General News
9 September, 2024
Juan Maddox is happy to be out of the race, adopt tree change lifestyle
Tree change moves former jockey to Edenhope and a slower pace
Former jockey, Juan Maddox and his wife and family moved to Edenhope two years ago, with plans to wind down and embrace a tree-changer lifestyle and it is a decision he has not regretted.
"I loved the racing industry, I made good friends and met many wonderful people but I love the lifestyle in Edenhope and the work I do here, mainly because of the change of pace but mostly because of the people," he said.
"Our life here could not be more different from what we've been used to."
"Bu it has been a good move," he said.
It took the couple a while to adapt, from fast-paced city life, to shops closing earlier than they were used to on Saturdays in Melbourne.
On their first weekend in Edenhope they realised they needed a new bin and according to locals the local supermarket sold them.
However opening times were not discussed.
"I went in, at 3.45pm on a Sunday to get my bin, and it was closed; I couldn't believe it," he laughed.
"I lived in Melbourne for 50 years; everything's open 24-hours there."
But that promise of a calmer and slower life is exactly what attracted him.
"I love being in the country and going for drives," he said. "Nothing's rushed and the people are really nice."
He can sleep in now and not get up at 3am, doesn't have to wear a 'sweat suit' and drop up to five kilograms in the days before clocking on to the job.
After a 20 year career in racing he hasn't even broken a bone since joining Grampians Health Edenhope's hotel services team.
"There's a saying in the racing industry - you're not a jockey until you've had 100 broken bones," he said.
"I've had lots of broken bones and then I snapped a nerve in my neck and lost use of my arm for18 months.
"I miss the racing but don't miss the constant battle of keeping weight down; I didn't have Christmas Dinner for at least 10 years, because there was always a big race in the days afterward."
Mr Maddox said while he attended Christmas Dinner often, he could not enjoy them, keeping to a strict diet of a slice of processed meat or two as much as he could allow himself to eat.
"I don't miss getting on the scales all the time and one of the things I have noticed I eat normally now and don't weigh myself constantly and I'm still about he same wright I was when I was racing."
Mr Maddox moves between hospital wards and Lakeside Living care facility, delivering meals and cleaning rooms.
"It's been the perfect job to suit my lifestyle and step back a bit," he said. "I actually love it; the people are nice to chat to and keep me in the know."
The father-of-five, who is also step-father to his wife's four children, said their home suits them but as far as guests are concerned, they'll have to stay at the caravan park.