Williamstown’s Greg Miles, who has called more Melbourne Cup races than anyone, has been recognised in Australia Day honours with an OAM for service to horse racing as a broadcaster.
Last November, Mr Miles called his 35th Melbourne Cup as Australians witnessed history being made. Michelle Payne guided Prince of Penzance to victory, becoming the first female jockey in 155 years to win the classic.
Just a month earlier, Mr Miles’ confidence was at “an all-time low” after experiencing a mid-race panic attack in the broadcast box during the Caulfield Cup, calling the winner Magnolia Khan instead of Mongolian Khan. “I was pretty crook with severe hay fever, which I couldn’t shake,” he said.
“I got some medical assistance to clear it up, but the side effects of that were shortness of breath then anxiety. Under the pressure leading up to the Caulfield Cup, I just had a very, very bad moment, probably the worst moment I’ve had in the broadcast box, to be honest.
“It was scary: I didn’t quite know what was going on and it all unravelled during the running of the Caulfield Cup.”
Mr Miles said the Australia Day honour came as a shock but left him “pretty chuffed”.
“I accept it on behalf of all the other race callers, rather than just Greg Miles. I think it’s great that the game’s been recognised.”
Mr Miles said he couldn’t imagine any tougher gig in broadcasting than calling races, especially the Melbourne Cup, when “you don’t get a second chance”.
He said Makybe Diva’s third win was the most memorable Melbourne Cup for him, and last year’s historic win for Michelle Payne was the most surprising.
“It was almost like it was a preordained thing from the time little Stevie [Michelle’s brother and strapper] pulled out barrier one on Saturday night.
“And the run that she had during the field was just incredible. You know, Glen Boss on Makybe Diva couldn’t have done any better.”
