Alf Matthews takes job as apprentice coach

Alf Matthews is set for a new role at Racing Victoria having been announced as a jockey coach for apprentices.

A multiple Group One-winning jockey who retired in 1998, Matthews has been appointed to fill the role left by Matt Pumpa after he took up a position with the Singapore Turf Club earlier this year as its apprentice jockey coach.

Matthews joins another multiple Group One-winning rider, Darren Gauci, who started with RV in early 2017 when he retired.

For the past seven years Matthews has served as strategic racing analyst in RV’s Integrity Services department while he has been involved in the apprentice jockey training program on a part-time basis for almost two decades.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working in the RV integrity team,” Matthews said.

“I want to thank them for their support both throughout my time with the team, and in my switch to this new role.

“I have always loved teaching young riders and after 18 years of working with the program on a part-time basis, I’m really excited at the opportunity to take a more hands-on role and get out in the field again.

“We have such an amazing group of young and emerging riders here in Victoria, and I want to ensure that they reach their potential and become great ambassadors for our sport.”