The Boss
Glen Boss has no peers when it comes to riding stayers.
This year he has the remarkable record of riding a winner at practically one in three rides in races run over 2000 metres and beyond.
We all know of his inspired rides on the mighty mare Makybe Diva in three Melbourne Cup victories - each ride a lesson for the ages with consummate displays of patience, poise, and positioning. Reading the race as it unfolds before him; going inside and between horses when those of lesser confidence (less blessed) go too early, and go too wide.
Boss’ list of feature wins in staying events is remarkable. Some of these wins include:
Naturally - his 3 Melbourne Cup wins on Makybe Diva
(also wins on Makybe Diva in the Cox Plate; Australian Cup; BMW Classic; Sydney Cup)
AJC Australian Derby on Starcraft
AJC Oaks on Serenade Rose
Australian Cup on Makybe Diva
Moonee Valley Cup on Zipping
and more
Glen Boss’ career record at races of 3200 metres reads:
19 rides
5 wins
2 placings
and prizemoney of $9,959,000
This expertise on stayers takes nothing away from his ability to win races over shorter distances: multiple Doncaster Handicaps; an Epsom Handicap; Golden Slipper Stakes; Caulfield Guineas; Stradbroke Handicap - and many more. But when the distance of a race deems it a staying test for horse, and jockey, then it is Glen Boss who is first choice (first thought).
At Moonee Valley last Saturday Glen Boss rode in both staying events. Winning on the Robert Smerdon trained Stoneblack over 2040 metres - then narrowly failing (beaten a nose) on the Smerdon trained Black And Bent over 2500 metres. Almost the perfect record - with both rides equally impressive.