John Tapp Racing

It’s fair to say that Sunline’s constant companion Claire Bird became almost as well known as the great mare herself. The petite blonde accompanied Sunline on one trip to Dubai, twice to Hong Kong and nine times to Australia. She endeared herself to racing administrators and to the media at large. When Sunline left the racing scene Claire opted for a future in Australia. She has capably filled several roles in the racing industry and media, and is currently enjoying her time on the Tony Gollan administrative team. She says she quickly put her hand up when the job became available. Claire talks of a work schedule which includes a supervisory role with Gollan’s Gold Coast Saturday runners. She acknowledges partner, former successful Kiwi trainer Shane Marr. Claire reviews the interesting jobs she’s held since settling in Australia twenty years ago- Her employers include Racing Victoria, TVN television, Nine Network, Gerry Harvey Racing Management, a horse transport company and most recently Tony Gollan Racing.

Understandably Robbie Fradd is going through a tough period of adjustment as he comes to terms with the reality of an enforced retirement. The champion international jockey has been grounded by specialists after recently undergoing major heart bypass surgery. Rob intends to stay in Brisbane where he’s been riding for close to nine years. He talks about the shortage of breath and fatigue which warned him of impending trouble. Rob admits to a nicotine addiction throughout his riding career, but says it was largely to keep his mind off food. The former outstanding jockey takes us back to his childhood in Durban, and his non racing family. He talks of a five year stay at the famous South African Jockeys Academy which launched the careers of some world class jockeys. Robbie talks of his apprenticeship to trainer Vaughan Marshall who had a significant impact on his life. He recalls with affection his very first win on Barberton for trainer Jacky Gorton. The retired jockey talks of the importance to racing participa

When Harry Troy sang the praises of Dennis Firth in a podcast last year, I made it my business to track down the former 16 time western districts premiership winner. Dennis is now 72 years of age, and still residing in his much loved hometown of Coonamble. He’s the kind of bloke who’s not comfortable talking about his own achievements but after a little coaxing he hit top gear. Den humbly acknowledges the fact that he rode 1499 winners in an era when racing was held only once a week in the bush. He’s adamant that a training career was never in the mix. Dennis says his retirement wasn’t planned. It materialised following a race fall. The former outstanding jockey talks about a family history in Coonamble dating back to the late 19th century. He talks of his father George who was an in demand farrier in the district. Dennis looks back on the days when he would sneak onto the local racecourse early mornings with his trusty pony, and match strides with the thoroughbreds for a short distance. This was the catalyst

Christian Reith was riding winners everywhere when a Newcastle race fall in April of last year left him with vertebrae fractures. Only a week earlier he’d ridden a winning treble at Goulburn. Specialists were adamant he’d be out for at least one year but Christian’s dedication to his rehabilitation saw him gain a clearance after ten months. The talented jockey looks back on the fall that he could see was about to happen. He says the specialists gave him little hope of returning inside a year. Christian looks back on a frustrating ten months on the sidelines. The jockey talks of a relocation to Nelson Bay in the latter part of his rehabilitation. Although committed to stables in the Hunter region he’ll ride in Sydney if the right opportunity comes along. There’s a certain Newcastle three year old right now who’s certain to lure him to town. Christian talks of the loyalty extended to him by the owner and trainer of Promitto. The jockey looks back on a Brisbane apprenticeship and the thrill of his first win. His

I enjoy reminiscing with bush horsemen, especially one who’s been around for a while. We catch up with Paul St Vincent who took a long time to retire but his stables are finally empty. He does however travel from Tamworth to Coffs Harbour whenever his sons Aiden and Kane require his help. This interview was recorded ten days before Aiden’s talented horse Lisztomania won the Country Championship qualifier at Port Macquarie. Paul talks of his long road trips to the coast. He talks of sons Aiden and Kane and their respective careers in the racing industry. Paul talks of his early aspirations to become a golfer and subsequent jobs in golf club pro shops. He says harness horses sparked his interest at the old Newcastle Showground track. Paul talks of his time with the Narrabri Golf Club and then a career change into caravan and horse float sales. The former successful trainer recalls a chance meeting with a man who would change his life. He met legendary horse trainer Merv Corless at the Tamworth Golf Club. They b

To Victoria we go for this week’s podcast with talented trainer Jason Warren who’s based on the Mornington Peninsula. Jason was lucky to get himself a Gr 1 winner early in his career, and hopes to find another one or two in the future. He begins by acknowledging the talents of his smart 3YO filly Benedetta. He’s also pretty keen on a three year old called Grand Pierro who was luckless in the Victoria Derby.  Jason talks about the decision to sell his lovely Mornington training property to Barbara and Barrie Saunders. He still works some of his horses at Denistoun Park. He describes his own training base right on the Mornington racecourse. Jason reflects on childhood days in Bega on the NSW South Coast and a very early love affair with horses. He talks of an early transition into the breaking of young horses. He says horse breaking was his primary interest early days and remembers his first job at the beautifully appointed Shipton Lodge at Cobbitty. Jason talks of his next move to Phillipa Duncan’s Hardwicke S

After more than three years under lockdown in Macau, Geoff Allendorf was delighted to finally make it back to Australia over Xmas/New Year to catch up with family and friends. I tracked him down during that stay to line up the podcast you’re about to hear.  Geoff talks of his return to Macau after a wonderful few weeks in his homeland. Now in his 17th year as a trainer at the Taipa racecourse, he talks of his own current team and the reduced equine population in the colony. The former Sydney jockey talks of a nostalgic visit to his hometown of Cairns and a long overdue catch up with his parents and siblings. Geoff looks back on his approach to Theo Green in the late 1960’s in the hope an apprenticeship might be available. Theo didn’t have a vacancy but helped organise the young Queenslander’s indentureship to Bede Horan. He pays tribute to his original master who trained for many years in the western districts before securing stables at Rosehill. Bede supplied Geoff’s very first winner. Geoff recalls his firs

The 63 year old was stunned in November when diagnosed with Bradycardia - an excessively slow heart rate. While not life threatening the condition can cause sudden fatigue and shortage of breath when the sufferer is placed under high stress levels. Riding half a ton of racehorse at a fast gallop isn’t the smartest thing to be doing when you’ve been diagnosed with Bradycardia. Mark’s emotional upheaval coincided with the passing of his much loved mother Gwen. The successful trainer and former brilliant jockey pays tribute to a very special Mum. Mark talks about the slow onset of his condition and the sudden drop in energy levels. He says it took only one chest pain to send him scurrying to a cardiologist. Mark talks of the distribution of his horses to other stables and fondly remembers his final training win. The talented horseman explains that Bradycardia isn’t the only health issue he’s battling at the moment. He talks of the complicated toe injury he sustained under the most unlikely circumstances. Mark ro

I’ve had several requests for a podcast with Kevin Langby. Rather than try to explain he was on the show two years ago, let’s put him on again. Nothing’s changed. He’s still fighting fit on the Central Coast and still looking back on one of Sydney racing’s most distinguished careers. Kev begins by looking back on his initial apprenticeship to Max Wardle and a transfer to Dick Cornish- both in his hometown of Orange. Kev remembers his father’s insistence that he transfer to a Sydney trainer. He was lucky to gain a start with the astute Fred Hood Snr, firstly at Mascot and later at Rosehill. He recalls some early winners and the first good horse he got to ride. The former jockey reflects on his time as stable jockey for Arthur Ward and a retainer he was offered by Sir Frank Packer. Kevin says his association with Tommy Smith just “happened”. Not once did the legendary trainer verbally confirm the arrangement. He talks of Smith’s attitude towards his stable riders, and his acceptance of defeat. The 76 year old l

She’s disappointed, frustrated and very bored. Anna Roper still can’t believe a freak accident at Muswellbrook in November has halted an amazing trot that brought her 56 wins in seven months. She talks of the accident that stirred up an old injury. Like most horse people, Anna couldn’t believe that a horse would buck after having galloped 1450m. The young jockey reflects on the soccer injury that damaged her right knee in the first place. She says she became a couch potato during a long recovery. Anna talks of her earliest involvement with horses following in the footsteps of two older sisters. She looks back on some satisfying achievements in the dressage and eventing pursuits. Anna admits she muddled her way through early schooling but got serious when the HSC approached. She says her early intentions were to seek a career as a veterinary nurse, but all of that changed when she started riding trackwork for Gosford trainer Greg McFarlane. Later she sought and was given an apprenticeship by Wyong trainer Trac

I’m delighted to welcome Danielle Seib as the subject of our 400th episode since the website was launched in May of 2018. This interview was recorded before Danielle won her first race for new clients Champion Thoroughbreds at Wagga on Dec 23rd. The horse in question was Smokeshow who put a Class 3 field away in impressive fashion. Danielle begins by talking about a brief stint as a Science teacher before going full time as a trainer. She pays tribute to Assault’n’Bathory, the horse who kick started her training career. Danielle explains the unusual circumstances under which the gelding was purchased. The trainer looks back on two TAB Highway wins with the slow maturing Assault’n’Bathory. She also gives Tudor Prince an honourable mention. Danielle talks of a bargain basement buy from the popular Inglis Digital Online Auction. She pays tribute to her partner Aaron, a member of a legendary harness racing family. Aaron also happens to be an outstanding farrier. Danielle talks of her long time love of riding trac

Allan Denham’s intention to quit the training ranks was known only to family and a handful of close friends. Fittingly he went out on a winning note when Adios Steve won a BM 64 at Hawkesbury on June 30th 2022. The former champion apprentice jockey and distinguished trainer certainly isn’t looking for accolades, but I can’t possibly let him retire without presenting the tribute he so richly deserves. This week we replay a podcast recorded with Allan in 2019, in which he says the rumour mill had him pensioned off as far back as 2012. He talks of his daily commute from Wyong to Rosehill for several years before the passing of his father Jack Denham. Allan looks back on a decade of training from a Wyong base.  He takes us back to the days when his father trained with great success at Canterbury. Allan talks of Jack’s training technique. He pays tribute to the top horse Ricochet, arguably the best horse Jack trained from his Canterbury stables. Allan recalls Jack’s move to Rosehill and the beginning of his short

Many people in racing are curious about the roles of modern day jockey agents. To do the job properly, busy managers have to be on call 24/7. One unanswered phone call could mean the loss of a big race opportunity. Mathew Alesci has managed only 8 jockeys in 14 years, including multiple Gr 1 winner Ben Melham. He’s currently regenerating his career after a year off. During that hiatus he spent time with his father Charlie who’s dealing with health issues. Mathew talks of Charlie Alesci’s emigration from Sicily in 1969 and a long career as a bricklayer in his adopted country. During his time off, Mathew was lucky enough to be given a spot as a contestant on the high rating Nine Network programme “Millionaire Hot Seat”. He talks about an exciting experience. Mathew talks about the inspiration he gained when brother Fabian started to ride in races. He was always there to cheer him on. His jockey management skills were evident early. He was chasing rides for his brother at age 10. Mathew reviews Fabian’s riding c

If there’s a single positive about Nick Heywood’s current injury layoff, it’s the fact that we were able to pin him down for an interview. He talks about the inevitability of accidents and the fact that jockeys have to come to terms with it.   Nick talks about the vagaries of racing luck and his early winning double on the day of his Wagga race fall.   He looks back on the unusual nature of the fall that left him with a fracture to the tibia. Nick looks back on two good seasons, and his resolve not to waste an opportunity. He takes us through the pristine eating measures he has to endure to stay in the saddle. The jockey talks about his marathon runs around the streets of Wagga, and his heavy trackwork schedule. Nick gives us one prime example of the mileage he travels to bolster race day opportunities. Heywood talks of his initial apprenticeship to Peter Clancy at Leeton and a transfer to the Wagga stables of his father Chris Heywood. He looks back on the thrill of his first winning ride at Deniliquin, on a

Sky Racing presenters do a great job in trying to identify winners for the army of punters who subscribe to the service around Australia. One of them is affable Glenn Munsie who is a regular on Sky Thoroughbred Central programmes like News Central and Formline. His up to the minute race day market moves are greatly appreciated by punters. We begin by talking to Glenn about his early life as the son of respected jockey Norm Munsie. He talks of his late father’s association with Sir Frank Packer whose horses were trained by Norm’s master Bill Childs at Moorefield. Glenn recalls his dad’s decision to base himself at Canterbury after completing his apprenticeship. Norm’s association with the smaller trainers became one of racing’s most endearing stories. The Sky Racing presenter remembers some of the battling Canterbury trainers who relied heavily on Norm’s assessment of their horses. He talks about a couple of successful betting plunges on horses which had been readied by the talented Norm Munsie- one of them wa

It was around 2008 when Grant Williams started to tinker with the odd thoroughbred. Prior to that he’d enjoyed a distinguished 20 year career in harness racing as a trainer and driver. His association with leviathan owner/breeder Bob Peters began in 2012. When that partnership terminated early this year, they’d shared success in 15 Gr 1’s and countless stakes races. Grant begins by talking about the end of his association with the huge Bob Peters operation. When Bob first offered Grant some horses to train, he thought someone was having a joke with him. Grant explains that he had other loyal owners to consider at the time of the surprise offer. He says that his principal owner had a major contribution to the programming of his horses. Grant pays tribute to his remarkable wife Alana, who as Alana Sansom attained dizzy heights as a jockey in WA. He says Alana continues to ride much of the stable trackwork, and insists on having input where quirky horses are concerned. Grant talks of the communication between he

We’re delighted to present a podcast with a young Welshman who took NSW racing by the seat of its pants last season and turned it upside down. Ashley Morgan arrived in a strange country unheralded and unsung in 2018 and with the help of a prominent Scone trainer began to ply his trade. Last season he was crowned NSW champion jockey. We begin by talking to Ashley about his quick return to the UK recently for the christening of his young daughter. The Welsh born jockey talks of the trackwork he rode while overseas to ensure his weight remained in check. He was thrilled to be given a few race rides in England and the USA. Ashley takes us back to childhood days in Wales and his early riding experience on his grandfather’s hunters and point to point horses. He talks of work experience in Somerset and his apprenticeship to Mark Tompkins at Newmarket. He later transferred to Ed Dunlop, a trainer well known in Australia. After riding around 70 winners he lost his focus on race riding and sought employment in London.

We catch up with the founder and CEO of the respected racehorse syndication company Proven Thoroughbreds. This interview was recorded before Private Eye’s unplaced effort in the Champions Mile. Jamie Walter recalls the heart stopping moments when Private Eye hit the front a few strides from home in The Everest. He relives the excitement of the occasion. Jamie pays tribute to a very special horse and to Joe Pride, the trainer who has taken Private Eye to ten wins and $6 million. Jamie Walter talks about his childhood at Mudgee and an early association with horses. He talks of his fascination with radio and early announcing jobs on western districts stations. Jamie remembers a surprise offer from 2UW, at the time a very popular Sydney station. He talks of an overseas adventure which saw him work in racing stables in the USA and England. There were a few unlikely jobs in between. On returning to Sydney he assisted brother Guy who’d set up shop at Warwick Farm. At the same time Jamie picked up freelance work as a

Who better to join us at Melbourne Cup time than former jockey Larry Olsen who joined the chosen few when he won the 1987 Cup on Kensei.  A couple of years earlier Larry was dairy farming at Kyogle and his weight had soared to 80kgs. The popular jockey’s spectacular comeback made headlines around the world. He looks back on a life changing win. Larry remembers how his association with Kensei began. He takes us through the races leading up to the Cup triumph including a win in the Grafton Cup- one of the jockey’s favourite races. He relives the dream run that helped Kensei to snatch victory from a Cummings duo. Larry recalls that Kensei never won another race.  He talks of his bittersweet memories of the day. Stewards grilled him over another ride on the programme which landed him in the worst kind of trouble. Larry takes us back to the days of his apprenticeship to Mal Barnes in Queensland. He explains that his very first race ride was in Sydney. In 1972 a horse called Triton came into his life at a time when

After 24 years in the employ of other trainers, Brad Widdup was coaxed into training in his own right as recently as 2017. Two years later he endured a setback that would have discouraged most horsemen in the same position. This man’s recovery has been spectacular. We begin by getting Brad’s reaction to his best season ever in 2021/2022. He talks of a flying start in the new season. Brad says his recent success has brought increased support to his Hawksbury operation. This interview was recorded before Saturday’s Randwick meeting when stable star Icebath was unplaced in The Invitation after a hopeless start. Brad takes us through his remarkable journey with the classy mare. Brad takes us back to early days in Albury when his father Pat was his greatest inspiration. Brad says his dad, who is still training a small team, is an outstanding all round horseman. He recalls his introduction to Sydney racing when he gained a start with Warwick Farm trainer Rod Craig. He then talks about a succession of jobs with some