John Tapp Racing

The powerful Lindsay Park training empire has dominated South Australian racing since 1965. Adelaide trainers have always struggled to compete, but Leon Macdonald has managed to win two premierships in his own right. He talks about his life in racing on this week’s podcast.

There’s no more highly thought of trainer in Victoria than multiple Group 1 winner Pat Carey. The likeable horseman learned his trade from the respected trainer John Meagher, who became his brother in law. Pat has some great racing yarns to tell, and is delighted to share them with you on our podcast.

Racehorse syndication reached a new horizon in 2014 when German galloper Protectionist brilliantly won the Melbourne Cup. Australian Bloodstock sourced the horse,handled all negotiations and syndicated a large number of shares to Australian owners. The same company hopes to have multiple representation in this years Cup. Luke Murrell and Jamie Lovett are the driving force behind Australian Bloodstock, and Co Director Luke Murrell joins us on the podcast.

Joining us on the podcast is expatriate Kiwi jockey Jason Collett who rode 94 winners last season, against a powerful line up of NSW jockeys. Jason’s parents were jockeys, his Uncle Jim was one of New Zealand’s best riders, his two sisters have ridden Group 1 winners, and his cousin Samantha has ridden more than 600 winners. Jason also holds the distinction of being the very first jockey to win on Winx.

We chat with a lady who has never let go of her dream. Melbourne based Victoria Shaw has been trying to find a livelihood as a race caller for more than twenty years. She has had to be content with guest appearances all over the world, building up a strong fan base along the way. Her story is a fascinating one.

Twenty nine year old Kerry Ann Turner realised a dream recently, when she was crowned champion NSW trainer for the 2017/18 season. Kerry grew up in the Riverina where trotting is almost compulsory, and has climbed to the upper echelon of trainers and drivers in her home state.

Many of Bryan Martin’s friends were surprised when he quit race calling at age 57 in 2007. They were not one bit surprised when he decided on a comeback for Radio SEN, three years later. He stayed on for another 7 years before announcing his official retirement. Bryan talks about an exciting career, and the fascinating people he worked with.

When Queensland racing tragic Peter Tighe, bought a one third share in a Street Cry filly at the 2013 Magic Millions Sale, he expected little and hoped for the best. That filly has changed Peter Tighe’s life, and captured the hearts of Australian race fans. He talks about a fantastic journey with one of the world’s greatest horses.

A touching trip down memory lane with Wayne Harris, described by his contemporaries as the jockey with the magic touch.A thrilling Melbourne Cup win in 1994 almost made up for the injuries, the health issues, and the constant battle with weight. One trainer of the era said, “I wish I could find a horse as tough as Wayne Harris”.

Grahame Begg joins the podcast this week, and talks about his shock decision to quit Sydney racing 4 years ago. Now operating from beautiful Mt. Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula, Grahame has already tasted Group 1 success with the brilliant Written By in the Blue Diamond Stakes- his 15th Group 1 win since becoming a trainer in his own right.

On the trots trail we talk to successful NZ trainer Tim Butt, who has won 50 grand circuit races in a stellar career.  He moved into the new Menangle training barn less than a year ago, and won the Miracle Mile with My Field Marshal in February. Tim pays tribute to the champion horses who’ve taken him to the top of his profession.

Jemma Cutting of Inglis Digital, talks about the very popular monthly online auction. It was introduced just 15 months ago but has been embraced by all sections of the racing industry. Jemma talks about some early fairy tale stories to come from the Inglis Digital online auction.

Our podcast this week features multiple Group 1 winning trainer Anthony Cummings, who's back training out of Leilani Lodge, home base to his late father Bart for 4 decades. Anthony is now training in partnership with son Edward, and the pair begin the new season with more than 50 horses in work.  

Another podcast guest this week is respected trainer Kim Waugh who finished the 2017/18 season with 46 winners - her best ever result. Kim, and husband Mark have completed thier dream training complex on fifty acres at Jilliby near Wyong giving thier horses the best of both worlds. Once the Queen of the paceway, Kim is now highly regarded among Sydneys top thoroughbred trainers.

On the podcast is popular jockey Jay Ford who enjoyed a good season in 2017/18. As a 20 year old Jay formed an association with champion sprinter Takeover Target who took him around the world several times, and brought him seven Group One wins. Jay knows horses like Takeover Target come along once in a lifetime, and from now on he has to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.  

On the trots trail we interview Ashlee Grives, currently cutting back on training duties as the birth of her first child approaches. A great talent in the sulky from an early age, Ashlee was the first female in NSW to drive 100 winners in a season. She has been around horses all her life, and even crammed in a few years working at major vet clinics. Is it any wonder Ashlee has made her mark as a trainer. 

On this podcast we catch up with retired race caller Kevin Thompson. He excelled as a commentator in all three codes spending twenty years at Kembla and thirty years at Harold Park. Almost three years ago he suffered a stroke following multiple bypass surgery, leaving him with an impairment to his peripheral vision. He could call a race tommorow but isn't allowed to drive his car to the track.

Podcast number 13 features trainer Bryan Guy who has won 1000 races in Queensland since relocating from Rosehill in 2000. Bryan talks about the legacy established by his late father Ray Guy who was among Sydneys top trainers for many years. Through Bryan and his son Daniel, the name continues on its winning way. 

On podcast 12 we catch up with champion jockey Tommy Berry who is back home after a topsy-turvy year in Hong Kong. Tommy faces the challenge of re-establishing his place among Sydneys powerful jockeys ranks. This interview was recorded the day before Tom rode Chautauqua in a crucial barrier trial at Rosehill. 

Podcast Episode 11 features ever consistent Queensland jockey Jim Byrne, already the winner of four premierships. Jimmy has been chasing the remarkable Jeff Lloyd for the past two seasons, but has never been in better form. Super fit, and totally dedicated Jim Byrne is the complete professional jockey.