Latest news with #MichaelDee
The Australian
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Japan stint has jet-setting Dee primed to sprinkle some spring magic
Group 1 jockey Michael Dee could fulfil Australian and international ambitions with another strong domestic season. Dee started with a feature Flemington double last Saturday, only his second meeting back after two months riding in Japan. Dee spent a month in Europe and UK to recharge before the Australian season. He moved to 15 career Group 1 wins last season, with a second Blue Diamond Stakes success and a special homecoming New Zealand Derby triumph. The Kiwi expat could build on the tally early in the spring with Magic Time aimed at the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) next month. Dee piloted Magic Time to victory in the 2023 Sir Rupert Clarke and 2024 All Aged Stakes. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The 29-year-old rode 32 winners in Melbourne last season at a healthy 13 per cent strike rate. Dee has the lure of a three-month contract to ride in Japan next year but success on the home front matters most right now. 'It's not set in stone (next year), depends how everything goes,' Dee said. 'If I'm having an absolute pearler of a season here, this season, it would probably be very beneficial for me to go back there. 'They travel their horses everywhere and their horses always can compete at the highest level when they go anywhere … they go to Dubai, Saudi, Kentucky, everywhere. READ: Bulked-up Private Harry to unveil new look in Everest 'If I was lucky enough to go back and pick something up … you never know.' Bold Soul was the first of a winning double for Michael Dee at Flemington on Saturday Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images Dee, or any other Australian jockey, need not look far for inspiration with globetrotter Damian Lane the toast of Japanese racing and fans alike. Lane has ridden 177 winners the past six years in Japan including six Grade 1 triumphs. The success and connections has led to Lane riding Japanese horses to victory abroad in Australia, Hong Kong and the Middle East. 'He's (Lane) basically got the pick of the rides really (in Japan),' Dee said. 'He's almost the Zac Purton of Hong Kong in Japan, he's been there a fair few times now and built his connections. 'Whereas myself, it's tough in two months to properly build connections ... it should be better next time I go.' READ: Vandyke eyes first Victorian spring foray since Alligator Blood heroics Dee, who rode five winners in Japan from 130 starters and placed on 20 occasions, appreciated the life and career experience. 'It's hard to explain how different it is (Japanese racing) unless you've actually been there,' Dee said. 'Everything you could think of is just different. How they train, the surfaces they run on, track work, race day, everything is different. 'I had to adapt coming from here to there, tweak how they run races and their horses and style of running, it's not very similar to here (as) races are run different (faster tempo). Michael Dee after winning the 2022 Victoria Derby aboard Manzoice Picture:'I've certainly learned a lot, whether I can bring a lot of that here, I'm sure, we'll soon find out.' Dee experienced the racing fandom in Japan firsthand with picture requests at airports and like. 'They treat their jockeys like we would (AFL) footballers or something like that, probably even more so,' Dee said. Dee has two rides at Sandown on Wednesday with Mr Independent in race two while Laa De Sha contests race eight. Gilbert Gardiner Sports reporter Gilbert Gardiner is a sports reporter for the Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun. @gilbertgardiner Gilbert Gardiner
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Recharged jockey Michael Dee sets high goals this spring following a season to savour
Group 1 jockey Michael Dee could fulfil Australian and international ambitions with another strong domestic season. Dee started with a feature Flemington double last Saturday, only his second meeting back after two months riding in Japan. Dee spent a month in Europe and UK to recharge before the Australian season. He moved to 15 career Group 1 wins last season, with a second Blue Diamond Stakes success and a special homecoming New Zealand Derby triumph. The Kiwi expat could build on the tally early in the spring with Magic Time aimed at the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) next month. Dee piloted Magic Time to victory in the 2023 Sir Rupert Clarke and 2024 All Aged Stakes. The 29-year-old rode 32 winners in Melbourne last season at a healthy 13 per cent strike rate. Dee has the lure of a three-month contract to ride in Japan next year but success on the home front matters most right now. 'It's not set in stone (next year), depends how everything goes,' Dee said. 'If I'm having an absolute pearler of a season here, this season, it would probably be very beneficial for me to go back there. 'They travel their horses everywhere and their horses always can compete at the highest level when they go anywhere … they go to Dubai, Saudi, Kentucky, everywhere. 'If I was lucky enough to go back and pick something up … you never know.' Dee, or any other Australian jockey, need not look far for inspiration with globetrotter Damian Lane the toast of Japanese racing and fans alike. Lane has ridden 177 winners the past six years in Japan including six Grade 1 triumphs. The success and connections has led to Lane riding Japanese horses to victory abroad in Australia, Hong Kong and the Middle East. 'He's (Lane) basically got the pick of the rides really (in Japan),' Dee said. 'He's almost the Zac Purton of Hong Kong in Japan, he's been there a fair few times now and built his connections. 'Whereas myself, it's tough in two months to properly build connections ... it should be better next time I go.' Dee, who rode five winners in Japan from 130 starters and placed on 20 occasions, appreciated the life and career experience. 'It's hard to explain how different it is (Japanese racing) unless you've actually been there,' Dee said. 'Everything you could think of is just different. How they train, the surfaces they run on, track work, race day, everything is different. 'I had to adapt coming from here to there, tweak how they run races and their horses and style of running, it's not very similar to here (as) races are run different (faster tempo). 'I've certainly learned a lot, whether I can bring a lot of that here, I'm sure, we'll soon find out.' Dee experienced the racing fandom in Japan firsthand with picture requests at airports and like. 'They treat their jockeys like we would (AFL) footballers or something like that, probably even more so,' Dee said. Dee has two rides at Sandown on Wednesday with Mr Independent in race two while Laa De Sha contests race eight.
News.com.au
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Japanese frontrunner Meisho Tabaru books 2025 Cox Plate start with Takarazuka Kinen win
Meisho Tabaru could be the latest Japanese galloper to have a crack at the Cox Plate after his frontrunning win in the Group 1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin. Meisho Tabaru finished fifth in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at his previous run before leading throughout under Japanese riding legend Yukata Take to notch his first Group 1 win in the ¥651,000,000 (approx. $A7 million) feature. 'My plan was to take the lead, and although I was unsure about the pace, I think we were able to race at just the right pace,' Take said. 'I knew the other horses were going to make a bid early but my mount had good momentum going around the fourth corner and I was hoping that he would manage to push through.' Australian-based jockey Michael Dee finished third aboard Justin Palace while Damian Lane steered Chuck Nate into fifth. Winning the Takarazuka Kinen earned Meisho Tabaru's connections a subsidised invitation to run in October's Cox Plate at The Valley. Bookmakers installed Meisho Tabaru as a $15 chance in Cox Plate betting after the stallion qualified for the $5 million showpiece. Lys Gracieux won the Takarazuka Kinen before heading to Australia to win the Cox Plate with Lane aboard in 2019, becoming the first Japanese horse to win Australasia's weight-for-age championship. Prognosis was the latest Japanese performer to tackle the Cox Plate but bumped into Via Sistina in peak form, finishing eight lengths adrift when second to the star mare in 2024. Via Sistina is the $2.30 favourite to win the Cox Plate for the second straight year on October 25. The Takarazuka Kinen is the first of three 'win and you're in' qualifying races for the Cox Plate. The Juddmonte International at York in August and the Saratoga Derby in New York on September 1 will also offer subsidised Cox Plate starts to the winner.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford school principals share memories ahead of 50th anniversary celebration
Our Lady of Lourdes Bunclody officially opened in 1975 with the amalgamation of female and male pupils for the first time. The principal at the time, Michael Dee said they were surprised at how seamlessly everything fell into place at the beginning of the school. "We were all pleasantly surprised at how seamlessly the amalgamation worked out. After a few weeks it looked as if both staff and pupils had been in such an environment all their lives. The school very soon garnered a reputation for hard work and high standards, traits still evident to this day. "Apart from the academics I would have very happy memories of the music, drama and games programmes which proved very enjoyable and successful. We always enjoyed great cooperation from Bunclody G.A.A. and soccer clubs and the help forthcoming from F.C.J. school in all our stage productions. Our school concerts wouldn't have happened without Harry Mc Mullen,' he added. Keen to follow in his footsteps, James Roberts took over the role as principal in 1997 and got heavily involved in the Rackard League. "They say that a new broom sweeps clean but when I followed Michael Dee as principal of Our Lady of Lourdes National School in 1997 I was determined to hold on to as much as I could of what his dedication to the school had given Bunclody. Michael had successfully managed to integrate two schools into a cohesive, dedicated and happy family where the focus was on the children,' he said. 'My first year's involvement with Rackard League was successful with the boys winning the Roinn A Football Competition in 1997/98 but truth be told, this was mainly down to the work of the previous principal Michael Dee, to teacher Edward Martin and to Colm O Tiarnaigh, the then principal of Kilmyshall NS who had sown the seeds of success. Interest in GAA was high, especially as the winning Wexford All Ireland Hurling Team visited the school the previous year.' He also spoke about how the staff fought to receive more help from the state after they were not included as a a priority school (Band 1) which would have given them much-needed additional teachers and considerable extra funding. According to a survey, which they used to support their campaign, Bunclody was recognised as the most economically depressed town in Ireland. "With this knowledge we pushed the Department for inclusion in Band 1 of DEIS and we were included shortly after. This gave the school extra teachers and crucially a fulltime Home School Co-Ordinator. The additional funding enabled breakfast clubs, homework clubs, school meals, extra resources, play therapy services and a whole range of extra services to be provided without the need for fundraising,' he explained. One of the most successful programmes introduced was the Enrichment Programme. The aim of this programme was to provide something different to the normal classroom experience and enable students to challenge themselves to achieve their full potential. Some of the elements of the programme included cryptology and code breaking, painting classes, debating, Maths competitions, LEGO Robotics, cooking, Spelling Bee, quizzes and podcasting. Speaking on his most memorable possession after being at the helm for 22 years, he said: 'My most cherished possession from my 22 years as principal in Our Lady of Lourdes NS is a series of books called 'To Be Continued …'. The books complete stories written by Ben Markey. Ben was a second class pupil who died in a tragic accident on May 11, 2013. He was an extraordinary boy who loved writing. Many of his stories were unfinished because he would start one story but get a new, better story he couldn't wait to write.' Current principal, Tomás Moriarty who took up the mantel in 2019, said he knew from the beginning that the school was a special place, despite the challenges posed by Covid-19. "From my first visit, to meet James Roberts and the children, it was clear that OLOL NS was a special place. Walking in through the gates, I remember that the school grounds were sparkling in the early Summer sun and from the first meeting with the children and staff I was made feel welcome,' he said. "The years since have been eventful but rewarding! I was still finding my feet when the Covid pandemic hit in March 2020. None of us could have foreseen what was coming when Leo Varadkar announced schools would close in March 2020. The talk was that we would be open again after Easter, little did we know. Two long periods of online learning followed alongside interludes in school with open windows, masks and the constant smell of hand sanitiser. May we never see the likes again!" He emphasised that, as a result of building on the legacies of the previous principals, the current school is full of life and boundless activities. "School life here in OLOL NS is a daily burst of activity, the classes and corridors buzzing with the life and energy that the children bring to the school. There is so much happening, from our school band to art classes, from Rackard League, athletics, soccer and more to Chess Club. Every day is different but each day brings its own rewards.' To celebrate the milestone, the school is inviting past pupils, staff, and locals to a special mass beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, followed by refreshments and speeches.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Former pupils invited to Wexford school's 50th anniversary celebration
Our Lady of Lourdes Bunclody officially opened in 1975 with the amalgamation of female and male pupils for the first time. The principal at the time, Michael Dee said they were surprised at how seamlessly everything fell into place at the beginning of the school. "We were all pleasantly surprised at how seamlessly the amalgamation worked out. After a few weeks it looked as if both staff and pupils had been in such an environment all their lives. The school very soon garnered a reputation for hard work and high standards, traits still evident to this day. "Apart from the academics I would have very happy memories of the music, drama and games programmes which proved very enjoyable and successful. We always enjoyed great cooperation from Bunclody G.A.A. and soccer clubs and the help forthcoming from F.C.J. school in all our stage productions. Our school concerts wouldn't have happened without Harry Mc Mullen,' he added. Keen to follow in his footsteps, James Roberts took over the role as principal in 1997 and got heavily involved in the Rackard League. "They say that a new broom sweeps clean but when I followed Michael Dee as principal of Our Lady of Lourdes National School in 1997 I was determined to hold on to as much as I could of what his dedication to the school had given Bunclody. Michael had successfully managed to integrate two schools into a cohesive, dedicated and happy family where the focus was on the children,' he said. 'My first year's involvement with Rackard League was successful with the boys winning the Roinn A Football Competition in 1997/98 but truth be told, this was mainly down to the work of the previous principal Michael Dee, to teacher Edward Martin and to Colm O Tiarnaigh, the then principal of Kilmyshall NS who had sown the seeds of success. Interest in GAA was high, especially as the winning Wexford All Ireland Hurling Team visited the school the previous year.' He also spoke about how the staff fought to receive more help from the state after they were not included as a a priority school (Band 1) which would have given them much-needed additional teachers and considerable extra funding. According to a survey, which they used to support their campaign, Bunclody was recognised as the most economically depressed town in Ireland. "With this knowledge we pushed the Department for inclusion in Band 1 of DEIS and we were included shortly after. This gave the school extra teachers and crucially a fulltime Home School Co-Ordinator. The additional funding enabled breakfast clubs, homework clubs, school meals, extra resources, play therapy services and a whole range of extra services to be provided without the need for fundraising,' he explained. One of the most successful programmes introduced was the Enrichment Programme. The aim of this programme was to provide something different to the normal classroom experience and enable students to challenge themselves to achieve their full potential. Some of the elements of the programme included cryptology and code breaking, painting classes, debating, Maths competitions, LEGO Robotics, cooking, Spelling Bee, quizzes and podcasting. Speaking on his most memorable possession after being at the helm for 22 years, he said: 'My most cherished possession from my 22 years as principal in Our Lady of Lourdes NS is a series of books called 'To Be Continued …'. The books complete stories written by Ben Markey. Ben was a second class pupil who died in a tragic accident on May 11, 2013. He was an extraordinary boy who loved writing. Many of his stories were unfinished because he would start one story but get a new, better story he couldn't wait to write.' Current principal, Tomás Moriarty who took up the mantel in 2019, said he knew from the beginning that the school was a special place, despite the challenges posed by Covid-19. "From my first visit, to meet James Roberts and the children, it was clear that OLOL NS was a special place. Walking in through the gates, I remember that the school grounds were sparkling in the early Summer sun and from the first meeting with the children and staff I was made feel welcome,' he said. "The years since have been eventful but rewarding! I was still finding my feet when the Covid pandemic hit in March 2020. None of us could have foreseen what was coming when Leo Varadkar announced schools would close in March 2020. The talk was that we would be open again after Easter, little did we know. Two long periods of online learning followed alongside interludes in school with open windows, masks and the constant smell of hand sanitiser. May we never see the likes again!" He emphasised that, as a result of building on the legacies of the previous principals, the current school is full of life and boundless activities. "School life here in OLOL NS is a daily burst of activity, the classes and corridors buzzing with the life and energy that the children bring to the school. There is so much happening, from our school band to art classes, from Rackard League, athletics, soccer and more to Chess Club. Every day is different but each day brings its own rewards.' To celebrate the milestone, the school is inviting past pupils, staff, and locals to a special mass beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, followed by refreshments and speeches.
