the National Museum of Australia
Back to ‘Jockeying for position’

A champion jockey

At the peak of his career in the late 1920s, jockey Jim Pike was known as ‘The Master’. He started riding in races at the age of 12 and by 16 had ridden to victory in 40 races. In 1929 he began his remarkable teaming with Phar Lap, winning the Victoria Derby on his first competitive ride. Pike rode Phar Lap to 27 wins in 30 races, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup.

Jim Pike’s riding boots from the 1930s   Zoom

Jim Pike’s riding boots from the 1930s

 Jim Pike’s skullcap from the 1930s   Zoom

Jim Pike’s skullcap from the 1930s

 Jockey Jim Pike on Phar Lap at Flemington in 1930   Zoom

Jockey Jim Pike on Phar Lap at Flemington in 1930