Family 'seriously worried' about ex-jockey with dementia missing for two days

An urgent appeal has been made to find a former jockey with dementia who has gone missing.

Keith Banks, who is 81, pursued a successful and eventful career as lightweight jockey in over 28 years.

He was a prolific winner on Australia’s country and bush racing circuits but also rode metropolitan winners, becoming known as a ‘money rider’ for the gambles that were landed.

He rode in two Melbourne Cups but was forced into retirement in 1986 after suffering a head injury in a fall during a track gallop. In retirement Banks ran a pre-training yard in Scone, New South Wales with former jockey Reto Cadalbert.

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His family are now increasingly worried about him after he left their home in Woolooma, New South Wales on Monday.

In a post shared on , Mersadies Jewel wrote: “My beautiful Pop has gone missing. He has pretty bad Alzheimers/Dementia and he left our property at Woolooma/stewarts brook area (2337) in his 2006 Honda Civic sedan (AN46CT) at roughly at 1:00pm Monday 11/11/24.

“We have searched our area up to the Dingo gate at Barrington and Ellerston plus scone and surrounds.”

In an update on Wednesday, she added: “No signs of Pop still. We are seriously worried about his health at this stage. If you think you’ve seen him or his car please reach out.”

New have issued their own appeal for Banks.

“Keith Banks, aged 81, was last seen leaving a home on Stewarts Road, Woolooma about 1pm today (Monday 11 November 2024).

“When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts. Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare due to him living with dementia and requires medication.

“Keith is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, with a slim build and shoulder length grey hair. He was last seen wearing a blue checkered puffer jacket, and dark jeans, and closed footwear.

“Keith was seen driving a dark grey Honda sedan with NSW registration plates AN46CT in an unknown direction. He is known to frequent the Hunter Valley area.”