Norm “Whopper” Stephens
The Basics
| Categories: | Jockeys |
|---|---|
| Region: | South East Queensland |
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Norm Stephens picked up the nickname "Whopper" as a tiny apprentice but was a top jockey in Brisbane for more than 30 years. He won the Stradbroke Handicap in 1948 as an apprentice which was the first of a regular stream of winners. Well known for his dry wit, he later turned to training with his best horse the STC Silver Slipper winner Ballook. 
His best wins as a jockey included the Stradbroke Handicap (Ballyvista), QTC Derby (Minto Crag), Healy Stakes (Academy Star), Tattersall's Cup (Bright Shadow), Ascot Handicap (Gai Smoke, Prince Gauntlet), J.H.S. Barnes Plate (Refulgent), Brisbane Handicap (Ryes Hope), Recognition Stakes (Ryes Hope), Bernborough Stakes (Scotian), Doomben Stakes (Thurlow), Tatt's President's Handicap (Refulgent), O'Mara Stakes (Todwana), Lilley Handicap (Todwana), Hopeful-Meynink Stakes (Malarno, Glenrowan, Top Unit), Wattle Brae Stakes (Crocus Bud), Hall Stakes (Grist), McDougall Stakes (Right Vibes, Blue Roc), Albion 2000 (Rathdrum), Bribie Handicap (Misty Shadow), ITC Bloodhorse Breeders' (Crocus Bud), Easter Cup (Refulgent), Moreton Handicap (Refulgent) and June Handicap (Refulgent).
The well-known Jockey Norman (Whopper) Stephens had the sharp features and cocksure manner typical of jockeys, and Fullbrook set out to capture this distinctive aspect. Although Fullbrook is a reluctant portraitist he is responsible for some of the great portraits in modern Australian art. The painting was awarded the Archibald Prize in 1974.
