A LEGENDARY jockey with over £55million winnings has opened up on why he absolutely loves his ‘horrendous’ car that’s like a ‘bath tub’.
Famed rider Luke Nolen, 43, is best known for his all-conquering partnership with phenomenal mare Black Caviar.
Nolen has won tens of millions on the track but he loves nothing more than driving his ‘eyesore’ of a car
PA:Press AssociationNolen was on top of the world when he won the Diamond Jubilee on Black Caviar at Royal Ascot in 2012[/caption]
The pair won everything including the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012, where Nolen met the late Queen after securing £283,550 for victory.
Black Caviar went undefeated and Nolen rode her to 22 of her 25 victories, the duo winning well over £4m on the track.
But for all the glory, fame, riches and adulation, Nolen is keen to point out that he has never changed from the humble, what-you-see-is-what-you-get bloke.
So much so, in fact, that one of the greatest joys he gets away from the stresses of the racecourse is driving his canary yellow 1978 Leyland Mini.
The car looks just like the one Mr Bean used to drive.
They generally have 1 litre engine with around 35 horse power.
Their top speed is around 73mph and they can do 0-60mph in roughly 28 seconds.
Nolen says he has kept the car because it reminds him of his humble beginnings in Australia where money was tight but he had a lot of fun.
In a film for Ladbrokes and The Tab, Nolen said of the love he has for his motor.
He said: “The little Mini, she’s a beauty. She just reminds me of where I’ve come from.
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“It is a 1978 Leyland Mini, it’s called the Yellow Peril and it’s good fun to drive.
“It’s canary yellow and it’s horrendous.
“She’s like a bath tub and a bit of an eyesore but she’s got plenty of character and that’s what I like most about her.”
Nolen’s taste in cars is just a bit different to Frankie Dettori’s.
The world’s most famous jockey being Italian of course loves Ferraris and has gone through a few over the years.
He even had a special garage made at the mansion he will soon rent out for £15,000 a month to house his ‘frightening’ collection.
Like Dettori though, it is Nolen’s work in the saddle rather than behind the wheel that he will be remembered for.
He said: “There was no money growing up. My old man was looking for work and stuff like that. We didn’t have a lot but we didn’t miss out on anything.
“Now I have a very understanding and beautiful wife, and a son and a daughter.
“I’ve been able to buy this house and its grounds and it really suits me.
“I got into racing because I hated school, more than anything.
“I had a good start and won a city title but opportunities dried up and I lacked motivation.
“Then I had a lightbulb moment. I knew I had to pull my finger out or do something else.
“Not many of us are lucky enough to go downhill and come up the other side.”
Nolen’s done just that on horseback – and in his Mini.
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