Juan Maddox is happy to be out of the race

Nor does he need to get up at 3am, wear a ‘sweat suit’ and drop up to five kilograms in the days before clocking on. 

The former jockey, of 20 years, 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 for 18 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.” 

Juan and his wife moved to Edenhope two years ago, with plans to wind down and embrace a tree-changer lifestyle. 

The father-of-five, who is also step-father to his wife’s four children, was not concerned about limited space for guests in their new home. 

“We’ve only got one spare bedroom, so they’ll have to stay at the caravan park,” he joked. “Our life here couldn’t be more different really.” 

It’s taken the couple a while to adapt, from fast-paced city life. Shock set in on their first weekend in town, when Juan confirmed that the local supermarket sold rubbish bins. 

“I went in, at 3.45pm on a Sunday to get my bin, and it was closed; I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “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.” 

Juan 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.” 

Grampians Health Edenhope welcomes Juan to the team and the community.