Noel 'Digger' McGrowdie (1920-1961), jockey, was born in Brisbane and educated at a Christian Brothers School in Toowoomba before being apprenticed in Brisbane at the age of fourteen. He first won at Eagle Farm aged sixteen, and had 100 wins to his name before he finished his apprenticeship. In 1943 he moved to Sydney where he became known as the 'Cups King' and developed into one of the leading 'big money' jockeys of the 1950s, renowned not only for his exceptional judgement and courage on the track but for his integrity, wit and glamorous wife, Marcia. In 1960 he accepted an offer to ride in Singapore and Malaya, immediately taking out the Straits Racing Association Premiership with 59 wins in his first season there. He was in brilliant form when he died as a result of a car accident in Malaya. This photograph was taken in the weighing in room at the Australian Jockey Club's Winter Carnival (McGrowdie could weigh in at 45 kg). He had just won the Balmoral Stakes on Passbook, owned and trained by Mr C. Ryan.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2003
© Michael McQuillan's Classic Photographs
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves.
Former NPG Deputy Director, Simon Elliott talks with Ern McQuillan about his life and career as a sports photographer.
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