John Tapp Racing

Gary Kliese has been a fixture on the Skychannel service from NSW northern tracks for 23 years. He was appointed and tutored by Graham McNeice who remains his greatest supporter. Gary begins by sharing his sadness about the recent flooding which has seriously impacted his hometown of Ballina. He remembers the fateful phone call to Graham McNeice which resulted in a career after race riding.  He talks of the many tracks to which he travels to present Sky’s race day service, and the time he spends on form analysis between race meetings. Gary’s travel schedule is punishing. He usually returns home to Ballina when his Sky commitments are completed. He pays tribute to the participants who are happy to join him on air to discuss the prospects of their horses. He pays a special tribute to regular co-host Priscilla Looker. Gary also acknowledges the contribution of Melinda Graham who filled in during Priscilla’s absence on maternity leave. Back to his riding days, and Gary talks of his apprenticeship to the lat