Darby McCarthy's life story immortalised on screen

Darby McCarthy's life story is being immortalised in a documentary. Cathy Freeman met McCarthy when she was 15. McCarthy was born in Cunnamulla in outback western Queensland. He rose to fame as a champion jockey in the 1950s and 1960s. His riding talent was recognised worldwide and he had lucrative riding contracts in Europe for some of the sport's richest owners. He was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame. The documentary is due to be released next year. It is called "In A Life Time".

Ronald Simpson, 22, is an emerging Aboriginal apprentice jockey based at Randwick with master trainer Les Bridge. Ronald Simpson will play the role of Darby McCarthy in the documentary "In A Life Time". Ronald took a year off riding after a leg injury. He won on Careering Away at Dubbo last Sunday. Darbys passing in May 2020 will be immortalised on screen. David Waddington and Chris O'Reilly are the producers. They have called the project "in a Life time".

Lyall Appo will play Darby McCarthy later in life. Waddington and O'Reilly recorded extensive interviews with McCarthy prior to his passing. The project has been delayed by Covid but filming has begun. Documentary Australia Foundation has endorsed the project.