John Tapp Racing

Great to catch up with top Victorian lightweight jockey Dean Yendall who’s feeling a little sorry for himself at the moment. Dean talks about the frustrations of endless weeks in a neck brace. He’s grateful no surgery was required. Dean reflects on the Terang fall that put him out of business just before Xmas. He says his mount Saintly Rose had the race won when she went sideways. He talks of his choice of lifestyle at rural Horsham in Victoria’s Wimmera district. Dean looks back on his apprenticeship to Ken Sweeney at historic Jerilderie in the Riverina. He’s never forgotten his first win on Leinster at Narrandera more than 30 years ago. He recalls his transfer to Kilmore trainer Peter Gray. Dean reflects on his first city win at Oakbank in 1994. He looks back on early years when he tried to carve a niche for himself in many different parts of the country. He speaks fondly of a man who became his mentor and best friend. The lightweight jockey pays tribute to several trainers who gave him valuable supp