- Billy Slater impressed fans with his new role in the chair
- NRL legend was a track jockey as a teenager
- He is still active in the racing industry and owns horses.
NRL legend Billy Slater has wowed fans in his new broadcasting role at Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival, with viewers impressed by both his skills and driving knowledge.
The Queensland Origin trainer is part of Channel 9’s racing coverage and conducts post-race interviews with jockeys while in the saddle at Flemington.
But NRL fans need not fear for their safety – Slater is far from a rookie when it comes to the sport of kings.
As a teenager, the former Storm defender worked as a track jockey for decorated trainer Gai Waterhouse in Sydney, and owns numerous horses.
Slater and his wife Nicole also run Slater Thoroughbreds, a breeder of high-end pedigree runners.
“I feel really honoured, I feel like I have the best seat in the house here in Flemington,” Slater said on Nine’s coverage on Saturday.
“This is Sammy, he’ll take care of me today,” he said while holding a horse.
“It’s just nibbling on the roses, I don’t know if the gardeners will be very happy with that.”
NRL legend Billy Slater has impressed fans with his driving skills and knowledge.
Slater worked as a track cyclist for decorated coach Gai Waterhouse.
“It’s actually a really surreal moment for me. I get the opportunity to talk to jockeys directly after they win some of the biggest races of their careers.
“We just saw Damien Oliver, the legendary jockey, come by and say good morning. I’m really pinching myself right now.
Viewers were stunned by Slater’s transformation.
‘Billy Slater is killing it. Great decision by @channel9 to use Billy in this role,” one X user posted.
“I don’t know much about Billy Slater, but the way he talks about horses warms my heart,” said another.
A third posted: ‘Love Channel 9’s coverage of derby day! Great team, all working very well together. Billy Slater is an absolute superstar! A good rider knows what he’s doing and is a good guy.
Slater and his wife Nicole (pictured) run Slater Thoroughbreds, a breeder of high-end pedigree horses.
Slater says he is honored to be at the helm of his new broadcasting role
The Melbourne Storm great said he was relishing the opportunity, which comes after Nine secured the broadcast rights to the race that will stop a nation until 2029.
“It’s going to be very exciting to be in the team for the Melbourne Cup Carnival,” Slater told Today in October.
‘I’ll get behind the barriers (at Flemington) and talk to some of the jockeys after they win some of the biggest races of their lives.
“I could be on a horse and go out between it and give viewers an idea of what they’re thinking.
“And also how emotional it can be after a race and talking to the jockeys who work so hard to get there.”
Slater recently revealed that his weight as a youth ensured he would not forge a career as an elite basketball player.
“Horse racing is something I’ve always been passionate about,” Slater told News Corp.
‘I was 16… I finished grade 11, left school and was living alone in Sydney and working for Gai (Waterhouse).
“That was a real revelation. Watching a high-quality coach like Gai at work probably subconsciously helped me when I started pursuing a career in the NRL.
“I (also) weighed about 70kg when I was 16, so I was never going to be a jockey.”