VALE PETER MERTENS
Left: Peter Mertens and Sirmione hits the front in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes on Victoria Derby Day, 2007. (Mark Dadswell/Getty Images). Right: Legendary trainer Bart Cummings with Peter Mertens holding up the Australian Cup trophy that Sirmione won in 2008. (Mark Dadswell/Getty Images).
Mertens’ final Melbourne Cup ride in 2005, aboard the $201 outsider Envoy, marked a career highlight. Although he couldn’t keep up with the eventual winner, the magnificent Makybe Diva, Mertens piloted his mount to a commendable seventh-place finish. The overwhelming sound of the crowd as Makybe Diva crossed the finish line created an indescribable feeling for Mertens, a sensation he had never before experienced on a racetrack. Under the guidance of the legendary Bart Cummings, Mertens secured victories in the 2007 Mackinnon Stakes and the 2008 Australian Cup on Sirmione. However, another devastating injury at Hamilton in 2013 ultimately brought his career to an end. In total, he amassed 2157 wins. Following his retirement, Mertens transitioned to running a pre-training farm in St Leonards before trying his hand at training, although he did not achieve any victories in that role. Leading the tributes to Mertens was Robbie Griffiths, who knew him for over 40 years, having ridden against him and provided him with more winners than any other trainer. Griffiths fondly remembers Mertens as an absolute “superstar of a guy”, cherishing the many great times they spent together. Matt Hyland, CEO of the Victorian Jockeys Association, praised Mertens’ gallant fight against his illness and acknowledges his impact on the Victorian racing community and beyond. Trainer Mick Price, who trained Mertens’ first Group 1 winner, sees echoes of the talented jockey in his son, Beau Mertens, a 25-year-old who has already amassed 564 victories. Price recalls his personal and professional experiences with Mertens, describing him as “a lovely man”. “I have very fond memories of him personally and professionally. I spent a lot of time with Peter in the early days,” Price said. “I see Beau a lot and Peter comes to mind more and more. I have a great association with Beau. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” At the end of April, a lunch was held to celebrate Mertens’ life and he was in great spirits. Price said he was lucky enough to be there and everyone who was there felt privileged to have spent time with the jockey.
PETER MERTENS’ CAREER
• 2156 wins • 7 Group 1 wins • 5 Group 2 wins • 16 Group 3 wins
• 34 Listed winners • Robbie Griffiths: 155 winners • Mick Price: 71 winners
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