- Former NRL star has been hired for Channel Nine’s coverage
- Has vast experience riding horses and owns a horse breeding farm
- Fans have noticed a very curious part of his Melbourne Cup suit
Former NRL superstar Billy Slater has become an overnight hit in a new sport, but some viewers have questioned part of his Melbourne Cup attire in his new role interviewing jockeys.
Slater, who has a long history in the horse racing industry and who breeds horses with his wife Nicole, was hired by Channel Nine to interview jockeys while on horseback as part of the network’s Melbourne Cup coverage.
The Queensland Maroons State of Origin coach became an instant fan favourite for his poise, knowledge of the sport and ability to interview the jockeys while also managing his mount.
‘Billy Slater on the horses doing post race interviews? Give a raise to whoever signed off on that idea. Brilliant move,’ one viewer posted on social media platform X
‘Billy Slater nailing it. Questions short, sharp and to the point. Let the jockeys talk,’ another posted.
Billy Slater was spotted wearing a jockey’s safety vest in his new role as a roving reporter for Channel Nine on horseback
Slater has around four decades of experience working with horses and owns a breeding farm with his wife Nicole
‘I don’t know much about Billy Slater but the way he talks about horses warms my heart,’ a horse racing fan not familiar with the NRL added.
Slater looked sharp in his navy suit and protective helmet, but that wasn’t the only protective element fans noticed.
Underneath the suit, Slater was wearing a safety vest despite boasting around four decades of experience riding horses.
Horse safety vests protect riders by absorbing and dispersing impact energy during falls, reducing the risk of injury.
These vests are often made of shock-absorbing foam and materials that harden upon impact, shielding the rider’s chest, spine, and vital organs.
They are commonly used in high-risk equestrian activities like jumping and eventing to provide essential protection without restricting movement.
Thankfully for Slater, his horse Sammy didn’t miss a beat either and stepped into the role perfectly.
‘Sammy is a champion. He gets five stars, Sammy,’ Slater said.
