Darby__In a Life Time__Clifford CLARE

Darby McCarthy was a respected mentor and elder to his immediate community. He has had a life of highs and lows that no scriptwriter would dare invent. The truth is stranger than fiction. Few Australian children were born into greater disadvantage, yet by his early twenties Darby McCarthy was dominating in our top races on Australia’s best racecourses. Out of the saddle he was charismatic, photogenic, well-spoken and impeccably dressed, soon earning himself a lucrative contract to ride in world-class company in England and France. Here he met and mingled with the rich and famous. Seemingly, colour prejudice that dogged the lives of all Indigenous Australians, no longer applied. But it was never going to be as easy as that.

Darby life is mixed with triumphs then there were scandals, disasters and injustices that plagued his racing career and reputation, and indeed nearly cost him his life.
Yet here is the twist. To return from those dark places to become a role model to young indigenous people nationally – not just to aspiring jockeys and athletes – is a unique story. ‘Darby does his part in advancing the breakdown of barriers between Aboriginal people and white Australians.

Please consider your contribution to this production through The Documentary Australia Foundation.
The Darby McCarthy PROJECT “In a Life Time”.
https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/darby-mccarthy-project-in-a-life-time-working-title/