John Tapp Racing

Great to catch up with one of the elite jockeys of the 70’s and 80’s. Gary admits he didn’t want to come to Australia in 1974 when offered the ride on Battle Heights. He says the NZ jockeys premiership was his priority. The former ace rider talks of his venture in the hotel business after a career ending race fall. He talks of the injury toll from the fateful fall at Yarra Glen. Gary takes us back to childhood days in Auckland when he would go to the races with his parents. He reflects on work experience in the stable of leading trainer Fred Smith who later indentured him. Gary looks back on his first winner Silver Lad. The horse started at cricket score odds. He remembers his chance meeting at the races with the young lady from Matamata destined to become his wife. The Willetts are approaching 56 years of marriage. The veteran horseman has never forgotten the horse who changed his life. He takes us through the remarkable career of an iron gelding called Battle Heights. Gary was stable jockey for

Great to catch up with one of country racing’s most popular trainers. Peter talks of the early starts necessary to get his horses worked before reporting for duty as a Telstra technician. He acknowledges the efforts of his ground staff and wife Jenny. Peter outlines the daily routine observed by himself and apprentice Jacob Golden. The pair ride twenty horses between them most mornings. He talks of a normal day in his life as a Telstra technician. The fourth generation horseman explains that he’s one of only three trainers to use the Moree track. He pays tribute to the Club President and Secretary. Peter tells us more about Moree’s unique location on the famous Artesian Basin, and the benefits derived from a never ending supply of quality bore water. He relates some tales about previous generations of Sinclair horsemen. The trainer looks back on two attempts to establish himself as a professional jockey. He rode plenty of winners but paid the penalty. Peter enjoys competing on the picnic circuit in no

It’s a big welcome to 75 year old Danny Frahm who was 64 years old when a race fall at Armidale  ended his remarkable career. He reflects on his longevity in the saddle and marvels at how well he’s come out of several serious accidents. He explains that for all the broken bones, he is remarkably free of arthritis. Danny explains that he twice sustained a broken neck, the first time at Gunnedah around 1993. During a long layoff he and wife Mireille ran a laundromat at Coffs Harbour. He also explains the loss of a kidney as a result of a race fall some years ago. The dedicated bush jockey talks of his early life in Bowen (QLD) and his initial apprenticeship to Harry Hatten in Brisbane. He talks of a transfer to Ron Conquest and the thrill of his first winning ride at Gympie. Danny looks back on his one and only ride on the legendary Queensland horse Prunda- a win at Eagle Farm. Prunda won 30 races. The veteran reflects on a two year hiatus from racing when his weight got out of hand, and a fresh start in

A pleasure to introduce 31 year old Kody Nestor whose riding career was halted by increasing weight in 2017. His rise in the training ranks has been beyond his expectations. Kody says he didn’t have a single horse to train when his licence was granted. He remembers a trip to central Queensland where he purchased a horse for $5,500- a horse he’d ridden in three races. Kody talks of his current team of 35-40 horses and the wonderful support he’s had from owners. He talks of a valued association with jockey Anthony Cavallo who rides most of the stable runners. Kody admits he still enjoys riding some of the trackwork himself. The trainer acknowledges the contribution of several horses who’ve helped establish his training career. There’s one gelding in the stable he expects to go on to better things. Kody talks of his strong racing background and the support he’s had from several talented family members. He looks back on his early days as a bush apprentice and the pleasant surprise he received when high prof

Great to catch up with expatriate Kiwi trainer John Sargent who joined the Randwick training ranks seven years ago. John begins by reviewing the Goulburn win by All Things in a famous set of colours. The trainer talks of Brandenburg who followed his win in “The Coast” with top performances in Brisbane. John talks of his low key start as a trainer at Woodville in NZ. He remembers the thrill of his first win at Foxton with a horse part owned by a top NZ cricketer. John  talks of his time working on a Waverley property which adjoined a farm owned by a trainer who would soon join the Melbourne Cup honour roll. He also met his future wife at Waverley. He talks of the snap decision to move to Malaysia when stables became available. In a 5 year stay he won a trainers premiership and several major races. The 63 year old talks of his return to NZ and the setting up of his dual operation in Matamata and Christchurch. He was soon training a huge team. Another premiership beckoned. John pays tribute to the horses

Great to catch up with the mild mannered young jockey who burst onto racing’s big stage with his all the way win on Twilight Payment in the Melbourne Cup last year. Jye is currently resting up after having a plate removed from his left leg- a legacy of his fall at Bendigo four years ago. Jye talks of a recent stay in Brisbane where he won a stakes race and was placed in a couple of features.  The young jockey talks of the riding career of his partner Jessica Payne with special mention of her trip to France where she represented Australia in an apprentice jockey series. Jye recalls the important race meeting which would determine his fate in the Victorian Jockeys premiership. His baby son Oakley was due to arrive on the same day. The twenty six year old reflects on the circumstances leading up to his engagement for Twilight Payment, and takes us through the running of the Melbourne Cup. Jye looks back on childhood days at Koondrook and talks of his parents and siblings. He remembers his fascination with

The champion jockey is still coming to terms with the fact that he’ll never ride again. Corey was happy to talk to us about the announcement of his retirement and the nightmare he’s lived through in the two years since his life changing accident at Eagle Farm. He talks of the day his specialist told him he desperately needed spinal fusion surgery. Corey talks of his horror when WorkCover told him they needed a second opinion before the surgery could be approved. The champion jockey explains that he was on the brink of mounting a court challenge to WorkCover’s ruling. Corey talks of the specialist’s findings and the six hour operation that followed. He talks of the agonizing moment when he quizzed the Doctors about the chances of a comeback. Corey says the reality struck home when he made the official announcement of his retirement. The popular jockey looks back on his first official outing since the accident- a Taree race meeting featuring the race named in his honour, the Corey Brown Cup. Time to rem

It’s always nice to welcome a Tasmanian guest! This week we talk to journalist and commentator Peter Staples whose promotion of Tasmanian racing is unwavering. Peter talks of his role as Media Manager for Tasracing and the office from which he works overlooking Elwick racecourse. Peter talks of the massive refurbishment of the Elwick racecourse in 2019, and the teething problems that followed. He looks back on the spectacular Inter Dominion Championship of 2005 when massive prize money attracted the best horses from all over Australia. Peter pays tribute to the winner, the remarkable Blacks A Fake who was destined to win another three ID’s. Pete talks about his early years in Melbourne and his sister’s engagement to a prominent jumps jockey. This was the catalyst of his interest in racing. He talks of his heady days as lead singer for Amber Light, a popular Melbourne band. Racing was the furthest thing from his mind as he belted out the hits of his hero Elvis Presley. Pete looks back on the  move to Hoba

We present again a 2019 chat with Gordon Spinks, a high profile jockey of the 1960’s and 70’s. Gordon talks of the heart attack he suffered while driving from Longreach to Brisbane in 2019. He didn’t realise what had happened to him. The 73 year old says his heart issues aren’t over yet. The former outstanding jockey looks back on childhood days in Sydney, and the neighbour’s pony he couldn’t wait to ride. Gordon reflects on the newspaper advertisement which led him to Theo Green’s stable. He recalls the track gallops with Theo by his side and the start of his mateship with Ron Quinton. Spinks explains why he preferred to use his middle name rather than his given christian name. Gordon remembers his very first winner at Mudgee and his initial city win. He recalls the beginning of a successful association with Tommy Smith. He was stunned when the top trainer started giving him Gr 1 rides when he was still an apprentice. Gordon has never forgotten a last to first win on NZ mare Unpainted in the 1968 Don

With apologies for a voice recovering from laryngitis, I’m delighted to welcome Deane Lester to the podcast. The highly respected form guru and broadcaster reveals how he deals with the demands of ten radio commitments a week. Dean explains that he rarely goes to the track but has the use of a home studio and all the benefits of modern technology. He takes us through the format of an average week in the life of a professional form analyst, and discusses the highs and lows of the job. Deane looks back on his childhood and the gradual emergence of the complications of spina bifida. He had his first major operation at age 18. Despite the certainty of ongoing health issues, Deane knew he wanted a future involving racehorses. He couldn’t believe his good fortune when appointed official Cranbourne track watcher for the Sporting Globe, Truth and radio 3UZ. He looks back on the way his career developed, and the media opportunities that came along. Deane recalls his days as a serious punter, and one win big enou

To mark our 300th podcast episode we present a chat with record breaking jockey Robert Thompson who sits on 4447 Australian winners as this interview is posted. He’s still riding at  age 63, but has greatly reduced his workload. He talks of the huge benefits of the higher weight scale these days.  Rob talks of life on the farm at Cessnock and his love of cattle. The veteran jockey takes us back to the day he rode his 4000th winner- a BM60 at Newcastle on a little horse called Lay Down The Law. He remembers the fuss made of him after the history making event.  Rob talks about the huge racing involvement on both sides of his family. He recalls being allowed to ride horses in the parade ring at small bush meetings while the stewards were otherwise occupied. He remembers the thrill of his first win at Wyong in 1973. Rob talks of his late grandmother Gwen whose support of her grandson at the races could sometimes get quite vocal. He relates one hilarious story about Nana Collins. The great jockey recalls hi

We get ongoing requests from regulars with podcast suggestions.  Sometimes our correspondents are unaware their choice has already featured. One name to keep coming up, is that of Neville Begg who joined the podcast eighteen months ago and was warmly received. I spoke to Neville this week and found him in great fettle, just five months after his 90th birthday. He was flattered to learn that he’s getting another run . The Hall Of Famer talks about his early life in Newcastle and his first tutor Ray Cashman.   He talks of that fateful day in 1945 when he arrived at Randwick to begin his apprenticeship with the legendary Maurice McCarten. Neville discusses McCarten’s extraordinary riding career. He was already a two time premiership winner in NZ before coming to Australia where he rode another 1000 winners.   Begg remembers his days with the quietly spoken McCarten who trained champions like Todman. The veteran horseman shares his memories of the iconic racehorse and stallion. Neville recalls the racing c

To describe Noel Callow as a “human headline” is probably a little over the top but he has certainly created a few in his time. As recently as last Saturday he was stood down by the Doctor following an incident in the barrier before the first race at the Gold Coast. Noel talks of his snap decision to move to the Gold Coast two months ago after being embroiled in a couple of controversies in Melbourne. He hasn’t stopped riding winners since arriving in Queensland. He talks of the support he’s had from local trainers. The jockey takes us back to childhood days in Adelaide and memories of his jockey father Kevin Callow who rode with great success as Noel was growing up. The 46 year old talks of his initial apprenticeship to Pat Barnes and the long list of trainers for whom he worked over the next few years. Noel says some of those associations were brief because of his fiery nature. He remembers his retirement at age 20 and his new job in a bottle shop. Callow talks of his brief stint as a jumps jockey and a

A fascinating chat with a man whose recent induction into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame is testimony to his enormous contribution to the sport. Bob begins by revealing the extent of his battle with Covid 19 last year. He talks of his fascinating family background. On the maternal side he’s a member of the Lindsay family which gave so much to the arts in the early 20th century. His maternal grandmother introduced him to a different kind of art- the pursuit of the bookmaker’s money. He pays tribute to his paternal grandfather Phillip Charley who was a member of the syndicate which discovered the greatest silver lode in Australian history. Bob talks of school days and the influence of two classmates who shared his interest in racing. He talks of a youthful desire to train a racehorse. He acquired a mare from a Sydney stable and won a race with her at Newcastle. He also got to ride her trackwork on one occasion. Bob talks of an unsuccessful attempt to break into race broadcasting and his short stint as

The genial Warwick Farm trainer is currently getting over multiple strokes which followed surgery for ongoing heart arrhythmia. The lanky Irishman is slowly getting back into the routine at his Mulgoa property, and was happy to talk to us. Paul explains that the first stroke came when he was out in the horse truck. He reveals that his wife Martha was just getting over a broken leg when his health problems surfaced. Paul talks about the very honest Monsieur Sisu who ran a close second at Rosehill a few days after this podcast was recorded. The trainer takes us back to early days in Ireland when his affinity with horses became obvious. He talks of his economical passage to Australia and his first job in Sydney. He recalls a chance meeting with a Doctor which led to his first involvement with a thoroughbred. Paul remembers the thrill of his first training win at Newcastle and his initial city win. He talks of his disappointment when the vacant land near Warwick Farm racecourse disappeared. He spent more ti

Great to catch up with a young jockey who’s crammed a lot into his 24 years. Regan talks about the impressive win by Ballistic Lover at Rosehill on Saturday May 15th. He reviews the impressive win by Brandenburg in the inaugural running of The Coast at Gosford on May 8th, and future plans for the gelding. Regan talks of his Queensland upbringing and the happy days riding ponies on the Ripley property owned by his paternal grandparents. He talks of the influence of his jockey father Jamie Bayliss who rode 250 winners in the first phase of his career. Regan is still in awe of his father’s decision to move to Victoria when he and brother Jake both expressed a desire to follow in his footsteps. The young horseman looks back on his two phase apprenticeship- initially to Peter Moody and later with Hayes,Hayes and Dabernig. He remembers with affection his flying start as a race rider- a winner at his first attempt. Regan reflects on his first city winner, and his first stakes success. He talks of the thrilling

This is an inspirational chat with a remarkable Victorian trotting lady. Donna talks about the Victorian trotting industry’s support of the “Pacing For Pink” promotion which works in conjunction with the McGrath Foundation.  Donna, universally known as “Sissy” talks of her own personal battle with breast cancer in 2016. She looks back on her diagnosis, rehabilitation and the effects of the ordeal on herself and family. “Sissy” pays tribute to her father Jim Castles who drove his first winner in the 1950’s and was still driving in races sixty years later. Despite a strong hereditary factor, Donna didn’t begin her race driving career until she was 42 years old. She looks back on some of the good horses trained by her father in the golden years at Sydney’s Harold Park. Donna talks of her only sibling Sandra and her hard working mother Monica. She explains why she and partner “Doc” Wilson relocated to Shepparton almost twenty years ago and her reasons for taking up race driving at a late stage of life. “Sis

It’s always good to head out of town for a podcast chat and this week we go to Grafton to catch up with John Shelton. A multiple premiership winner in northern NSW, John made his mark on the big stage when he prepared Belflyer to win the inaugural Kosciuszko. John talks of his concerns on the day when the track was classified a Heavy 10. The Grafton trainer talks of the immediate impact of the occasion and the many emotions he experienced. He talks of his association with winning jockey Adam Hyeronimus who’d been apprenticed to him in Grafton. The trainer talks of Belflyer’s early history and the circumstances that brought the gelding to his Grafton stables. John talks of the communication between connections and the slotholders who were responsible for Belflyer making the Kosciuszko field. Shelton talks of his riding days in Glen Innes and the two trainers who got him up and running. One of those trainers prepared Tiny’s Finito who won an amazing 40 races. John explains his reason for moving to Grafton

Great to catch up with one of the most consistent performers among the Sydney riding ranks. Brenton talks of his lightning visit to Brisbane on the weekend which brought a Gr 2 winner. He reflects on his recent Gr 1 All Aged Stakes win on the Chris Waller trained Kolding. The young jockey remembers his introduction to racing by his bookmaker father Peter, and his early role model among the Melbourne jockeys. Brenton talks of school days and the classmate whose father happened to be a horse trainer. Work experience led him to an apprenticeship. He’s never forgotten his first winning ride. He took two carloads to Bendigo to give him support. The horse won despite a pretty average ride. He talks of his first metropolitan winner in Adelaide and his important initial winner in Melbourne. Brenton recalls the surprise phone call that would bring him to Sydney. He never returned to Melbourne. He remembers the chestnut mare who provided his first two Gr 1 wins and propelled him into the big time in Sydney. Bre

Brad talks about his very first trip to Perth in 1997 when he won an Apprentice’s Cup. He’s loved the place ever since. He talks of his very first Gr 1 win on Niconero for David Hayes. It just happened to be in Perth. He recalls a WA Derby win for the same stable. Brad talks of his deep racing background and the achievements of his father Keith who’s still riding trackwork in his mid 70’s. He talks of brother Todd who’s now out of racing and sister Stacey who opted for motherhood after a successful riding career. Brad looks back on two national premierships, and the Golden Slipper win he landed at the expense of an injured jockey. Brad talks of his Caulfield Cup win on Viewed - a result of the ride he considers his career best! Rawiller remembers with affection his astonishing association with the great horse Weekend Hussler. He won 7 Gr 1’s on the Ross McDonald trained galloper. Brad also pays tribute to the old marvel Black Heart Bart. He won 6 Gr 1 races on a horse who was constantly plagued with fo