The self-described "terrible jockey" from Griffith, Joe Agresta, is returning home to share his incredible story of working alongside renowned racing legend Bart Cummings.
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Agresta's first-ever book titled Trackrider, My Life with Bart is a tell-all tale that features the ups-and-downs of elite racing under Cummings for 34 years.
"I was talking to my wife and I thought, what better place to do my first launch than where I was born" Mr Agresta said.
"I still love the place and I still call Griffith home, so I thought it would be appropriate to do my launch there."
A glimpse behind the stable door, Trackrider, My Life with Bart relives how Joe managed to pick winners across international tournaments, including the esteemed Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup.
During his three-decade career, one particular instance in 1997 saw Agresta call thoroughbred Dane Ripper to win the Cox Plate by 100 yards, before the mare was even entered in the competition.
Despite starting at 40 to one odds, Agresta stayed true to his word and Dane Ripper crossed the line in pole position.
"Bart was going to run her in a $100,000 race," Mr Agresta laughed.
"When I galloped her on the Tuesday, I said to him she'd win by 100 yards if you put her in the Cox Plate.
"So he ended putting her in and she won a million dollar race rather than a $100,000 one."
Bart Cummings found himself listed as an Australian national treasure, on a postage stamp, and listed within multiple halls of fame thanks to the wins he had alongside Griffith's Joe Agresta.
Bart was known as the Cups King around the world and rightfully so, during his career he attained 12 Melbourne Cups, 13 Australian Cups, seven Caulfield Cups, five Cox Plates and four Golden Slippers.
"We got things right and whether that was a fluke or not I don't know," Mr Agresta said.
"But we must have been doing something right."
Joe followed his love of race horses to Flemington and became half of one of the most enduring sports partnerships to date, outlasting everyone who ever worked for Bart.
When Joe started, he was certain he would only be in the job for a few months, but his dedicated demeanor and passion for racing helped him attain elite status alongside the Cups King.
To recognise his hard work and achievement, Joe Agresta was awarded the 2018 'Dedication to Racing' honour sponsored by Godolphin.
"Sometimes you fall into a job and everything just kind of seems to fall into place," Mr Agresta explained.
"I was really comfortable where I was and as the years went on I learned more and more.
"The more I stayed there, the more he trusted me."
Joe Agresta's launch of Trackrider, My Life with Bart will be held at the Griffith City Library on December 5, beginning at 5:30pm.
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