John Tapp Racing

Ron recalls the telegram he received from famous Irish trainer Paddy Prendergast offering him a stable retainer. He remembers his early months in Ireland and an Irish 2000 Guineas win on Kythnos to get the ball rolling. Ron looks back on a successful Royal Ascot week in 1960, and a surprise offer from one of England’s most high profile owners. He pays tribute to the loyalty of the  Duke Of Norfolk who retained him for seventeen years. Ron looks back on the day he was able to deliver the Duke’s dearest wish- a win in the Ascot Gold Cup. “Hutchy” pays tribute to British racing legends John Dunlop, Harry Wragg and Lester Piggot. He looks back on his greatest racing disappointment. He expected to be on Charlottown in the 1966 Epsom Derby but lost the ride to fellow Australian Scobie Breasley. Ron explains that he almost certainly could have ridden Shirley Heights in the 1978 Epsom Derby, but had decided to retire at the end of 1977. He remembers his pride in donning the Royal colours. His very first ride