IT will be a “Bush Christmas” on December 25 when the definitive story of one of Australia’s much-loved country gallopers airs for the first time on the Sky Thoroughbred Channel.

A couple of bush sparkies have put their money where their mouth is in regard to their passion for horse racing over the last couple of years and they are optimistic they might be able to win a chunk of it back on the big stage this Saturday.

Revered jockey Keith Ballard will call time on his illustrious career in the saddle this Saturday but those closest to the veteran rider have declared his impact on the racing industry is far from finished.