Darby__In a Life Time__Barry Barnes

It has been a unique achievement for film maker David Waddington and producer Chris O’Reilly to interview on film and in depth more than sixty remarkable individuals – participants and witnesses to seventy years of Australian racing history.

All share one thing: admiration for the career of the former champion jockey Darby McCarthy.

This is a story of the success, the disasters and ultimately the survival of a unique individual.

The stories and perspectives that emerged from so many different points of view amazed me.

Even in their raw and unedited state they have now provided a unique archive which the racing industry should treasure and preserve.

They give a precious insight into an era in Australian racing that has passed.

That world has gone.

It is sobering but true to say that it will never, ever be possible to bring these people together again on film in this way.

(Dr) Andrew Lemon AM FRHSV
Historian
Melbourne, AUSTRALIA.