John Tapp Racing

Great to catch up with the young jockey who’s been breaking records since his career began in NZ  in 2007. James begins by assessing the merits of Coolangatta’s win in the recent Magic Millions. He says he hasn’t yet committed to the Golden Slipper ride. He talks of the enviable choice of rides he has in the Gr 1 Lightning Stakes between Nature Strip and Home Affairs. James explains that Nature Strip has transformed from an uncontrollable “bolter” to a very tractable horse. He reviews the gelding’s Everest win. It’s obvious the champion jockey has great affection for Verry Elleegant. He talks of her memorable Melbourne Cup win and her proposed visit to Paris for the Prix de L’ Arc De Triomphe in October.  James speaks glowingly of Zaaki- purchased at an English tried horse sale and now one of Australia’s glamour horses. The jockey takes us back to his NZ childhood and admits that racing wasn’t on his radar early in life. It took some encouragement from a champion NZ jockey to change his thinking. James