By Andrew Smith

The ballroom of The Star in Brisbane is about as far away as you can get from the dusty racetracks in the North West of the Sunshine State.

But for Keith Ballard, it was those country racecourses where he dedicated years of his life to the thoroughbred code that led to him being recognised on the national stage. 

The retired jockey was presented with the Spirit of Racing Award at the recent 2024/25 Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards for his significant contribution to the industry.

Ballard drew the curtain on a riding career spanning 55 years when he rode in his final race at Mount Isa in November 2024, at the age of 71.

At the time, the Mount Isa-based hoop was the oldest active jockey in Australia, having kicked off his riding career at Longreach in 1969.

While he never rode a winner on a metropolitan track, the veteran claimed over 1,700 wins throughout his storied career including a Darwin Cup, Cleveland Bay Handicap in Townsville and a swag of regional Cup races.

Ballard was joined by wife Denise and son Dan at the ceremony in Brisbane, along with long-term stablehand Tammy Parry.

Speaking after being honoured on stage, the 72-year-old was his typical humble self as he explained his shock at hearing his name read out as this year’s recipient.