Geoff was born in Balranald, a small town in South West NSW. He grew up with a pony in the backyard and rode with success in district gymkhanas. He spent most of his non-school hours on his horse and it was in those early years where he learned how a horse thinks.
As a 15 year old he moved to Berrigan and began an apprenticeship under A.F. (Bert) Honeychurch, both winning many premierships. Geoff also broke in most of Bert’s horses in his years there.
Geoff was a top apprentice, winning almost every cup in country NSW and Victoria, and Vic provincial tracks.
He rode many winners in Melbourne with a career highlight riding Red Hope in the 1973 Melbourne Cup. Geoff considers Roy Higgins to be the best jockey he ever rode against.
Geoff moved to Corowa in 1975 as stable rider for J.R. (Jack) Freyer, another premiership winning trainer.
At 170.5cm Geoff’s weight was a constant battle and he retired from race riding in 1983.
Geoff helped breeder/studmaster, Len Rhodes with stallions serving mares and handling foals at his Riverside Stud at Corowa.
Geoff feels privileged to have learned from three of the most respected horseman in the Riverina, trainers Bert Honeychurch, Jack Freyer and breeder Len Rhodes.