John Tapp Racing

This is a light hearted chat with a vivacious young lady who has strong support from owners and trainers in NSW and Queensland. Tegan has been out of action for almost five months following the worst fall of her ten year career. Tegan pays special tribute to her jockey/mother who rode many winners on the NSW Northern Rivers under the name of Bev Want. She thinks it’s pretty special that she was going around in races before her Mum realised she was in the early stages of pregnancy. Tegan acknowledges the efforts of her father Andrew, a versatile jack of all trades who’s always first there to help his daughter out when things need fixing. The jockey reflects on her childhood involvement with Grafton Pony Club, and a transition to the re educating of retired racehorses. She admits she didn’t like the thoroughbreds at first. Tegan looks back on her apprenticeship to Bruce Hill on the Gold Coast, and her disastrous first race ride- one she’d rather forget. She recalls her early education at Julia Creek in the Quee

We catch up with Peter Mertens in his new role as Farms Operations Manager at Sean Buckley’s magnificent Ultra Thoroughbreds spelling, breeding and training operation near Kilmore. He explains how the job came up, and his day to day involvement. Peter talks of his formative years in the Gippsland region and his two apprenticeships- one to George O’Mealley, the other to Lloyd Timms. Just as his riding career was starting to gather momentum, Peter disappeared from the racing scene for two years. He explains that he had to look after younger siblings when his mother suffered a breakdown. He was no sooner back in action when he broke his neck in a race fall. He talks of his long, slow rehabilitation. Peter recalls a very successful stint in Singapore with a former Victorian trainer, and the shock phone call that brought news of his mother’s unexpected death. He remembers the one that got away! He thought Charm Scene Land was a good thing in the 1999 Blue Diamond, and was devastated when an elevated temperature pu

In part 2 Jimmy Byrne recalls a win in the coveted Queensland Derby on the Peter Moody trained Riva San. He was lucky to gain the ride. He reflects on one of his greatest racing thrills, a Doomben $10,000 victory on Redzel. It was his one and only ride on the dual Everest winner.  The jockey talks of another Group 1 win- the J.J.Atkins Stakes on the Paul Butterworth trained Capital Gain. Jim looks back on five rides on the powerhouse sprinter General Nediym including a win in the Magic Millions Cup. He talks of his affinity with the Ipswich track where he’s won three Cups. Jim talks of the trainers who’ve given him support over the years. The popular jockey outlines his business plans for the future. He’s already setting up a saddlery shop at home where he’ll work when his racing days are over.

In part 1 Jim laments about his horror run with injuries over the last twelve months. He talks of extensive shoulder surgery early last year, and a broken leg sustained in a freak fall just before Xmas. He talks of the frustration all injured jockeys experience when their regular mounts keep winning during their absence. Jim tells the story of the school teacher who suggested he should become a jockey. He recalls his apprenticeship to Pat Duff and those precious early winners. Jim pays tribute to the NSW horse who changed his career. He won the 1999 Stradbroke on Adam and was beaten a whisker in the Doomben $10,000. He loved the little horse with perfect manners, and a great will to win. He talks of his three wins on the brilliant Toowoomba filly Gold Edition including a Group 1 success at historic Flemington.

Introducing Damian Raedler who retired recently from his role as CEO of the Albion Park Harness Racing Club. Damian looks back on his early years with Telecom when he specialised in the installation of automatic telephone exchanges. He talks of his decision to leave great job security in the pursuit of a career in racing media. He clearly recalls a job offer from 2GB. Damian talks of his experience as a thoroughbred and harness caller. He was very humbled later to be appointed Sporting Editor of 2GB and its vast racing network. He remembers his disappointment when 2GB discontinued its racing service, and his move to 2KY. Damian talks of his bold decision to leave the media and enter the world of racing administration. He was destined to spend the rest of his career in several different roles. He talks of several key people who helped shape his career. Damian talks of the most rewarding initiatives in which he was involved in harness racing. He reflects on favourite horses and horsemen of his era. He recalls h

Delighted to catch up with one of Australia’s most popular and consistent jockeys. He explains the origins of his famous nickname “Stubby”. Jason talks of his recent winning run and the enjoyment he’s getting out of his riding at the moment. He talks of his family background and the mother who loved the races. Sue would take young Jason along and he was soon besotted with the business. “Stubby” recalls his apprenticeship to Leon Macdonald and his early barrier trial rides. The jockey looks back on his wins in the Goodwood Hcp and Adelaide Cup- the dream of every South australian jockey. Jason talks of his Melbourne Cup placing. He says it was almost as good as a win. “Stubby” pays tribute to Gold Guru and Umrum, two of his all time favourites. He looks back on a four year stint in Queensland and his great association with the late Bruce McLachlan. He recalls the joy of a Magic Millions win, and the fall that almost certainly cost him Golden Slipper success. He reminisces about his overseas stints including a

In Part 2 Mark remembers his very first winner- a speed machine called Tudor Vain. Ray Guy also provided his first city winner. Mark pays tribute to his role models from the riding ranks in the 1970’s. He talks of his first Group 1 winner. He still wonders how he ever got on a Theo Green trained horse. Mark looks back on his happy association with trainers like Les Bridge and Tommy Smith. The former jockey’s recollections of his association with the talented Myocard make fascinating listening. There are some interesting sidelights. Mark reflects on his many broken bones and the time he spent on the sidelines. He highlights the gallant grey Quick Flick who gave him 9 wins including a Group 1. De Montfort’s account of his Slipper win on Catbird is absorbing. He says the late scratching of Redoute’s Choice changed everything. He talks of his wife Carol and the undying support she has given him through the years.  

In Part 1 Mark outlines his current training situation at Warwick Farm. He rarely works more than half a dozen horses, and takes them where they are best suited. He talks of his passion for riding trackwork and the injury he suffered two years ago. Mark acknowledges some of the jockeys who’ve ridden for the stable in recent times. He recalls the circumstances under which he quit the saddle to take on a training career. He talks of some of the horses who helped launch his new career. His favourite was McClintock with whom he won over half a million dollars in prize money. Mark looks back on his original apprenticeship to an old world horseman called Frank Penfold. He says no beginner could have had a better tutor. He talks of his transfer to Ray Guy and his early winners.

We talk to Allan about the emotion attached to his final call at his home track on Australia Day 2020. The veteran broadcaster acknowledges the moving gesture by his son Quentin who called a race in his Dad’s honour five days earlier. Allan takes us on a trip down memory lane to his childhood at Gregadoo and his apprenticeship as a fitter and machinist. He talks of the early breaks that were to lead him to a lifelong career as a race caller. Allan looks back on his association with the legendary broadcaster and journalist Ted Ryder, the doyen of all Riverina commentators. He recalls his start at the little daytime trotting meetings, and his elevation to the top job in the region when Ted Ryder passed away in 1979. You’ll enjoy Allan’s recollections about the great horses he called early in their careers, and the legendary trainers and jockeys he highlighted throughout his broadcasting days. Riverina thoroughbred and harness racing is richer for the 40 year contribution of Allan Hull. This is his story..

Jonathan  talks of his youth in Queensland as the son of one of Australia’s first female tipsters. He was always with his mother Jill in the 4BC studios where she was a regular on a Friday night racing programme. He reflects on his job as race day assistant to the great caller Vince Curry at tracks like Gatton, Kilcoy and Beaudesert. Jonathan reflects on two happy experiences at Queensland’s Coolbadah Stud, and Joe Manning’s “ Woodburn” property at Cootamundra. He takes us through his time at Glenormiston College in Victoria, and the work experience stint destined to change his life. He previews the famous Classic Sale which starts this year’s round of Inglis Sales for 2020. It gets under way on Sunday Feb 9th. Jonathan looks back on two disasters to occur during his time with the company- the collapse of the Cups King Syndicates in 1989, and the unthinkable botulism outbreak during the 1993 Easter Sale. He outlines the background of these low points in the history of Inglis. The Inglis stalwart looks back on

In Part 2 Danny reflects on the thrill of riding his first Group 1 winner. He had to go to Melbourne to do it. He pays tribute to the best horse he ever rode, the versatile Grand Armee. Danny’s record on the gelding included 6 Group 1’s. He loved this free striding racing machine. Danny fondly remembers his association with the brilliant two year old filly Victory Vein. He still blames himself for her Golden Slipper defeat. He talks of the thrill of finally winning a Slipper on Polar Success in 2003. He remembers several other Group performers he had the privilege to ride. Danny talks of his Singapore experience which brought him another 500 winners. He tells us about his new Singapore family, and his 16 year old Australian born son Baxter

In Part 1 Danny talks of his sudden decision to quit the saddle and his move into the Singapore training ranks. He talks of his association with Lim Siah Mong, who has an enormous investment in Singapore racing. The former top jockey reflects on his early days in the Riverina, and pays tribute to his father Bob whose riding career was terminated by a race fall. Danny talks of the day he answered an SOS from Graeme Begg to make a dash to Rosehill for two rides. Both horses won. He looks back on a stint at Flemington with the Freedman stable, and the opportunities he was given by David Hayes who had stables next door. Danny talks of his time with Graeme Begg and the trip to Hong Kong which changed his career. Back in Sydney he couldn’t wait to try out the European style of race riding.

In Part 2 Max remembers the lucky day when he bought a share in Savabeel, the Zabeel colt destined to become a Cox Plate winner and a very successful stallion. He reviews Savabeel’s racing career and his subsequent move to the famous Waikato Stud in NZ where he’s gone on to sire around 100 stakes winners. Max reflects on the devastating stock market crash of 1987. He lost everything and actually went back to work at the famous Bourbon and Beefsteak at King’s Cross. He sadly reflects on the premature passing of the girl he married when he was just 21 years old. Jen, his wife of 46 years succumbed to cancer 18 months ago. Max reflects on his Grafton Cup win with First Crush. Jen knew how badly he wanted to win that Cup, but was too ill to attend. He looks back on some of the best horses he’s owned or part owned including Honour In War who angered the crowd when he took the Villiers off Takeover Target on protest. Max talks of his love of a punt. He’s not a form student but absorbs everything he hears at the tra

It was a treat to catch up with the ebullient Max Whitby. In Part 1 Max talks of his current role as Managing Director of Propex Derivatives- a respected proprietary trading firm. He explains the role of another company Envirobank Recycling which provides litter solutions for beverage. Max proudly explains the operation of his syndication company Mi Runners which has brought close to 5000 new owners into racing. He loves this venture. He talks of his participation in the Everest Slot Holders concept. No luck so far, but he’s having another crack this year. Max takes us back to his childhood at Bangalow (NSW) and the influence of his grandfather on his life. He remembers his days as a jackeroo on the Amaroo cattle station, and the extraordinary circumstances that brought him to Sydney and to the Texas Tavern at King’s Cross. Max talks with affection of Bernie Houghton, a Sydney based American who took a shine to the young bloke from Bangalow. He talks of his new job with the rural commodity firm Nicholls, and

In this segment the 3 time premiership winning jockey remembers the great trainer Jack Green who took a liking to the curly haired kid from the Begg stable. Kevin recalls the help he got from George Ryder who had introduced the ARABS racing syndicates designed to bring smaller owners into the game. George was another to support young K.Moses. He recalls his very first winner and his first city treble at Canterbury. Kev talks of his 1976 Doncaster win on Authentic Heir- a very important win at that stage of his career. He takes us through his exciting 1980 Golden Slipper win on Dark Eclipse, and the one and only time he got to ride champion Emancipation- one ride for one win in the Edward Manifold Stakes. He recalls Group 1 winners like Lord Hybrow, Palace Revolt, and All Our Mob. Kevin dwells on his association with the remarkable Stylish Century. He won a Victoria Derby and an AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the gallant little horse, and was beaten a head by Almaarad in a W.S.Cox Plate. The sixty seven year ol

In Part 1 Moses talks of his current role as a trainer, and a knee problem which requires surgery. He reflects on the impact of a positive swab returned by one of his horses in 2015 resulting in a shock disqualification. Kevin looks back on twenty years as a trainer and the nice horses to pass through his hands. He pays tribute to former Gold Coast trainer Alan Bailey who was his mentor in the early days. He talks of his passion for riding trackwork after becoming a trainer, and pays tribute to son Shane and devoted wife Jenny who put endless hours into the training operation. Kevin brings us up to date on daughter Tanya and younger son Darren both of whom are running their own businesses. He talks of life as a grandparent.

Corey talks of the frustration as he struggles with his slow-healing spinal injuries. He recalls the Queensland Derby fall that shattered his T7 vertabra and the subsequent major surgery. The champion jockey reflects on his great career and the Kempsey fall he suffered at his very first race ride. Corey talks about his first Melbourne Cup win on Shocking in 2009. He remembers everything going wrong in the race but says the horse was able to get away with it. He takes us through his second Cup win on Rekindling in 2017 and the thrill of having his wife Kylie and three daughters at Flemington to share his happiness. Corey reflects on that special day when he won three Gr 1 races at Royal Randwick.  He pays a heartfelt tribute to the amazing Apache Cat and the five consecutive Gr 1’s he won on the enormously popular sprinter. Corey recalls his 18 months stint with Lee Freedman on the Mornington Peninsula. The champion jockey talks of his involvement with Channel 7 and Racing.Com during last year’s Spring carniva

Cameron reviews his recent trip to NZ when he finished second on the points table in the Australasian Young Drivers Championship. He talks of his reaction to the news that he will represent Australia in a World Junior Drivers Series in Sweden later this year. Cameron talks of his Riverina upbringing and the strong trotting background from which he descends. The young driver looks back on his days in the popular mini trots, and his champion pony Energiser. He pays tribute to the uncle who taught him all of the basics and provided his first winner. Cameron talks of the job he was offered by Menangle trainer Shane Sanderson and the success that followed. Young Cameron pays tribute to his favourite horses so far.

To mark the festive season I’d like to present one of our favourite podcasts from the early days of the website. Wayne no longer manages jockey Travis Wolfgram as he did when the podcast was recorded in 2018. He has however taken over the management of visiting Irish apprentice Tom Sherry, who’s showing plenty of promise. Tom joins Robbie Dolan and Chris O’Brien on the Wayne Harris team. The former champion jockey takes us through his roller coaster career, which brought him many dazzling highs and some devastating lows. He talks of his thrilling Melbourne Cup win on Jeune. He learned he was riding the horse after the barrier draw on the Saturday night. He takes us through the great race step by step. He talks of Jeune’s explosive C.F.Orr Stakes win the following Autumn. Wayne reflects on his serious illness after riding Jeune in the Japan Cup. He remembers the thrill of riding 5 winners on a Randwick programme as an apprentice. He reveals the circumstances under which he got the ride on Century Miss in the G

In Part 2 Scott reflects on the $20,000 Inglis Classic filly who went on to win $3.2 million including a Golden Slipper and a Moir Stakes. She Will Reign was a tremendous advertisement for Darby Racing. The syndicator pays tribute to his “surprise packet” Samadoubt who looked like being a handy Benchmark horse, but suddenly snatched Group 1 glory. He pays tribute to several regular Darby Racing trainers including Mark Newnham who currently has twenty horses in work for the company. Scott elaborates on Darby Racing’s recent entry into the international market. He talks of the lightly raced Harpo Marx who has a stunning pedigree, and form around the Melbourne Cup runner up Il Paradiso. He talks of the company policy regarding horses who are battling in the metropolitan area. Scott talks of the family who support his passion for thoroughbred syndication. Scott Darby is a perfect example of a bloke who tenaciously pursued his dream.