“I wish I had have won”: Retired jockey reflects on Melbourne Cup heartbreak

Champion jockey Darren Gauci was one of the sport’s most loved hoops during his time in the saddle.

Renowned for his durability and sustained success, Gauci won the Senior Victorian Jockeys Premiership in 1983-84, 85-85 and 90-91.

While Gauci had an incredibly successful career with 35 Group 1 wins, the Melbourne Cup was the one that got away for the now 56-year-old.

In the race that stops the nation, Gauci was aboard three runners-up, with Chagemar (1985), Super Impose (1989) and Jeune (2005) crossing over in second.

Although Gauci wishes he won the race, he is comfortable in his retirement.

“I’ve been retired now five years,” Gauci said on SEN’s This Is Your Journey – thanks to Tobin Brothers.

“As I said, I still miss race riding of course, but I’ve got a good life.

“Look I wish I had have won a Melbourne Cup, that’s every jockey’s dream, it didn’t happen, I ran second three times.

“Even running second was a great thrill, but I would’ve loved to have won a Melbourne Cup.”

Gauci’s first ride came on Gurner’s Lane in 1984, while he bowed out a winner on $17 shot Goodwill at Caulfield in 2017.