John Tapp Racing

Sky Racing’s Greg Radley spends time with Craig Sant at Darwin Cup time each year. He called me after this year’s NT carnival with a strong suggestion that we should invite Craig onto the podcast. We put the wheels in motion and Craig is our special guest this week. The 57 year old son of former trots trainer Allan Sant was brought up with standardbred horses and in mid- teens looked likely to follow in his father’s footsteps, but his nagging desire to become a race caller refused to go away. It took a long time and the disappointments were many, but his sheer persistence finally landed him behind the microphone at Alice Springs where he called the action for four years. Today Craig’s firmly ensconced in Darwin where he covers 40 thoroughbred meetings a year at the famous Fannie Bay track, and  more than 70 at the Winnellie Park greyhound circuit.  Craig talks about his annual get-together with Sky’s Greg Radley.  He talks about the month long Darwin Cup carnival which attracts horses and visitors from all over Australia. He agrees it brings added pressure to the resident race caller. Craig reviews this year’s Darwin Cup won by visiting Adelaide horse Watadeel, one of a ten horse team brought to the top end by trainer Michael Hickmott. He pays tribute to former Fannie Bay caller Mick Stumbles who was in the chair for close to forty years. Craig says he was scheduled to call his first Darwin Cup in 2013 but missed the opportunity as a result of a tragic race fall. Craig says he finally got off the ground with a Cup call in 2014 and he hasn’t forgotten the occasion. The winner got the result on protest. He talks about the unique dirt track which is sprayed with oil every year. Craig says there are no breeding industries for thoroughbreds or greyhounds in the region. He says all equine and canine competitorsare from other places. He talks of childhood days in the Sutherland Shire and his obsession with the  Cronulla-Sharks NRL team. Craig explains that his father Allan kept his harness horses in backyard stables at Caringbah and had to go to a great deal of trouble to get them worked.  He recalls Allan’s success with horses at the iconic Harold Park track at Glebe, and a later relocation to the well known harness racing town of Peak Hill. Craig says he drove horses in trackwork and in a handful of trials but resisted the temptation to follow in his father’s footsteps. He takes us through the early years when he practiced his race calls onto a tape recorder wherever he could find a spare broadcast box. Finally a surprise opportunity! Craig talks about an on-air job with a Darwin radio station owned by the Northern Territory TAB. That exposure led him to the track commentator’s role at the Winnellie Park dogs. He looks back on an opportunity at Pioneer Park Alice Springs where he spent four years as track announcer complemented by freelance work as a racing journalist. During that time he met his future wife Varn who’d been posted to Alice Springs as a school teacher. The couple are now the proud parents of two special daughters. Craig acknowledges the talents of some special horses he’s called during his time in the Territory. He tells us more about his regular role as track supervisor at the Fannie Bay racecourse.  Craig tells a very funny story about a race he called at the Winnellie Park greyhounds one night. He’d had a wager on one of the runners, and was puzzled when he couldn’t find his fancy anywhere in the field.  A laid back chat with a Sydney lad who just chipped away until the smallest of opportunities came up. He seized that chance with both hands.

As a youngster Tony McEvoy looked forward to a long career as a jockey. As it turned out he was just 19 when increasing weight put an end to that dream, but not before he’d topped a century of wins. His talents in the saddle and devotion to duty saw him rewarded with two amazing opportunities at Gr 1 level in 1977. Young Mc Evoy rode a copybook race on Deesse to win the South Australian Oaks. He went tantalisingly close to completing the 3YO classic double when So Called went under narrowly to Stormy Rex in the Derby. His training career began under tragic circumstances when appointed head trainer for Lindsay Park following the death of Peter Hayes in a light aircraft crash in 2001.Tony’s subsequent journey has been one of racing’s greatest stories. The master horseman takes us on a sentimental journey on this week’s podcast. He begins by talking about he and son Calvin’s dual operation at Flemington and Ballarat. Tony looks back on Calvin’s early fascination with racing. He says racehorses dominated his every thought while growing up in the Barossa Valley.  He looks back on early days in Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula and pays tribute to his parents. Mother Connie is still living independently at a remarkable age. Tony looks back on his first apprenticeship with local trainer Bill Holland. His nephew Kerrin started with the same astute trainer. He clearly remembers the thrill of his first winning ride at Balaclava on a horse trained by the local race caller. Tony talks of a transfer to champion trainer Colin Hayes and the highlights of his brief but successful riding career. He looks back on a near miss in attempting the Oaks/Derby double. He pays tribute to two outstanding mares he got to ride for the Lindsay Park operation. The veteran horseman speaks affectionately of his personal favourite among the Hayes trained horses. Tony looks back on his delight when offered a job on the Lindsay Park team following his retirement from race riding. He reflects on the shock accident that claimed the life of Peter Hayes and the sadness that followed at Lindsay Park. With David Hayes already committed to a Hong Kong contract, Tony was appointed head trainer at the famous Angaston operation. He was privileged to train the classy Fields Of Omagh during this initial stint, and was thrilled to win the SA Oaks twenty six years after he’d won the race as a jockey. Tony looks back on the decision by David Hayes in 2010 to move the entire Lindsay Park operation to Victoria. He says he gave strong consideration to remaining on the team but received opposition from daughter Eliza and son Calvin. He pays tribute to wife, Jo, whom he met at Lindsay Park during her time as a valued trackwork rider.   Tony takes us through the fascinating story of his friendship with Wayne Mitchell  who eventually purchased the Lindsay Park training operation. Wayne remains Tony’s business partner. Like most South Australian participants Tony says he was thrilled to win the historic Goodwood Hcp shortly before relocating to Victoria. The trainer takes us through the fairy tale story of the purchase of Half Yours and the gelding’s spectacular rise in the staying ranks last spring. For he and Calvin, it was a dream come true so early in their partnership. We obviously devote the appropriate space to McEvoy’s recollection of Sunlight’s short but brilliant career. Tony pays a fitting tribute to his four time Gr 1 winning warrior Hey Doc. He acknowledges his SA Derby win with good filly Coco Sun. Tony and Calvin were pretty excited when their French import Yellow Jersey began his spring campaign in Saturday’s Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield. Tony shares the backstory. He talks of another French import they have in the stable who recently strung together 4 straight city wins. Nearco Frod is raced by an OTI syndicate. Tony McEvoy’s journey in racing is the kind of story podcasts are made for. Delighted to have him share that story on this week’s edition.

Youngest jockey to win a metropolitan premiership in Australia last season was Tasmania’s  27 year old Erica Byrne Burke. Second youngest was 29 year old Ben Thompson who was dominant in winning the Brisbane title.  34 year old James McDonald predictably won the Sydney honours, while 40 year old William Pike claimed yet another Perth premiership. 49 year old Craig Williams was superb in winning his tenth Melbourne title, but it was Adelaide veteran Jason Holder who dominated the headlines by winning his fourth metro premiership at the remarkable age of 50. “Stubby” Holder hasn’t been on the podcast for six years. He was happy to join us again to talk about his new lease of life. He says this was the most satisfying of his 4 premiership wins. The popular jockey talks about his good start to the new season. He recalls the origins of his longtime nickname of “Stubby”. Jason talks of three stakes wins last season, one of them on Air Assault. He’s won nine races on the Andrew Gluyas trained gelding. Stubby says he’s all the better for riding a touch heavier nowadays. The jockey pays tribute to manager Cheree Gask and talks of his recently adopted relaxation therapy. He talks of partner Ghiann’s involvement in the racing industry.    Jason talks of a new business venture launched in collaboration with daughter Paris. He talks of happy days in a popular husky club. While other jockeys were playing golf Stubby was out on the trail with his Siberian huskies. The champion jockey says his initial interest in thoroughbreds was inspired by his mother’s passion for racing.   He looks back on a happy apprenticeship to Leon Macdonald and an enduring friendship with the recently retired trainer. He has a funny story about his early participation in Adelaide barrier trials. Jason looks back on his first ride, first winner and maiden city success. The jockey says he was thrilled to win the historic Goodwood Hcp early in his career. He looks back on a memorable feature double on the Colin Alderson trained French Resort in 1996. The Victorian trainer wanted a local jockey and Stubby got the job. Jason looks back on his only Melbourne Cup ride, a third placing on Skybeau. This was the first of the gelding’s five Melbourne Cup starts. The multiple premiership winner talks of his SA Derby win on Markham and an opportunity on the same horse in the Caulfield Cup. He thought he was a chance of gaining the Melbourne Cup ride but it was not to be. Holder looks back on his bittersweet four year stay in Queensland A partnership with Bruce McLachlan brought him a Magic Millions win on Phelan Ready in 2009. A serious Eagle farm race fall later cost him a possible Golden Slipper win on the same horse. He looks back on a series of overseas stints after returning from a four month absence. He enjoyed great success in Mauritius, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau. On returning to Adelaide in 2015/2016 he set his sights on a third metro premiership and duly succeeded. Jason browses through a list of his favourite horses. This is a laid back chat with yet another legend from the state that has been producing top jockeys for many decades.

It was champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy who strongly recommended Shane Green as a potential podcast guest. The two became friends when Shane was working for the Darley organisation and Kerrin was under retainer as stable jockey. It’s taken a while to make it happen, but we have the ever versatile Mr. Green on the podcast this week. He begins by talking about his enduring friendship with the multiple Gr 1 winning jockey.  Shane says his current role as an NDIS carer came out of the blue. He talks about Darwin’s many appealing features.  Shane was just 10 years old when he became a regular at Dapto dogs. He recalls  standing outside the broadcast box hanging on every word uttered by a famous caller of the day. He says he was almost 16 when given the opportunity to call the Moss Vale dogs at very short notice. His father got him the job. Shane has never forgotten the persistent kid from Sydney who regularly attended Moss Vale meetings pleading for the chance to call a race or two. He finally relented and unwittingly laid the foundations for a high profile career. The 64 year old talks about a later appointment as on course caller at the Nowra greyhounds. He handled broadcasting duties at Moss Vale and Nowra for many years. Shane first played Rugby League at age 6. He looks back on his progression from the under 7’s to the under 18’s and finally to the Country Seconds side.  He remembers a brief but successful coaching career after a nasty injury terminated his playing days. Shane says he had the “wanderlust” from an early age. He looks back on a rewarding stint at a Western Australian thoroughbred stud. He later worked for a prominent Ascot trainer. Back home on the Southern Highlands he became friendly with the father of a prominent Sydney horseman who happened to hold a key role at a huge training operation. Shane says he followed up promptly. The interview got off to a bad start. His efficiency in the new job later led to an interstate transfer.  Shane got to look after some outstanding horses during his time in Melbourne. He talks about a couple of special ones. He reflects on several happy years with a succession of leading trainers.  Shane talks about his very first trip to Alice Springs and an opportunity to get back into the broadcasting business. He also got to help out in a leading Alice Springs stable. During his eleven years as Pioneer Park  broadcaster Shane trained horses in his own right. He looks back on the difficulty associated with doing two jobs. He has no doubt about the best horse he’s seen in the Northern Territory.  Kerrin McEvoy said this bloke would make a very interesting podcast guest. He was right!

A calm and composed riding technique with a demeanour to match, are the attributes that have endeared Koby Jennings to many trainers in his fifteen year career. After spending the latter part of his apprenticeship in Sydney the heavyweight rider joined the fully fledged ranks knowing his opportunities would be restricted by weight. Nevertheless he rode winners consistently, earning the respect of some of Sydney’s most astute trainers.Koby’s CV is highlighted by wins in a Provincial Championship Final and a Golden Eagle. Two years ago he returned to his hometown of Traralgon and the winners have continued to flow across the region. He’s currently taking a break from the sweat box and trying his hand as a businessman. He’s on the podcast this week to bring us up to date. Koby begins by assuring us that he has no intention of abandoning his beloved thoroughbreds. In fact he’s still riding regular trackwork. He talks of his association with Will Hayes who runs Lindsay Park’s Pakenham stables.  Koby says it took an age for him to get any traction among the Victorian riding ranks when he relocated from Sydney two years ago.  The 31 year old outlines the reasons for his current absence from the race riding ranks. The heavyweight jockey talks about his acquisition of a Jim’s Mowing franchise in Traralgon West. He looks forward to the challenge. Koby takes us back to his original apprenticeship to his late grandfather and the excitement of his first race ride. He says it took him a long time to crack it for that elusive first win. He reflects on that unforgettable day at Stony Creek. The jockey looks back on a loan-out to Darwin trainer Stephen Brown and an exciting eighteen months in the Top End. Also in Darwin was jockey Carl Spry who later got an opportunity in Canberra. Koby says he decided to go with Carl and was fortunate to get a start with trainer Mark Schmetzer who supported him admirably. He talks of a brief stint with the Jones/Joseph team in Canberra which preceded a move to Randwick trainer Kevin Moses. He talks of the valued tutorship from the former ace jockey.  Koby looks back on his chance meeting with a young Dutch girl who was working for Anthony Cummings at the same time. Koby and Nerissa are nowadays the proud parents of son Declan and daughter Riley.He looks back on time spent with Jim and Greg Lee in the latter stages of his apprenticeship.  He reflects on one special day towards the end of his junior term when he won four races for different stables at a Rosehill Gardens Saturday meeting. Koby talks of happy associations with several prominent stables, and pays tribute to the trainers in question. He looks back on a thrilling two year old win on the Gold Coast for trainer Nathan Doyle and a Calibre Syndication ownership group. Koby says his association with Doyle continued after his  move back to Victoria. The jockey looks back on his association with Bobbing, a horse who qualified for the Provincial Championship despite a serious setback. He looks back on the gelding’s huge effort to win the $500,000 Final. He acknowledges the training performance by Bernie Kelly. Koby takes us through the “before and after” of his unexpected Golden Eagle win on Colette in the Godolphin colours.  He remembers two stakes wins on the John Sargent trained Luvaluva and a surprise trip to NZ to ride the mare in a Gr 1 event at Te Rapa. In a complete change of direction Koby talks of his passion for deep sea fishing and the fibre glass boat he treated like a prized thoroughbred. He looks back on fishing expeditions many kilometres from home base. He pays tribute to his trainer father Troy who’s continuing to train a small team of horses despite ongoing health issues.  It’s a nice yarn with a very disciplined  heavyweight jockey who hasn’t squandered an opportunity in his fifteen years of race riding.  You can’t help but get the feeling his career isn’t over yet.

I couldn’t believe Katelyn McDonald had actually found the time to join the podcast until we were five minutes into the interview. As it turned out she took more than an hour out of her hectic schedule to cover a wide range of subjects. From a celebrated family of Victorian jockeys Katelyn Mallyon enjoyed a rewarding eight years in the saddle which brought a string of black type wins including a coveted Gr 1 success. Her life changed direction abruptly in 2017 when she met a talented young NZ jockey at a Melbourne dinner party. Today Mr. and Mrs. James McDonald are the proud parents of two delightful little girls. James works hard to maintain his reputation as one of the world’s most elite riders. His wife works equally as hard in her multifaceted life.  Katelyn begins by talking about her young daughters, Evie almost 4 and Mia who recently turned 2. She pays tribute to her NZ  mother-in-law Diane who now lives in Sydney. She talks about a  couple of her husband’s habitual idiosyncrasies. She says James thinks of little else but racing while keeping a close watch on his weight. Katelyn looks back on James’ response when she announced her intention to quit the saddle in 2018. She talks of her regular involvement with the Ch 7 racing coverage and the opportunity to work with some talented media performers. Katelyn explains her long time working association with the popular “Punters.com.au” platform. She looks back on her early aspirations to become a jockey with special mention of the influence of her paternal grandfather Mick Mallyon, one of the most talented riders of his generation. Mick is now 86 and going strongly. Katelyn outlines the racing backgrounds of her father Brett and mother Mary. She looks back on childhood days at the local pony club. She talks of her initial apprenticeship to father Brett and a later transfer to the Ellerton/Zarah training partnership. She remembers her very first win, and maiden city success. The effervescent young mother looks back on an apprentice’s premiership in 2011/2012, the first female to achieve that special milestone. Late in her premiership winning season Katelyn was involved in the worst fall of her riding career. Despite being sidelined for ten weeks she had a big enough lead to win the junior title. She talks about the thrill of winning a second apprentice’s crown two years later.   She looks back on the achievement that brought one of her greatest racing thrills. With just a few weeks of her apprenticeship remaining, young Ms. Mallyon won on Miss Cooper at Sandown to outride her metropolitan claim. Her supreme racing moment came in the autumn of 2017 when she joined the Gr 1 club. Katelyn combined with gutsy mare Silent Sedition to win the prestigious William Reid Stakes under the lights at Moonee Valley. She revisits the backstory surrounding the whole magical experience.  The talented former jockey remembers her one and only Melbourne Cup ride on the Lloyd Williams owned Assign, and enjoys telling the story of the fateful day at Flemington when she relegated her future husband into second place. She pays tribute to respected jockey agent Matthew Alesci who guided her entire eight year riding career. Katelyn delights in telling the story of the Melbourne dinner party when she first made the acquaintance of James McDonald. A well known Sydney jockey played “Cupid”. She talks of the disqualification that sidelined James for eighteen months. An overseas trip together was destined to lead to marriage and parenthood. Katelyn  talks of the surprise invitation she received to take part in an International Jockey’s Challenge in Japan. She enjoyed every minute of the adventure. She looks back on a permanent move to Sydney and the final few months of her riding career. It was a delight to profile the incredible journey thus far of a young lady whose destiny was set in stone. She hasn’t wasted a single minute.

Activities like pony club, showjumping and eventing were not on Shannen Llewelleyn’s radar during her teen years on the NSW Central Coast. That’s not to say she didn’t like horses. In fact the idea of buying herself a suitable steed one day had crossed her mind more than once. A job at a local Woolworths Supermarket allowed Shannen to save diligently, and it wasn’t long before she had enough spare cash to buy the horse of her dreams. That horse turned out to be a standardbred who’d never made it to the racetrack. She named him “Shadow” and began the slow, tedious process of teaching herself to ride from scratch. Not surprisingly there were a few anxious moments. Memories of old “Shadow” are beginning to fade these days as she boots home winner after winner on NSW racetracks- 150 winners in fact since March of 2024. Shannen joins us on the podcast to talk about her rapid rise. She begins by talking about her recent transition to metropolitan racing. Shannen talks about the crowded lady jockey’s rooms these days in and out of the city.  The 24 year old talks about her early upbringing at Lismore and the family’s relocation to the Central Coast eleven years ago. She talks of her scholarly attributes. Shannen says she moved back to Lismore for a while and began her working life with Woolworths.  When the time came to rejoin her mother and sister, she was fortunate to gain a transfer to a Central Coast Woolworths store. At age 19 she purchased her own horse. Shannen later sought a second job with hours to fit in with her Woolworths commitment. That job happened to be with a thoroughbred operation run by a master horseman.The journey had begun. She says a short stint followed with Wyong trainer Kim Waugh which led to an offer from leading Western Districts trainer Brett Robb. Shannen says she rode in almost 40 barrier trials before applying for a licence to ride in races. The process seemed to take forever. She looks back on her very first race ride at Dubbo, and admits she got a scare when the horse “bucked” out of the gates. The young jockey was thrilled to win at her 5th race ride on Dubbo favourite Elson Boy from the Dar Lunn stable. Shannen couldn’t believe her luck when she rode another winner just two days later. She rode for just four months of her first season in the saddle, and couldn’t believe the winning run that came her way. Shannen talks about the offer she received from trainer Jane Clement which saw her move to Bendemeer near Tamworth. She loved the experience. She talks of a Parkes Cup win last year on veteran galloper Knife’s Edge.  Shannen talks of her move to the Nathan Doyle stable at Newcastle a year ago. She acknowledges the horses to give her seven metropolitan wins so far. The jockey says her weight is giving her no problems at this stage of her career. Shannen makes special mention of her favourite horse to this point in time.  She talks of devoted mum Danielle and older sister Lakisha. Shannen admits to being overwhelmed by the good fortune to come her way in such a short time.

John Sadler’s coming up 72 next birthday and can look back on a fascinating  career. He’s possibly more content currently than he’s ever been, working a team of just thirty horses at the widely lauded Pakenham training centre. Half the team are pre-trainers for good friends, the other half racehorses owned by valued clients old and new. It hasn’t been all beer and skittles for the Terang born trainer with recurring bouts of depression and one unfortunate run in with a senior steward during the infamous Aquanita Racing scandal that came to light in 2017. That misdemeanour cost John six weeks on the sidelines. You’ll hear his side of the story on the upcoming podcast. John begins by acknowledging the merits of the state of the art Pakenham training precinct. He talks about his team of thirty horses and the pre-training support given him by fellow trainers. The veteran horseman talks of life on the farm at Terang in the 1950’s. John talks of Terang’s history in both thoroughbred and harness racing. He pays tribute to his remarkable parents Lindsay and Mary. His father died in 1993 at 95 years of age. His mother stayed around for much longer. John remembers friendships formed in schooldays that would introduce him to the racing game. He talks of the modest start he made as a trainer on the small property he’d purchased at Colac. John reflects on his very first win as a trainer and the unforgettable thrill of his maiden metropolitan win. You’ll enjoy the trainer’s reminiscences about the ageless Pressman’s Choice and the betting plunge he landed with the horse in the 1991 Hamilton Cup. Few knew what dire financial straits he was in at the time. John fondly remembers his very first Gr 1 win with Jolly Old Mac. The trainer acknowledges the talents of Kenvain and Lady Jakeo, a star two year old filly of the early 90’s. He hasn’t forgotten the surprise phone call from jockey Greg Hall which led to an exciting overseas training stint. On returning to Melbourne after his 4 year Dubai experience, John received an unexpected offer from leviathan owner Lloyd Williams. He became private trainer for Williams from Flemington to begin with, and later from the owners’ lavish Macedon Lodge training operation. John has one small regret about the Macedon Lodge experience revolving around Melbourne Cup winner Efficient. When his arrangement with Macedon Lodge ran its course, John opted to team up with young trainer Troy Corstens at Flemington under the Malua Racing banner. The four year partnership was both successful and harmonious.  John relates the amazing story of a new Swedish owner and the acquisition of Linton, a horse he knew well from the Macedon Lodge days. A Gr 1 success would follow. He was more than happy to talk about his recurring battles with depression. He was able to bounce back from several low periods. Today, with the right advice and continued treatment he’s on top of the problem. John looks back on the infamous Aquanita Racing scandal which resulted in multiple disqualifications. His horses were stabled in the same barn which would later bring him unwanted “fall-out”. It all came to a head when a senior steward scratched one of John’s horses from a Gr 3 race. His subsequent outburst resulted in a six week suspension. He talks of two marriages and seven children, two of whom are heavily involved in racing- Tom as a jockey and trainer, Edward as race caller and TV presenter. We conclude the podcast by pressuring John to nominate a horse or two from his current team likely to visit the winner’s circle in the near future. He suggests two mares who are already multiple winners, but far from finished yet. An enjoyable chat with one of Victoria’s most respected horsemen. John Sadler tells it as it is.

Few trainers have had a busier week than Brett Dodson. He left Coffs Harbour on Thursday July 9th with his bonny mare Petticoat who was to start in a BM78 at Randwick two days later. It was a case of so near but yet so far as Petticoat went down by a whisker to Zouripper.  As soon as Petticoat was ready to travel Brett embarked on the arduous journey back to Coffs.  He had good reason to feel a little the worse for wear by the time he arrived at the Grafton track on Sunday with Miss Midas Touch for the 1400m maiden. Despite copping a hefty bump at the 300m, the mare grabbed the lead for a few strides before finishing third to You Are Mind and Occupation. No wins, but good runs by both Petticoat and Miss Midas Touch.  Brett Dodson rarely has more than a dozen horses in work and is prepared to take them wherever they have the best chance of earning prize money. Tamworth born Dodson became “hooked” on racing in his early teens and resolved from the outset to seek a future in the industry. He recorded 13 wins and 30 placings as a professional jockey before increasing weight halted his progress. He switched immediately to the picnic circuit where he enjoyed success for two full seasons. Brett had a trainer’s licence by age 18 and has put it to good use over more than three decades. He begins by talking about the long road trip to Sydney with Petticoat and the reliable mare’s gutsy performance in Saturday’s Keiran Moore BM78 at Randwick. The trainer says he had to shrug off fatigue to saddle Miss Midas Touch at Grafton twenty four hours later.  Brett outlines the backstory of his promising five year old My Mum’s Toyboy. He profiles the gelding’s pedigree and talks of the success he’s enjoyed with others out of the same mare. He says there wasn’t a trace of racing in his family background. Brett confirms his passion for racing was initially generated by TV and radio coverage. He later became a subscriber to two famous monthly magazines. He talks of a friendship with a former prominent Sydney jockey who gifted him one of his old saddles.  Brett says it all started when he visited local trainer Terry Wicks to seek advice on how best to gain an apprenticeship. He was in for a very pleasant surprise. He clearly remembers his first race ride and his first trip to the winner’s circle.  Brett says soaring weight quickly terminated any suggestion of a long term career as a professional jockey. He looks back on two happy seasons as an  amateur rider. The Coffs Harbour horseman remembers his first training win with a horse purchased cheaply from another stable.He looks back on an invaluable learning experience with talented trainer Tim Martin. Brett talks about his stint as private trainer for owner/breeder Andrew Pratten who had his horses based at Inverell. He later encouraged Andrew to consider moving his horses to the balmier climate at Coffs Harbour. He pays tribute to the two horses who provided him with black type success. The trainer acknowledges a few talented horses to help him along the way and gives a shoutout to a promising rising three year old he has in his care. Brett shares the story of the amazing business deal he was able to strike with Hong Kong agents just on two years ago.  He talks of his ongoing friendship with prominent Brisbane jockey Kyle Wilson Taylor. This is a nice chat with a bush trainer who hasn’t regretted a single day spent in the racing industry.

Almost without exception successful horse trainers are hard workers. There’s a 35 year old Grafton based Mum who’s in accord with the quote made famous by former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who said “hard work won’t always get you to the top but with ordinary luck will get you pretty near.” Samantha’s been around horses from the toddling stage. After notable success in the pony club and campdrafting pursuits, she transitioned to thoroughbreds by becoming a trackwork rider at the busy Grafton training precinct. A successful two and a half year stint as a jockey triggered her interest in the training of the animal and that’s where we find her today. Sam works a team of twenty horses from Hosier Lodge right on the Grafton track and has already established a reputation as a very serious young trainer in the  northern region. Samantha and husband Matt McGuren live 20 kms outside Grafton requiring very early starts for both. Matt is currently having a break from the rigours of the sweat box but still has a significant input into stable duties. Sam says he rides a number of horses before heading off to his day job. She pays tribute to Matt’s skills as a professional jockey and the other talents he’s been able to develop along the way.  Sam says she doesn’t ride as much trackwork these days but still needs to be on standby. She acknowledges the input of her stable apprentice Grace Palmer and a handful of other jockeys who help out from time to time. The young mother talks about her darling daughters Makella and Addison. Thirteen year old Makella already has her future well and truly earmarked. Sam talks about her lifetime passion for campdrafting and the nasty injury she suffered three years ago. She still marvels at her good luck in finding the right horse to kick start her training career. Digital online purchase Fortyfive Parklane won 6 races for his fledgling trainer. Sam gives a shoutout to a few special horses who helped to get her training career up and running. She looks back on childhood days at Maclean near Grafton and her early fascination with horses. Samantha looks  back on her introduction to trackwork at Grafton. She was besotted from “day 1.” The dedicated horsewoman reflects on her apprenticeship to Grafton trainer Terry Commerford whose support was invaluable. Sam remembers the thrill of her first race win and the momentum she was able to generate during her apprenticeship. That momentum enabled her to become champion northern rivers apprentice in the 2010/2011 season. She had a soft spot for the Commerford trained Montana Hilton who remains the favourite from her race riding days. Sam looks back on the transfer of her indentures to respected Taree trainer Ross Stitt who also gave her partner Matt McGuren a role in his busy operation. She talks of her admiration for Sydney based fellow female rider Kathy O’Hara.  This is a laid back chat with a dedicated young trainer who sees herself being around thoroughbreds for the duration of her working life.

Bob and Jenny Vance train a very small team at Ardmore in Auckland but boast a healthy strike rate with a Gr 1 win already on the board. I have vivid recollections of Bob winning the 1993 W.S Cox Plate on The Phantom Chance- the first of five Cox Plates I got to call for the Nine Network. Just three years after winning the famous Moonee Valley feature, Bobby Vance decided to call time on his stellar riding career and join his wife Jenny in the training ranks. Swedish born Jenny Moller had also enjoyed a very successful career in the saddle. We tracked Bob down last week and he agreed to join us on this week’s podcast. He begins by talking of the Ardmore training complex and says he and Jenny run the operation unassisted. He reflects on the thrill of a Gr 1 training win at Te Rapa in 2021 with an expat Hong Kong galloper. Bob looks back on he and Jenny’s initial reaction when daughter Maija announced her intention to become a jockey. He talks of Maija’s immediate success in NZ and a subsequent five year stint in Australia. The former ace jockey talks of Maija’s switch to jumps riding and the career ending injuries she sustained in a crash at Rotorua. Bob says he was watching the race on TV in Auckland and knew instantly Maija was in serious trouble. He talks of his daughter’s horrific injury list and her amazing recovery over a period of years. Maija is now training in tandem at Cambridge with partner Josh. Bobby looks  back on childhood days in Auckland and a work experience stint with a legendary Ellerslie trainer. When the time was right for Bob to be signed up as an apprentice jockey he had to go all the way to Matamata. He was required to go to school when stable chores were completed. Bob looks back on a very unhappy episode in his life.  He remembers the stroke of good fortune that led him to an apprenticeship with legendary Takanini horseman Colin Jillings. He was there for the duration of his junior term and beyond. The Jillings/Vance partnership soon reached dizzy heights with the ongoing success of star galloper Uncle Remus. Bob looks back on his 4 win haul in the prestigious NZ Derby. He pays tribute to the training skills of Colin Jillings whose passing in 2022 saddened the entire NZ racing industry. Bob remembers with affection his two Auckland Cup wins. Vance makes special mention of another great favourite Mr. McGinty (his name whenever he raced in Australia). He’s never forgotten the colt’s Sydney debut and a defeat of “boom  colt” Marscay. He literally won the race on three legs. Bob reflects on Mr. McGinty’s amazing comeback and a swag of Gr 1 victories as a three year old. He talks of McGinty’s subsequent success at the stud. The former jockey talks of multiple premiership wins at home. Bob looks back on a wonderful association with The Phantom Chance and that dominant Cox Plate win in 1993.  Bob had been retired three years when invited by the VRC to participate in a non betting event at Flemington against some legendary former champion riders. He enjoyed the experience. He gives a special “shout out” to mum Ronnie who’s still going strong in NZ. This is a nostalgic journey with one of New Zealand’s best riders from the 80’s and 90’s.

When an Adelaide podcast listener contacted me recently about a potential interview with Glynn Pretty, I couldn’t get things under way quickly enough. In the 60’s and 70’s this man’s reputation was as solid as any top jockey in the nation. He spent a lot of time out of Australia fulfilling contracts in Singapore and Hong Kong, but whenever back in Adelaide he promptly reminded owners and trainers why people like Bart Cummings were so lavish in their praise. A dreadful fall in Hong Kong in 1978 was expected to terminate his career. Six years later he made a comeback and rode 50 winners in a year before quitting for good.  Glynn put a lot back into racing following his official retirement, and at age 80 is still involved with the SA Racing Appeals Board. He’s also enjoyed the thrill of horse ownership, especially an involvement with talented mare See You In Heaven. The daughter of Divine Prophet won six races for her ownership team, all at stakes level. We begin by talking about Glynn‘s love of the game of golf.  The former star jockey looks back on 15 years as President of the South Australian Jockey’s Association. Glynn’s very proud of the part he played in the establishment of the SA Jockeys Academy in conjunction with TAFE. He explains how it works and acknowledges some of the great riding talents to come under his tutelage. He looks back on his inclusion in a team appointed by Stereline in the 90’s to visit the USA on a promotional tour. The goal was to showcase the starting gates and running rails manufactured by the company in Australia. While in America Glynn saw jockey’s safety vests for the first time. He quickly floated the idea in Australia. He talks of his collaboration with the Australian Jockeys Association in introducing a better form of indemnity insurance for injured jockeys. Glynn talks of childhood days in Adelaide and his battle with asthma. He was actually allergic to horses. He talks of his original apprenticeship organised by his father Stan. Things went terribly wrong soon after he started at the Morphettville stables of Bob Burrows. Glynn says he left racing altogether for more than a year but later regenerated an apprenticeship with trainer Bert Kenny. The legendary Colin Hayes came into the equation at one stage. Pretty remembers his first ever race ride at Strathalbyn and the magic of his first win at Cheltenham. There was enormous sentiment attached to this win. He recalls the traumatic circumstances under which his father lost his life in a motor accident. We simply let Glynn reminisce about some of the better horses he got to ride early in his career. Galilee and Light Fingers make for a good start. Dayana also gets an honourable mention. He speaks fondly of Hampton’s Pride, one of the most expensive yearlings sold in Australia in the 1960’s. Glynn speaks of wins in the famous Adelaide double the Goodwood Hcp and Adelaide Cup. His wins came one year apart. He looks back on wins in races like the SA St Leger, Port Adelaide Cup and SA Oaks. Glynn  remembers his flying start the first time he took on a retainer in Singapore. He rode for just 9 months of the season but finished second in the premiership. He looks back on 4 consecutive years as Singapore’s champion jockey. Glynn was stunned when awarded a rare honour after so little time in Singapore. He talks of wins in some of the jurisdiction’s most important races. He says SA premierships were never on his radar because of the time he spent out of the country. He was however proud of a South Australian premiership after returning from Singapore  in the 1970/71 season. He talks of three amazing retainers he was forced to decline during his career. One of them came from the UK. Glynn  talks of the success he enjoyed in HK and his injury toll after the fateful 1978 accident at Happy Valley. He looks back on two other interesting feature wins in the early 70’s- one in Queensland the other in Melbourne. Both winners were trained by Bart Cumm

I get regular enquiries about the current whereabouts and activities of Michael Wrona, the young Queensland race caller I got to introduce to American  horse racing thirty six years ago.The now defunct Hollywood Park Race Club was anxious to try out the Australian style of race calling on the big on course crowds and simulcast viewers of the era. Michael and I were invited to cover a total of six race meetings in a ten day period during which time public reaction was to be closely monitored. Should the experiment prove successful, Michael was all but assured of an offer to become resident Hollywood Park broadcaster.  Two weeks later 24 year old Michael Wrona had made the quantum leap from a fair way down the “pecking order” on 4BC Brisbane to become the voice of Californian racing on one of the world’s most iconic racetracks. The past 36 years have taken the Brisbane boy through many valleys and peaks- amazing highlights and devastating lows. He’s  been tempted to call it quits and scurry home to Australia several times, but something has always prompted him to give it another shot.  Today he and his American wife Kathy live in Orange County where he’s safely ensconced as track announcer at the Los Alamitos race track. Five years ago we presented a podcast with the man himself. Several recent emails have prompted me to give that podcast another run.  Michael was actually in the broadcast box at Los Alamitos getting ready to call a Saturday night card when we recorded this 2021 chat. We began by talking about his Aussie accent, unchanged after more than three decades in the US. He talks of his appointment as Los Alamitos track announcer in the wake of his shock dismissal by the owners of the high profile Santa Anita track.  Michael takes us through the dual breed format of Los Alamitos programming- the combination of thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. We turn back the clock to the day Michael and I arrived at Hollywood Park for a six meeting commitment. If the crowds and simulcast viewers liked the Queenslander’s style, he had the job at the famous track. Michael remembers the late Marjorie Everett, the dynamic chairperson of the Hollywood Park Operating Company and some of her eccentricities. He reflects on the first big race he got to call in California featuring the clash of two top horses. Michael was stunned when offered the opportunity to share calling duties at the reopening of the legendary Agua Caliente track where Phar Lap had won his only race outside Australia. He looks  back on the first of several interruptions to his career. Marjorie Everett was deposed as Hollywood Park supremo, and the new administration preferred another caller. He was lucky to pick up a gig at Bay Meadows track in San Francisco. The Aussie commentator talks of a brief return to Hollywood Park and the opportunity to feature in an episode of the famous Seinfeld sitcom. Mike talks of his subsequent dismissal from the Bay Meadows job. Luckily he still had employment with Golden Gate Fields, another popular San Francisco venue. He looks back on an offer from an exciting new venture in Texas. Retama Park opened with a flurry but closed before the completion of its first season. By now Michael was developing an inferiority complex. Around this time Michael got to enjoy a brief stint at the famous Arlington Park track in Chicago. During this stint he called a history making performance by the champion Cigar. Life took a bizarre twist for Michael when he was reappointed by Hollywood Park after a shock resignation by Trevor Denman. He called the race in which Lafitt Pincay Jnr  broke Willie Shoemaker’s long standing riding record. The much travelled Wrona talks of an exciting offer from another Texan enterprise called Lone Star Park where he would spend five years. For three years during Lone Star’s off season he worked at Fairgrounds in New Orleans. Both tracks were taken over by new management and history repeated itself when Michael

You don’t see too many $61.00 “pops” generating ovations like the one Rothfire and Brad Rawiller got after the recent Doomben $10,000. The horse all but written off when he broke down almost six years ago, and the tough-as-teak veteran jockey served up a fairy tale story in winning the famous sprint after a very wide run.  It was Gr 1 number 26 for the hard working Rawiller who hadn’t won at the elite level since scoring on  Elite Street in Perth’s Winterbottom Stakes five and a half years ago. Brad, who makes a habit of “walking racetracks” when track conditions are suspect, went out with a set plan. He answers all of the questions that people have pondered in this week’s podcast. He begins by explaining how he secured the ride from a stable he hasn’t ridden for previously. The jockey takes us through the tactics he employed in the big sprint. He talks of Rothfire’s unlucky seventh in the Kingsford Smith Cuptwo weeks later.  Brad pays tribute to his remarkable dad Keith, a versatile horseman who enjoyed success as a jockey both on the flat and over the jumps. Rawiller Snr also made his mark as a trainer and driver of harness horses.  The jockey gives a shout out to his mum Elaine who closely monitors the progress of brothers Nash and Brad. Brad makes special mention of brother Todd and sister Stacey, both highly efficient horse people in their own right.   He makes no secret of the fact that brother Nash is his primary inspiration. Brad goes back to his initial apprenticeship to Alan Bowell at Bendigo and a later transfer to Tony Noonan at Mornington. In his final year with Noonan he won the Victorian country jockey’s premiership.  He’s never forgotten his win as a 19 year old in an Apprentice’s Cup at Belmont in WA. He formed an instant attachment to Perth racing. Brad was thrilled to win his first Gr 1 in Perth for high profile trainer David Hayes. He looks back on a national jockey’s title in the 2007/2008 season. His win tally was extraordinary. Brad recalls the unfortunate circumstances that brought him a Golden Slipper win on Phelan Ready in 2009.  He looks back on a brief association with the grand stayer Viewed. He enjoyed a freak run to win the Caulfield Cup on the handsome stallion. Brad reminisces about his exciting journey with the talented galloper Weekend Hussler. He won 11 races on the gelding including 7 Gr 1’s. Only one other horse even gets close to Weekend Hussler in the jockey’s affections. He pays homage to the remarkable Black Heart Bart, a horse he partnered in 6 Gr 1 wins. The last of those wins triggered high emotion. Brad looks back on his snap decision in 2020 to try his luck on a permanent basis in Perth. There were several highs and one devastating low.  The 47 year old is greatly inspired by older  brother Nash but there are two other Victorian jockeys for whom he had special admiration.  Brad makes special mention of daughter Cleo (14) and son Lucas (11). A nice chat with one of Australia’s hardest working jockeys who hopes to enjoy similar longevity to brother Nash.

Simon Price hasn’t ridden in a race for five years but still spends plenty of time in the saddle. He’s at Morphettville trackwork three mornings a week, and has a regular presence at the barrier trials and jumpouts. With sons Will and Ben both forging successful riding careers in Adelaide, Price Snr is content to take a back seat these days. Simon’s CV credits him with close to 2000 winners including a host of black type features. At the height of his career he had regular support from many leading stables and a strong public following. In response to several requests for an interview with the talented horseman I’m pleased to say job’s done! Simon joins us on this week’s podcast to look back on his very rewarding career.  He talks about his Morphettville trackwork involvement three times a week for some discerning trainers. Simon says he also works a “day job” at a prominent landscaping business owned by an old friend. He looks back on a snap decision in 2020 to relocate to NSW at the request of former South Australian horseman Sam Kavanagh. Simon recalls going all the way to Mudgee to ride his first winner for Kavanagh. The veteran says a Tamworth success on More Sundays for Kavanagh was his last winning ride. Simon pays tribute to Sam Kavanagh who died after a short illness 18 months ago. He looks back on childhood days in Adelaide and pays tribute to his parents. Simon recalls the unlikely circumstances that would trigger his introduction to horses. He talks of early tuition from George Davison and a subsequent apprenticeship to Peter Hayes at Oakbank.  Simon says Peter Hayes was a thoughtful boss who encouraged him to ride for other trainers. He clearly remembers his first race ride at Cheltenham and his first win at a now defunct racecourse close to the Victorian border. The fifty five year old remembers the support he received from some prominent Adelaide trainers. He looks back on a “loan-out” to Cranbourne trainer Colin Alderson. During this time Peter Hayes sent a horse to Melbourne to run in the inaugural C.S Hayes Stakes at Moonee Valley. Young Simon gained the ride and it was a dream result. We randomly reminisce with Price about some of his favourite horsesbeginning with the Russell Cameron trained Shavano Miss- an unpleasant mare with great ability. Simon looks back on a surprise phone call from the Waterhouse stable and the offer of a Doncaster ride. He thought someone was “pulling his leg.”  He looks back on a brief association with the Leon Corstens trained Cherontessa which led to a win in the Gr 1 South Australian Oaks. Simon couldn’t believe his luck when history repeated itself the following year. WA owner Bob Peters sent Miss Margaret to Peter Hayes for a three race campaign. Simon got the ride and won the Gr 3 Auraria, ran second in the Australasian Oaks before winning the Gr 1 South Australian Oaks.  The jockey enjoyed several successful stints in Singapore including one twelve month stay. He was delighted to win the 1998 Gr 1 Singapore Gold Cup on the Malcolm Thwaites trained Three Crowns.It was the last Cup to be staged at the Bukit Timah track. Six weeks later Simon rode Three Crowns in the Melbourne Cup, and was deeply saddened when the genuine gelding broke down at the top of the straight. Simon had little hesitation in declaring Fields Of Omagh to be the best horse he rode in a race. The jockey was on board for three of the gelding’s South Australian wins. One of those wins was at Cheltenham the other two at Victoria Park. Both tracks have subsequently been closed. Price had a big opinion of the brilliant but unsound mare La Baraka. He won two Group 3 races on the daughter of Euclase and hasn’t forgotten her glaring conformation faults. Most Adelaide jockeys greatly value wins in the Goodwood Hcp and the Adelaide Cup. He regrets not being able to win either. He ran second in both races to horses ridden by the same top Victorian jockey. Simon says a busy work routine has helped him deal

The girls have had an extraordinary impact on Australian racing in recent years. A current emerging talent is twenty five year old Coriah Keatings who just recently won her first race at black type level. Coriah, apprenticed to Nick Olive at Canberra has a very impressive 135 wins on  the board after just four years of race riding.  Born and reared on her family’s farm just outside Albury, Coriah was in the saddle at a very early age and went on to become highly successful in many equestrian pursuits. Her entry into the racing industry happened almost by accident.This is an absorbing chat with a country girl who would have excelled in any one of several sports, but her innate love of horses influenced her decision to become a jockey. Coriah says she’s still on cloud nine after winning her first stakes race on Spicy Lu at Eagle Farm. The young jockey explains the origins of her intriguing given name.  Coriah says her early passion for horses was encouraged by mother Kerrin, herself an avid horse lover. She says her father Craig had little interest in racing, but has become one of her staunchest fans. Coriah joined pony club at four years of age and was still heavily involved into her late teens. The 25 year old says she had little difficulty with academic studies but much preferred school sporting activities. The young jockey was all set to enrol for a university course when Covid got in the way. She earned some pocket money at a Zambrero Restaurant in Albury. At the suggestion of a friend Coriah made enquiries about a job with former successful jockey Jodi Bohr who was training horses in Albury at the time.  She openly admits to being all at sea when she began riding trackwork. Coriah looks back on two other jobs she undertook, one in hospitality the other in retail.  At one stage she was working both jobs at the same time. She recalls an invitation from leading Albury trainer Ron Stubbs to join his team. Coriah says Ron wasn’t in the position to offer her an apprenticeship, but knew of another trainer who was. She looks back on a very happy stint with Donna Scott who became a valued tutor and friend. Coriah looks back on her first race ride. She finished second but believes she should have won. She got the shock of her life after passing the post. She was delighted to win her first race on a horse trained by Donna Scott. Coriah looks back on a relocation to Canberra and the transfer of her indentures to her current boss Nick Olive. The jockey talks of her partner Matthew Kelly, a young Canberra trainer who’s beginning to make his mark. Coriah pays tribute to some of the horses who’ve kick started her riding career with special mention of the Nick Olive trained mare she regards as her favourite to this point in time. She says there’s one member of the Olive team she’s “busting” to win a race on.  Coriah speaks fondly of talented mare All Adore and makes mention of two other metropolitan winners she’s ridden for Canberra trainers.  She talks of her versatility in being able to use the whip in either hand. Coriah agrees she’s on the tall side as jockeys go, but appreciates the luxury of being able to ride on the limit weight. She clearly remembers two occasions when she came away from the races with winning trebles, one at Cowra and the other at Canberra. It’s a nice chat with one of the rising stars of the female riding ranks.

Andrew Gluyas had a huge pair of shoes to fill in July of 2023 when he took over the running of French Cotton Lodge at  Morphettville. The stables had been home base to legendary trainer Leon Macdonald for more than four decades. Andrew had been married to Leon’s daughter for five years when he went to work for his father-in-law in 2002. Seven years later he was delighted to formulate a partnership with the veteran which would generate 560 wins up to the time of Leon’s retirement. Andrew got away to the best possible start as a trainer in his own right, when he won the Victoria Derby with Goldrush Guru the following year. The winners have continued to flow. Delighted to have him on the podcast this week.Andrew begins by explaining the origins of his unusual surname.  He looks back on his father-in-law’s retirement in 2023, and recalls the freak accident at Morphettville trackwork when Leon was bowled over by a spooky horse. Andrew talks of the 21 year association with Leon that shaped his future.  Gluyas looks back on his previous life as an electrical fitter. He speaks of his good fortune in being able to co-train some outstanding horses in partnership with Leon. Andrew pays tribute to astute owner/breeder Harry Perks whose continued support of his stable has been overwhelming. He acknowledges the talents of Dilly Dally and Go Indy Go, two other very good horses he got to work with. Andrew speaks glowingly of Goldrush Guru, the horse to kick start his solo training career. He takes us through that exciting Victoria Derby win not long after taking over the operation of French Cotton Lodge. He speaks highly of the talents of Watchme Win, already the winner of six races.  He gives punters a good pointer to the future prospects of lightly raced 3YO filly Bassett Babe.  Andrew pays tribute to his three sons and to Sue, his wife of 29 years.  The 55 year old trainer endorses the talents of his stable apprentice Taylor Johnston. While on the subject of jockeys, Andrew expresses his admiration for two former Macdonald apprentices who went on to great acclaim. One of them is still going strongly. He looks back on a freakish fall in 2019 which ended the career of brilliant young stable apprentice Raquel Clark. Andrew says he’s delighted to be occupying prominent spots on both the SA and Adelaide trainer’s premiership ladders. The trainer acknowledges  the achievements of Terry McAuliffe, his brother-in-law by marriage. Terry was a top Adelaide race caller before switching career direction to become Adelaide racing correspondent for Racing.Com. We couldn’t let Andrew go without some reference to his former passion for the game of baseball. Those who knew him early days remember his achievements for the Glenelg Club. A lovely chat with a man who learned from a master, and is heading in the same direction.

Please forgive my deviation from our usual interview format but the discovery of some very old broadcast tapes has set me upon a sentimental journey and rekindled memories I’d like to share with you. The centuries old proverb “handsome is as handsome does” has never been better exemplified than it was by the celebrated racehorse Tobin Bronze.  He ticked every box as a thoroughbred type and endeared himself to racing fans in four magnificent seasons on Australian tracks. His few disappointing performances always came with a legitimate excuse. His finest moments are still revered by those who were around in the days of the horse they called the “Bronze Bullet”. We’ll get back to our usual podcast format next week, but for now I’d like to invite you to join me on a trip down memory lane as we look at the racing life of a deep chestnut stallion who captivated Australia’s thoroughbred lovers in the 1960’s. Sincere thanks to Melbourne historian Dennis Najin who made available Bill Collins’ graphic calls of Tobin Bronze’s wins in the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate of 1967.

I was thrilled to meet David Taggart for the first time at the recent Sydney premiere of the “J.Mac Story”. Like many Aussie racing fans I was well acquainted with his story. The story of a distinguished riding career being abruptly halted in 2007 by a freakish fall at Stony Creek- a career which had brought him more than 800 wins including 48 black type races. Included in that impressive tally are six Gr 1’s. “Tags” as he’s affectionately known, suffered years of post accident trauma before a stroke of good fortune changed his future direction. He’s still battling a few issues but occupies his mind with the task of preparing and presenting four weekly segments on Melbourne’s SEN Track. I quickly pinned him down to a podcast and we got the job done this week. David begins his inspirational story by talking about his current immobility problems and the way he overcomes them. He talks about the lucky break that led him to a radio career. David pays tribute to his SEN sidekick Gareth Hall. The former successful jockey takes us back to the freakish Stony Creek fall that ended his career. He talks about the injuries, the rehabilitation and the emotional aftermath. Dave looks back on his apprenticeship to legendary trainer Frank King, the man described as Melbourne’s answer to Theo Green. He remembers Frank’s undying devotion to his apprentices. “Tags” remembers the thrill of his first winning ride. He talks of the overwhelming experience of being engaged for a Gr 1 ride by none other than Bart Cummings. The 52 year old shares recollections of a very special day. David speaks glowingly of Greg Mance, the trainer who supplied his second Gr 1 winner. He enjoyed great success for the Mance stable over a lengthy period of time. His Stony Creek accident was bad enough but he looks back on another freak mishap at Moonee Valley that put him out for eight months. Dave pays tribute to Seascay, a high quality horse who gave him two wins and several placings at the elite level. He looks back on another Gr 1 win in the famous Goodwood Hcp at Morphettville for legendary trainer George Hanlon. He shares memories of a special day. David looks back on a successful stint in Macau. He originally planned on a three month term which stretched to four years. He elaborates on the Hollow Bullet story- the $10,000 filly who gave him his sixth Gr 1 victory in the historic Oaks at Flemington. He shares several great stories surrounding the filly and the running of the 2004 Crown Oaks. Dave pays tribute to his 25 year old daughter Grace. He’s already introduced her to the AFL and to his favourite team.  This is an inspiring interview with a personable little bloke who’s learned to blend the good with the bad in life. Keen racing people will find him very entertaining as he looks back on the highs and lows.

The first bloke to give me a wrap for the talents of Justin Sheehan was John O’Shea. It was 2000 and John’s solo training career had just begun at Warwick Farm. Sheehan was then 28 and although struggling with weight issues, was quickly establishing himself with some very discerning trainers. O’Shea described him as an “innately talented rider.” Just eight years later Justin’s career was all over as the ravages of the sweat box began to affect his health. In his relatively short time as a professional jockey he stamped himself as one of the best in the land. The 54 year old Queensland born horseman joins us on the podcast this week to look back on the highs and lows of an amazing twenty one year career as a professional jockey. Justin begins by talking about some recent health issues. He looks back on fifteen years as an in demand trackwork rider at Warwick Farm. Justin has clear recollections of his final day at the races- two unplaced rides at Rosehill in 2008. His final win at Kembla Grange remains near and dear to his heart. He takes us back to childhood and memories of the equine skills of his late father. The former jockey recalls the family’s move from Charleville to Dalby and an early introduction to thoroughbreds, albeit at an illegal age. He looks back on his first race ride, his first win and the experience gained riding on some dry and dusty tracks in the Northern Territory. Sheehan remembers his excitement when awarded a life changing NT Government Apprentice Grant which took him to Adelaide for a three month stint with trainer Danny Callaghan. He looks back on a freak run of success and the opportunity to partner a marvellous old sprinter in nine wins. Justin remembers his transfer to Kembla Grange trainer Bernie Howlett. He recalls being very impressed with the talents of John O’Shea when the former Queenslander first began his training career at Warwick Farm. Justin talks of his two race rides on budding champion Saintly. He talks of his engagement to Ann Maree and the beginning of an association with top filly Kenbelle, then trained by his future father-in-law Kevin Robinson. Justin takes us through his 1996 Oaks win on Kenbelle. Justin remembers two race rides on “champion in waiting” Tie The Knot. To this day he wonders what might have been, had things worked out a little differently. The former ace jockey remembers with sadness the horrific Ipswich race fall in which eight horses crashed in the backstraight. On a brighter note he looks back on his sudden engagement for genuine sprinter Adam and a Gr 1 win first up. This was the horse at the centre of his first overseas trip. We devote ample time to Justin’s review of his exciting involvement with Universal Prince- four Gr 1 wins and one freakish fall in Singapore.  He pays tribute to three other talented horses he got to ride for different trainers. Justin’s unrelenting weight struggles were well known to racing people. He looks back on the horrors of constant wasting.  Justin and Ann Maree are the proud parents of 23 year old Darby Sheehan. Dad says Darby hasn’t inherited the racing genes. This is an interesting chat with a former jockey who left an indelible mark in a brief but brilliant career.

Col Hodges’ absence from western districts race meetings of late has been a talking point among his legion of friends. It’s taken  a nasty fall and a fractured hip socket to keep him away from the races after fifty six years behind the binoculars. He’s not feeling quite well enough to handle an interview at this early stage of his rehabilitation, but has given me the green light to replay a podcast recorded in May 2020, almost six years ago. Col was in a reminiscent mood on the day and began by taking us back to his very first professional race call.  He talks of a happy childhood at Bogan Gate and school days at Gunning Gap, a push bike ride from home.  Col remembers his fascination with the ABC race callers of the 1950’s. He looks back on his admiration for the shearing contractors who visited his family property, and the three decades he’d later  spend in central western shearing sheds. Col recalls the lucky break that would shape his destiny. He’s never forgotten the day he was recruited by prominent race caller Bob Gunn to fill in at a small picnic meeting at Fifield, between Trundle and Tullamore. The Forbes based caller looks back on an early involvement with harness and greyhound racing. He highlights some top class pacers of the era. Col acknowledges his two favourite race meetings. He reflects on the early careers of some talented bush gallopers who went on to much bigger things. Col pays tribute to some ageless country gallopers who became legends in the bush. Col Hodges has always been an entertaining storyteller and was happy to share a few of his favourite yarns on the podcast. Reminisce with a legendary country broadcaster and racing writer.

Brett Robb made the call to go solo as a trainer when his father Rodney decided to cut his team  back to five horses in 2020. He’d been working as stable foreman for Rodney for a number of years, and was happy to continue in that role. Rod’s decision prompted Brett to bite the bullet, and launch his own training career. From a Dubbo base Brett has 273 wins on the board including a Country Championship Final. He currently has 48 horses in work and is prepared to travel to find the right races for them. Brett can ‘t see himself doing anything else. He joins us on the podcast and talks firstly about his well known nickname. He talks about a winning double at the first day of the Wellington carnival last Friday and pleasing runs from his two fillies in the Wellington Boot. Brett looks at the performances by two stable runners in the recent Country Championship Final. “Snow” pays tribute to his dad Rodney Robb, a legend in Western Districts racing for half a century. He acknowledges the talents of stable jockey Clayton Gallagher and stable apprentices Izzy Neale and Jordan Quince. Brett recalls his childhood days in local pony club and other equine pursuits. He says none of it would have been possible without the dedication of his mother Wendy. The trainer looks back on his unforgettable two years as a ringer on Queensland’s famous Durham Downs cattle station. He shares several stories of those heady days in the outback, and gives a shout out to a great bush character of the era. Brett looks back on a long stint with NSW Railways based at Nyngan. He talks of On A Promise, the horse he regards as the one to launch his career. Brett speaks fondly of another prolific winner Dalavin. He looks back on a TAB Highway win with Boom Boom Basil. A Magic Zariz is perhaps Brett’s all time favourite. He still has the old warrior on his Dubbo property. Brett hasn’t forgotten the day Sizzle Minizzle walked into his stables. He looks back on the gelding’s racing career and the thrill of a win in the Country Championship Final. The trainer reflects on his association with legendary country jockey Greg Ryan. Brett says Sizzle Minizzle’s foot issues saw his form taper off towards the end of his career. He remembers a TAB Highway win with Wilbury. Brett pays an appropriate tribute to Gallant Star, the horse he regards as the best he’s trained to date. He takes us through the gelding’s racing career. This is a laid back chat with a bush horseman who has spent very few days of his 37 years without a horse close by.

Eighteen year old apprentice Jett Newman had a huge number of trial rides before being signed up by northern rivers trainer Matt Dunn. She debuted in February 2025 with two rides for her boss at a Murwillumbah meeting. The first one ran second, the other Without Parallel led all the way to win. The gifted young jockey hasn’t stopped riding winners since. She brought up the century when Tomba stormed home from a rearward position to win a 3&4YO event at Doomben on March 28th. In January Jett made a huge impact when she had two rides for two wins at a Rosehill Gardens meeting. Both horses were trained by Matt Dunn who’s since kept her away from metropolitan tracks. He wants to preserve her provincial and metro claims for a little longer. Jett TALKS ABOUT HER SPECIAL DAY AT DOOMBEN She hasn’t had time to reflect on the achievement because she’s been riding all over the place ever since. The apprentice talks about two more wins to come her way at Grafton and on the Gold Coast.       Jett explains that she and her mother Debbie travel daily from Tweed Heads to fulfil commitments for the Dunn stable at Murwillumbah. She talks about the training talents of Matthew Dunn and the huge team of horses he has in work. The young jockey says only a handful of trainers use the  excellent facilities at Murwillumbah. Jett recalls her exciting day at Rosehill in January when she had two rides for two wins. She was supported on the day by a strong family cheer squad. She talks of the tutelage and support offered by her father Mitch Newman, a former successful jockey whose career was thwarted by ongoing weight problems. Jett says her mother Debbie didn’t pursue an aspiration to become a jockey but continues to enjoy her role as an in demand trackwork rider.  The eighteen year old looks back on early days in pony club and a transition to the show ring. She gives a shout out to two older sisters. She fondly remembers the first phase of her apprenticeship to former jockey Claire Lever at Hawkesbury. Claire’s husband Chad was also a valued tutor. Jett recalls her exciting first day at the races as a professional jockey. She had two rides at Murwillumbah-  the first one Torque of Dreams ran second, two races later she led all the way to win on Without Parallel.  She talks about a handy bush horse who gave her a hat trick of wins on the Ipswich track. Jett says she’s been inspired by high profile female jockeys Rachel King and Jamie Melham who between them struck the Doncaster/Derby double at Randwick on April 4th. The jockey is aware she enjoys a rare luxury in being able to ride at a featherweight.

I’ve had several emails requesting a podcast with Gratz Vella in the wake of his thrilling third placing in the TAB Golden Slipper with Music Time. The Maltese born trainer drifted into the racing game by pure chance and has held a licence for more than three decades. He’s enjoyed a notable measure of success from his Canberra base and is widely respected by all sections of the industry. Gratz secured Music Time for just $45,000 at the 2023 Inglis Classic Sale and soon discovered that he’d bought a very promising young horse for long established clients. Music Time probably cost himself a win at his first start but quickly made amends with a hat trick, culminating in the Black Opal on his home track. The Gratz Vella story is one that needs to be acknowledged on our podcast.  The trainer says he’ll be pinching himself for quite a while yet. Gratz says he asked his jockey Pierre Boudvillain to ride Music Time as close as possible without overdoing it.  He explains the reason why the gelding got a little bit lost in the closing stages. The trainer acknowledges the support of six owners, some of whom have had horses with him for many years. Gratz goes back to the Inglis Classic Sale of 2023. He recalls being “blown out of the water” on a few early lots, and says his confidence had been dimmed by the time a certain All Too Hard colt came into the ring. He believes the youngster’s immature appearance put a few buyers off. Gratz says the All Too Hard colt quickly signalled his talent. He was given a nickname in his first preparation. The trainer says his Golden Slipper placegetter has already developed one unlikely taste. Vella says he wasn’t tempted to run him again this preparation. Gratz discusses his burgeoning partnership with French born jockey Pierre Boudvillain, currently one of the most talked about riders in the nation.  The Canberra horseman takes us back twenty years to his first Golden Slipper start with a $300.00 “pop”.  Gratz talks about his late father’s arrival in Australia sixty years ago. Michael Vella found a job in Canberra and a suitable house before bringing his wife and eight children to a new land. The trainer pays tribute to his remarkable mother who died only recently at 95 years of age. Gratz Vella’s business acumen was on display at an early age. He, two brothers and a handful of mates collected horse manure from a nearby pony club and carted it around the district in home made billy carts. When the concept became popular with backyard gardeners, the boys investigated bolstering supplies from Canberra racing stables. Gratz says his love affair with thoroughbreds began there and then. He says Robbie O’Sullivan was the trainer to teach him the basics of horse management and would later encourage him to take out his own licence.  Gratz says he kicked off at amateur meetings but quickly made up his mind to progress to the professional ranks. He explains the derivation of his rather curious christian name. Gratz talks of the amazing offer he received from highly successful Canberra trainer John Morrisey. He was destined to stay with Morrisey for twenty years during which time he had the opportunity to prepare a small team of his own. He says Morrisey’s later move to the Gold Coast  prompted his decision to go it alone. Gratz looks back on the horses to help him along the way. He’s got a story or two about a few stable favourites.  His story about the acquisition of his current stable colours is a very entertaining one. He talks of his Aussie born kids and the five grandchildren who’ve come along in recent years. It’s a laid back chat with the kid from the historic township of Zabbar in Malta’s port region. He’s a highly respected and universally liked member of the Canberra training ranks and has no intention of leaving the city adopted by his father six decades ago.

Kris Lees was thirty three years old when his father Max passed away in 2003. He’d been training a handful of horses in his own right while working as stable foreman for his very respected trainer/dad. He was left reeling when a sudden illness claimed Max’s life at just 63 years of age. Kris made the instant decision to carry on where the multiple Gr 1 trainer had left off. The team totalled 50 horses and Kris was humbled to learn that almost every existing client had decided to leave their horses exactly where they were. Twenty three years on Kris has established a stellar training record and boasts some amazing season by season statistics. It’s seven years since Lees Jnr has been a guest on this podcast and it’s high time we invited him back. The trainer says very few call him by his birth name of Kristen. He talks about his horse numbers at Newcastle and on the Gold Coast with acknowledgement of the people who look after his Queensland operation. Kris is justifiably proud of his training stats over more than two decades. He takes us back to early days when he went to work for his father after getting an exemption from school. He talks of an ambition to be a bookmaker and his friendship with neighbour Ray Wallace, one of Newcastle’s most astute trainers.  Kris looks back on his decision to train a few horses in his own name while working for his father.  He remembers Max’s sudden illness and a premature passing that would deeply sadden the racing world. Lees Jnr speaks with great affection of the “iron gelding” County Tyrone who provided his first Gr 1 win. By an eerie coincidence the horse had been Max Lees’ final Gr 1 winner. He looks back on the privilege of being given a $1.5 million dollar filly very early in his training career. Kris would win seven races including three Gr 1’s with the star filly Samantha Miss. He talks of the mare’s subsequent stud career and reviews the racetrack deeds of her six foals.  He looks back on the surprise phone call from NZ advising him that a hugely talented mare was on her way across the Tasman. He was horrified to see her fall in a race at Ellerslie before being sent to Australia. Lucia Valentina reached dizzy heights for her Aussie trainer. Kris doesn’t hide his affection for the evergreen Le Romain whose 7 wins and 18 placings netted $4.3 million dollars.  The trainer pays tribute to Gr 1 winners like In Her Time, Sense Of Occasion, Vitesse Dane, Amokura, and Kalapour. He talks of his winning associations with father-son jockeys Andrew and Dylan Gibbons. Kris looks back on his extraordinary record in the Provincial Championship Series since its inception in 2015. He’s qualified a whopping 56 horses for 11 Finals for five winners and seven placegetters.  Kris says you don’t need a champion to accumulate mind boggling prize money. He talks of two big earning stable warriors. The trainer talks about the gradual expansion of his Broadmeadow training base. He discusses the importance of barrier trials in the modern racing world. Kris talks about the selection of jockeys for his huge number of runners. He pays tribute to wife Christie, daughter Emerson, and sons Marshall and Manning. A laid back chat with one of Australia’s best horse trainers.

With another edition of the historic Sydney Cup coming up on April 11th, it seems an appropriate time to catch up with a man who won it twice as a jockey in 1959 and 1961. Bernie Howlett’s riding career lasted only seven or eight years but was followed by a long innings as a successful trainer. In more recent times Bernie has earned recognition as a very astute breeder of horses. In fact he’s one of a chosen few to have ridden, trained and bred Gr 1 winners. He’s now a healthy eighty eight year old, living in Canberra and content to reflect  on his very rewarding life in racing. Bernie does us the honour of joining this week’s podcast to take us on a trip down memory lane.  He brings us up to date on plans for his future in racing. Bernie goes right back to childhood days in Tamworth and many trips to local race meetings with his dad Jack.  He acknowledges the deeds of older brother Arthur, himself a talented jockey and trainer. Bernie recalls the early tuition he received from legendary country trainer Arthur Gore and his apprenticeship to Eric Flett at Manilla. The veteran recalls his first ride in a race at Quirindi and his first win at Barraba. With ten bush winners under his belt Bernie made the decision to seek an apprenticeship in Sydney and literally knocked on the doors of several Randwick trainers. Finally a trainer called Frank McGrath agreed to sign him up.  Howlett reflects on his first city win on a hulking two year old owned by an AJC Committee member. He won another one on the same horse a few days later. He looks back on the thrill of being selected Dux of the AJC Apprentices School in the 1957/58 season.  Bernie says his golden run was halted by a nasty fall at Warwick Farm. Head injuries kept him out of the saddle for several months. He looks back on an association with dour stayer On Line which would lead him to a Sydney Cup win and a ride in the Melbourne Cup the following year. Bernie was to repeat his Sydney Cup win just two years later. This time he relegated an Australian turf idol into second place. He talks of the “return bout” with Tulloch in the Brisbane Cup less than three months later. This was to be the champion’s swan song. Bernie remembers the support of several trainers who helped him along the way during his time in Sydney. The former jockey and trainer clearly recalls a second placing in the Caulfield Cup and the suspension that cost him the ride on the same horse in the Melbourne Cup. He takes us back to 1964 and his low key start as a trainer. Bernie reflects on a fruitful decade training out of Kembla Grange during which time his only Gr 1 winner came along. He makes mention of some other smart horses he got to train.  The veteran pays tribute to several talented young riders to spend time under his tutelage. He talks of his keen interest in the breeding of thoroughbreds and the colt destined to give him Gr 1 success in another phase of his career. Bernie is justifiably proud of his contribution to the Australian population- 6 daughters, 1 son and 14 grandchildren. Great to catch up with a man who achieved the rare distinction of riding, training and breeding Gr 1 winners.

It’s just over six years since Scott Darby last appeared on our podcast. At the time his popular racehorse syndication company was gathering momentum. Today Darby Racing is a front runner in a very tough business. Seventeen and a half years after its launch, the company looks back on 1500 wins by syndicated horses including 79 at stakes level and 9 at Gr 1. To mark Darby Racing’s first week as one of our valued sponsors it makes good sense to get its founder and managing director  back on the podcast. He takes us back to early days when he was overpowered by an ambition to become a jockey. When his riding aspirations fell by the wayside Scott looked for an activity that would keep him in the framework of the racing industry. He got involved in the syndication of two horses owned by friends, and enjoyed the experience. The rest is history. When Scott joined us on the podcast on Monday March 9th he was still walking on air after a Gr 1 Newmarket win with Caballus at Flemington -Gr 1 number nine for Darby Racing. He admits to being a little nervous when he shelled out $315,000 to acquire the gelding online in 2023. Scott remembers Darby Racing’s first yearling sale purchase- a Choisir colt at a NZ Ready To Run sale. Registered in Australia as Estalane he failed to win on a metropolitan track but was successful 8 times in north Queensland. The new company was up and running. Today Darby Racing boasts a full time staff of 5 headquartered at Narellan south-west of Sydney. Scott pays tribute to the team.  He acknowledges the support of wife Edwina who was a late starter in the racing game but quickly fell in love with the sport. Scott talks of an early ambition to become a jockey. He remembers an unsuccessful visit to Tulloch Lodge and his first experience in a racing stable. He pays tribute to the $15000 filly whose two black type wins catapulted the new syndication company into the spotlight. Scott talks of another cheap filly from a Gold Coast sale destined to take her large ownership group on an exciting ride. Darby Racing came up with another “price buster” at the 2015 Inglis Classic Sale. As Yankee Rose that $10,000 filly was a precocious two year old and won the Golden Gift before beating all but Capitalist in the Golden Slipper. She later won the ATC Sires Produce Stakes to give the company its first taste of Gr 1 glory. There was more to come in the filly’s three year old season. Darby Racing “swooped” again at the 2016 Inglis Classic Sale when they landed a Manhattan Rain filly for $20,000. That filly was syndicated to twenty owners and would go on to win six races from twelve starts accumulating $3.2 million in prize money. Imagine the reaction of the “terrific twenty” the day She Will Reign won the Golden Slipper. Scott pays tribute to the special horses who’ve taken Darby Racing to another level in the field of racehorse syndication. He acknowledges the talents of his current group of “go-to” trainers. Scott talks of the racing colours that have become instantly recognisable to punters around Australia.

Blake Spriggs answered immediately when I tried his mobile number one day last week. What a delight it was to hear such clarity, sparkle and fluency in the voice of a man who this time last year had his Doctors gravely concerned. Medical professionals who played even the smallest part in the former jockey’s rehabilitation continue to marvel at his attitude, determination and rate of recovery from an endless list of injuries.  Blake had prepared himself well by the time neurosurgeons delivered the heartbreaking news that his riding career was over.  The articulate thirty three year old joins us on the podcast, to look back on an ordeal that all jockeys hope will never befall them.   Blake says every member of his medical team has expressed surprise at the rate of his recovery. You’ll be amazed to learn what he can do just one year on from the worst kind of race fall. He says more than two weeks passed before he had any knowledge of the damage to his body. You might feel squirmish as Blake recounts the long list of injuries. Blake focuses on the brain bleed that convinced Doctors he would be wise to abandon any thoughts of a comeback. He pays homage to his dedicated physiotherapist and reveals some amazing coincidences about his stay in Canberra Hospital. Not surprisingly a few months into his rehabilitation he started to think about the horse or horses he’d miss the most. Blake says one horse stood out. Blake was happy to reminisce about his 17 year career as a jockey. He begins by paying tribute to his father Dale Spriggs who rode close to 3000 winners in a 40 year career. He remembers riding in many races with Dale and one particular quinella they provided. The former jockey talks of his sporting prowess during schooldays. Blake pays tribute to his late grandfather who taught him valuable lessons about horse management. He talks of his initial apprenticeship to Newcastle trainer Steve Hodge and the thrill of winning on the occasion of his very first race ride. He looks back on a transfer to the Waterhouse stable and a short time with Jason Deamer at Newcastle, Blake fondly remembers the magical day at Rosehill as a 3kg claiming apprentice when he rode five winners. He takes us through all five wins. He acknowledges some of the horses who helped him along the way with special mention of his Gr 1 Metropolitan win on Sir John Hawkwood. Blake acknowledges the support of his mother Leanda who managed him during the early part of his career. Brother Dustin and sister Dimity also receive an honourable mention. He looks back on a Moree Cup win viewed by his late grandfather. Blake says he was inspired by many during his long and lonely recovery, none more than son Brooklyn who only recently turned three. He’s currently contemplating life after racing and is happy to have gained some business knowledge during his time as co-owner of a Sydney used-car dealership. He hopes to put that knowledge to good use going forward.  This is an uplifting chat with a very gutsy former jockey.

This week we catch up with another member of the “bush trainer brigade” - those remarkable people who continue to bring  the very best out of horses of limited ability while paying just as much for chaff, oats and associated supplements as their city counterparts. This week’s podcast guest recently relocated from one country location to another. After many successful years at Bendemeer near Tamworth, Jane Clement and husband Rob recently moved to a 50 acre farm at Mendooran. The new location will afford Jane and Rob easy access to many western and northern meetings. The Jane Clement story makes for a very interesting podcast and we’re delighted to have her join us this week. Jane explains the reasons she chose to move out west after a lifetime at Bendemeer. She says her previous training property embraced most of the long defunct Bendemeer racecourse. Undulating terrain gave her horses a beneficial change from flat track training. Jane looks  back on childhood days on the family farm at Bendemeer where horses were a major part of her life. She began riding trackwork at an early age for her maternal grandfather, the legendary Tamworth trainer Merv Corless.  She talks of the lessons learned from her late grandfather. Jane remembers the “iron gelding” Akwazoff who was trained throughout his long career by Merv Corless. She looks back on a short stint as an amateur rider which yielded 25 wins. Her first day as a picnic jockey brought an unexpected surprise. Jane hasn’t forgotten her first win as a professional trainer. She had to go through a fair bit of anguish before the numbers went up. She looks back on her first and only win on a Sydney track. She’s rarely seen in town. Jane talks affectionately of her all time favourite Chrysolaus who posted 6 wins and 7 placings. The trainer looks back on his most important wins.  Jane pays tribute to the late John Clift, owner of Chrysolaus and the breeder of champion Gunsynd. The trainer explains her unrelenting loyalty to female jockeys. She acknowledges some of the girls who’ve helped her along the way. Like many bush trainers Jane is a regular user of the bi-monthly Inglis Digital auction. She talks of several bargain buys sourced in recent years. Jane is justifiably proud of her son Braith Nock, last season’s champion Sydney apprentice jockey. She looks back on his early experience as a bull rider. She brings us up to date on the progress of Braith’s sister Dana who’s apprenticed to Brett and Georgie Cavanough Cavanough at Scone. Jane talks of the wide range of tracks within reach of her new training property at Mendooran.  She talks of the mode of transport used to get her horses to the races. Jane says a recent win at Tamworth tugged her heartstrings. A nice chat with a trainer who’s been in the company of horses most days of her life.

Richard Litt’s entry into the Sydney training ranks materialised under very sad circumstances. He’d barely settled into a training partnership at Warwick Farm with his father Jim when news came from NZ of the premature death of his older brother Jay. Jim Litt made an immediate decision to return to NZ but resolved to leave his small team of horses in Sydney.  Richard was quickly granted a training licence by Racing NSW and launched his training career under less than ideal circumstances. Some months later he paid his first visit to the winner’s circle when a mare called Klissta won the Braidwood Cup. As Richard gratefully received the Cup trophy he couldn’t have imagined that just two years later he’d be on the dais at Royal Randwick receiving the trainer’s trophy after the Gr 1 Champagne Stakes.   That  trophy was won by Castelvecchio, the Dundeel colt who’d catapulted Richard Litt to racing’s biggest stage. He joins us on the podcast to talk about his first magical decade in Australian racing.  He talks about an encouraging first half of the current season and his expectations  for the promising Caffe Florian. The trainer looks back on early Sydny stints with trainers like Graham Rogerson, Bart Cummings and John O’Shea.  Richard looks back on his father’s decision to try his luck in Sydney with a small team of NZ horses. He remembers the impact of his brother’s sudden death in Hawera. Richard says he won’t forget the thrill of his Braidwood Cup win in 2017. He looks back on the thrill of landing his first city win albeit a midweek event. His first Saturday metro win was another special occasion. Richard reflects on the luck he’s had with a string of online purchases from the Godolphin operation. The trainer shares the story about the beginning of his association with owners Ottavio and Wendy Galletta. He was given the formidable task of winning a race or two with a horse previously trained by Chris Waller.  Richard says he was surprised and delighted when Ottavio and Wendy gave him their new Dundeel colt to train. Castelvecchio began with a flourish by winning first up at  Canterbury before repeating the dose in spectacular fashion in the Inglis Millenium. He looks back on Castelvecchio’s wins in the Champagne Stakes and Rosehill Guineas and his stunning second in the Cox Plate. Richard looks back on a monumental disappointment when Castelvecchio was brought undone on a very heavy track in the ATC Derby. The trainer was humbled when the Gallettas gave him the job of training the $1.9 million colt known as Profondo. Richard talks about the highs and lows of the Deep Impact colt’s short career. He talks of Ottavio’s acquisition of the Victory Lodge training stables at Warwick Farm, formerly home to several Gr 1 winners trained by Clarrie Conners. Richard acknowledges a few more handy winners for the stable in recent years.

Former champion jockey Wayne Harris speaks glowingly of his former “stablemate” Neil Rae. Both were apprenticed to the late Pat Farrell, and while Harris concentrated on metropolitan racing for most of his career Rae opted to stay in the Hunter region where he enjoyed a productive 23 years-  productive enough to give him a total of 8 Hunter and North West riding premierships. Wayne Harris suggested I call the former lightweight jockey and talk to him about a possible podcast. A little reluctant at first, Neil finally agreed to join us for a chat about a career that brought him a very impressive 1370 wins. He begins by talking about the excavators and compactors he operates for the Lake Macquarie City Council. Always a natural lightweight, Neil says he’s still pretty fit.  Rae was given a nickname by workmates very early in his career. He says it’s still widely used by racing people. Neil talks about a racing accident at Gosford that left him with a  shocking ankle injury. He talks about a short lived comeback. He was delighted to ride a winner on his final day in the saddle. Neil talks about early days in Newcastle and his intense dislike of school. He talks of his first experience in a racing stable followed by his indentureship to the late Pat Farrell. The retired jockey clearly remembers his first race ride at Muswellbrook, and the thrill of his first win just a few weeks later. He actually landed a double on the day. Neil remembers his first provincial and metropolitan wins on the same horse. He recalls being driven to the races by Wayne Harris on the occasion of his first city win, little realising he’d later buy the car in question. He talks about the valuable tutelage he received from Harris, one of the greatest riders of his generation. Neil talks affectionately of Irish Flyer, perhaps the most important horse in his early career. He remembers the brilliant but headstrong Proud Knight. The son of Vain had enormous ability but often refused to race tractably around the turns. There was one unforgettable occasion at Randwick when Proud Knight’s gate opened prematurely. Neil says his tendency to try too hard early in his career resulted in many suspensions. He talks of successful associations with leading Newcastle trainers like Paul Perry, Max Lees and later Kris Lees.   Neil says his ability to ride at a featherweight sometimes cost him rides.  He looks back on his eight riding premierships, three of them as an apprentice.  Neil says he was thrilled to be invited to ride two former champion racehorses in exhibition gallops. One was a legend, the other a dominant two year old in the early 80’s.  Neil had only a handful of Gr 1 rides. He was pretty chuffed to ride the third placegetter in the 1989 Sydney Cup.  He says the race was run under deplorable conditions. He talks about fatherhood and the inevitable progression to grandfatherhood. Neil Rae is well remembered as a jockey of unwavering work ethic. His career win tally of 1370 tells the story. Great to have him on the podcast.

The enormous genetic influences in Kerrin McEvoy’s background were obvious from a tender age. In fact the native of Streaky Bay on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, wanted to do nothing else but ride racehorses from age 9 or 10. Initially apprenticed to grandfather Bill Holland, Kerrin had a brief stint with Russell Cameron in Adelaide before seeing out his time with the legendary Hayes family. After 29 years as a professional jockey, Kerrin McEvoy boasts an amazing record- 2348 wins including 85 Gr 1’s, 83 Gr 2’s, 146 Gr 3’s and another 160 at listed level. In five seasons overseas he won 323 races in the UK and Europe with another 40 in Dubai. The 45 year old father of four, was enjoying his job more than ever when a recent starting gate accident left him with multiple fractures in the right foot. That little hiatus has given him the time to talk to me at length on our weekly podcast, and I can’t tell you how delighted I am. Kerrin begins by explaining the circumstances of the mishap and the extent of his injuries. He reveals the opinion of specialists and a likely date for his return. Kerrin agrees it was always going to be difficult to stay away from the racing game given his powerful genetic background.  He talks of father Phil and uncles Darren and Tony, all jockeys early in life. Tony of course is still toasting his Caulfield/Melbourne Cup training double with Half Yours. Kerrin remembers an early apprenticeship to grandfather Bill Holland and time spent sitting on a chaff bag pretending to be a jockey. He looks back on a six month stint in Adelaide with former outstanding trainer Russell Cameron.  The champion jockey talks about his transfer to Peter Hayes and the beginning of his riding career. He looks back on his first race ride and first win just a few weeks later. Kerrin says he was thrilled when sent to Melbourne as the stable’s resident metropolitan apprentice. He still can’t believe his luck in picking up the Melbourne Cup ride on Brew in 2000. A clever ride put him into the record books as the youngest jockey to win the Cup in 52 years. He still has trouble believing his first Gr 1 win came in Australia’s most famous race. He remembers a Caulfield win that qualified him for work experience in Godolphin’s state of the art Dubai stable.  Kerrin believes the connection gained him the ride on Beekeeper in the 2002 Melbourne Cup. He placed third with a flawless ride and things started to happen quickly from that point on. In 2004 he gained the prestigious role of number two Godolphin jockey behind Frankie Dettori for the stable’s UK and European operation. Kerrin was deeply moved when he rode the second placegetter Rule of Law in the historic English Derby at Epsom. He remembers an all the way win in England’s oldest classic race on Rule Of Law. The St Leger was first run in 1776, and is four years older than  the Derby. He speaks with great affection of Shamardal and Dubawi, two of Godolphin’s most celebrated horses. He won Gr 1 races on both gallopers. Kerrin speaks of his disappointment when Godolphin’s Blues And Royals went amiss after winning the UAE Derby. The colt was programmed to run in the Kentucky Derby but it was not to be.  At this point of the interview, Kerrin talks of wife Cathy’s successful riding career. He says Cathy rode regular work at Newmarket after their marriage in 2008. He speaks fondly of his second Melbourne Cup win on Almandin in 2016. He takes us through the running of the race and the great duel he had with Joie Moreira on runner up Heartbreak City. The jockey says he was delighted to win another Gr 1 on the unsound horse 17 months after the Melbourne Cup triumph. Kerrin only had to wait two years for his third Melbourne Cup victory on Cross Counter for Godolphin. He talks of the northern hemisphere three year old’s strong staying performance from a wide gate. The much travelled jockey takes us through his three exciting Everest wins -two with Redzel and the third with Cla

Ashlee Grives nee Siejka left a  big imprint on the NSW race driving scene with an impressive tally of 800 winners. She trained many of them in her own right. In more recent years Ash has dabbled in the training of thoroughbreds largely with online purchases. It’s well documented that she has won a race or two with most of them. During her years in the trotting game the gifted horsewoman worked as a veterinary nurse for the famous Randwick Equine Centre, spending much of her time assisting in the operating theatre. Her interest in the anatomy of the horse has remained with her ever since, and played a part in her recent decision to go full time into Equine Rehabilitation. Ash joins us on the podcast to look back on her outstanding career in harness racing, a brief but successful stint as a gallops trainer and a recent transition into a brand new phase of her life.  The Bathurst born horsewoman talks about the grind of horse training and travelling in recent years, interspersed by the arrival of daughter Dulcie and son Reggie. Ash believes she was beginning to identify the symptoms of “burn-out” after more than twenty years of non stop racing involvement. She says her interest in rehabilitation work surfaced when friends asked her to try her methods on a handful of unsound horses. She produced some excellent results. Ashlee outlines the procedure she intends to adopt on horses coming through her practice. Vets will be working with her throughout every programme. She talks of the unwavering support of Ryan Grives, her husband of ten years. Ryan, a bricklayer by trade, knew little about horses but learned very quickly. Ash takes us back to early days when her father Michael Siejka was working as a concreter in Bathurst and hobby training a handful of pacers before and after work. She was in the trotting sulky from an early age. She says the defining  moment came when her father sent her to Melbourne to look after a three year old he’d entered for the heats and Final of the Victoria Pacing Derby. By the time the teenager was back in Bathurst she was completely sold on the harness sport. Ash still laughs about her maiden race drive at Bathurst. She thought she’d followed Michael’s instructions to the letter, and was bewildered by the blast that came her way. The rising star made sure she didn’t make the same mistake on the same horse a couple of weeks later. Ash talks about her first job away from horses. It didn’t take her long to realise office work was not for her. She talks of a  move to Sydney soon after, and an appointment as a veterinary nurse with the famous Randwick Equine Centre.  Ash says she had a couple of pacers in training during her time in Sydney. It wasn’t long before a handful of her veterinary colleagues joined the ownership of one of her horses- with happy results. She remembers the thrill of being booked by leading trainer Paul Fitzpatrick to handle a talented mare in a race for all female drivers at Harold Park. Ashlee looks back on her amazing season in 2009/2010 when she drove the staggering total of 160 NSW winners. Midway through that stellar term she became the first female to top 100 wins for a harness racing season in NSW. We give Ashlee plenty of time to pay tribute to her all time favourite horse, and the best she’s ever driven. She takes us back to the Bathurst Yearling Sale in 2013 when she acquired a plain little filly for $3500. Ash recaps Ameretto’s stunning racing career and the horrific setback that would cost the bonny mare her life. In 2017 the unselfish decision was made to send Ameretto to champion Victorian trainer Kerryn Manning who would win ten more races with the daughter of Million Dollar Cam. In one special Gr 1 race Ash got the call to reunite with her wonderful mare.  Ash looks back on a great winning association with prominent Gold Coast owner Greg Brodie. One of the horses in question, a gelding called Lochinver won 24 races including the Truer Memorial. The talented

Lee Magorrian had never been on a horse’s back when he got a stablehand’s job with Joe Byrne in his native County Meath in 2009. He continued to work on the ground when he later transferred to legendary horsewoman Joanna Morgan. Lee’s life took an unexpected twist when he was encouraged by a friend to visit NZ where he made the snap decision to become an apprentice jockey. One hundred winners later, young Magorrian won a much sought after scholarship which springboarded him into a trip to Australia and a stint with premier trainer Chris Waller.The much travelled young jockey is now firmly ensconced as a popular “go-to” jockey on the NSW provincial circuit. It’s a pleasure to share Lee’s story on our podcast. Lee says he’s been surprised by the ongoing support of  Chris Waller and several other trainers who patronise the Newcastle and Kembla Saturday meetings. He talks about his patient style of riding and his efforts to look busy in tight finishes. The jockey takes us back to childhood days in County Meath (IRE). He talks of siblings and the absence of racing in the family background.    Lee says there was a time he had visions of becoming a primary school teacher but that ambition was quickly replaced by several sporting pursuits.                                                    He admits to taking on his stablehand’s job for no other reason than to earn some pocket money. He pays tribute to two employers Joe Byrne and Joanna Morgan, both former outstanding jockeys.   He talks of a suggestion put to him by Samantha Wynne, an Irish jockey who was already working in NZ. Lee looks back on his first apprenticeship to Roger James at his famous Kingscere Stables in Cambridge. Sadly the association didn’t work out. He talks of a move to the stables of Shaun and Emma Clotworthy. Lee remembers with clarity the thrill of his first winning ride at Ruakaka. He reflects on a black type win at Te Rapa on a very smart horse called Barbaric. Lee remembers an Ellerslie win on Rising Romance, almost certainly the best horse he got to ride in NZ. The 31 year old hasn’t forgotten the thrill of his scholarship win, a whirlwind move to Sydney and a stint at the Waller stable. Lee says he thought his first win for Waller would never come. He was immensely relieved to get home on Pianissimo at Warwick Farm. He was thrilled to land a Saturday double at Royal Randwick not long after. Lee talks of a win in an apprentice’s race on the ill fated Higher Ground. He had a big opinion of the gelding. The jockey likes to claim some of the credit for the launch of Fangirl’s stellar career. He had the mount when Fangirl strolled home in a Goulburn maiden. He recalls a win on Mo’unga when the horse was trained by Chris Waller.   Lee enjoys reminiscing about some high profile horses he got to ride in trackwork for the Waller stable. He hasn‘t forgotten the thrill of his biggest single race day achievement, a four win haul at Newcastle. Lee outlines his trackwork and barrier trial involvement. He talks of a strong association with the Richard and Will Freedman yard. Lee talks of a casual association with the Waterhouse/Bott stable. He recalls a Newcastle win on a horse destined for Derby success a few weeks later. He talks of his connection with the Kris Lees stable. Lee recalls the support he received from Blake Shinn in his early days in Sydney. As a regular at the Saturday Kembla and Newcastle meetings, Lee says he’s formed strong camaraderie with a group of fellow riders. It’s a laid back chat with a genial Irishman who followed his instincts after leaving the place of his birth.

With his team of gallopers now in single digits, Terry Robinson has few city runners these days. It seems like yesterday when he and a handful of fellow trainers were dominating the TAB Highway races on Sydney tracks. So great was Terry’s win rate in the first few years that he still occupies fourth place on the Highway trainer’s table with 21 wins. Prior to turning his hand full time to the training of thoroughbreds, T.JRobinson was one of the most respected drivers at the regular Friday night meetings at the now defunct Harold Park Paceway. His late father Kevin Robinson had also excelled as a dual code trainer over a long period of years. Terry was in the winner’s circle again recently when $51.00 “pop” Tai Lung greeted the judge in a midweek race at Warwick Farm. I gave him a call to offer congratulations and you could have knocked me over with a feather when he hinted at retirement. I couldn’t get him on the podcast quickly enough. Terry talks about his Warwick Farm winner and says Tai Lung is a high maintenance horse. He talks about the inevitable scaling down of his Shoalhaven Heads training operation. Terry pays tribute to the talents of his late father Kevin Robinson. He says lessons learned from his dad have served him well in his own long career. The Robinson family have become famous for their ability to win races with unsound horses. Terry says the use of Seven Mile Beach at Gerroa has been their “ace card” over many years with both standardbreds and thoroughbreds.   Terry takes us back to his golden days at the trots and the wonderful horses he got to drive, with special mention of champions like Gammalite and Koala King. He talks of Black Line- a freakishly talented young pacer who looked destined for stardom until a complicated spinal issue impeded his progress. Terry talks of the special horses who’ve helped him to establish his reputation among thoroughbred trainers. He pays tribute to his favourite Art Cadeau, the late bloomer who finished up becoming the only horse to complete the Country Championship/Kosciuszko double. The respected trainer talks of some of the horses who’ve helped him win 21 TAB Highways since the inception of the series in 2015. Terry’s reputation as a work rider is well known. His long time involvement hasn’t been without its setbacks. He remembers two monumental “busters”- one at the Nowra racecourse, the other on Seven Mile Beach. It’s well documented that Terry was one of twelve children. He hasn’t been able to emulate the deeds of his late father, but has posted a respectable score of six in the fatherhood stakes- four from his first marriage and another two with second wife Monique. He talks about the 12 acre property at Shoalhaven Heads which has served as his training base for many years. His wife Monique runs a very successful beach and trail ride business from the same property. Monique looks after 18 saddle horses. Her former involvement as a trainer and work rider have given her a thorough understanding of the tough grind of professional horse training.

It’s been a pleasure to welcome a sequence of popular country trainers to the podcast lately and we’re going “bush” again in our first interview for 2026.  Our guest is respected horseman Paddy Cunningham who’s currently the only trainer based at the Glen Innes racecourse in the NSW New England district. He and wife Kathy achieve consistent results with a team of just twelve horses, and are happy to travel long distances to find the right races for them. Paddy Cunningham put together a tidy record as a race rider before ongoing weight problems saw him transition to the training ranks. After two lengthy stints at Grafton and another at Caloundra, Cunningham returned to his native Glen Innes in 2016  and you’d need the army to shift him again. Paddy talks about the well appointed property he and Kathy share close to the Glen Innes track. He looks back on his early days at Ben Lomond, a unique little village situated so far above sea level that snow isn’t uncommon in the winter months. Paddy talks of his parents and siblings and the little pony that first introduced him to the sensation of speed on horseback. He looks back on the circumstances that led him to an apprenticeship with local trainer Hunter Kilner and the unforgettable thrill of his very first day of race riding at an Inverell meeting. He made a spectacular start. Paddy talks of consecutive Armidale Cup wins very early in his career.  The jockey turned trainer says he quickly tired of continual wasting and ventured to the Northern Territory in search of a complete change of environment. He found employment at the famous Wave Hill station. Paddy talks of his return to Glen Innes after a two year sabbatical and a resumption of trackwork duties for his old boss Hunter Kilner. He talks of the mare who regenerated his interest and motivated his return to race riding. The same mare would later provide his first winning ride at Royal Randwick. Paddy says he couldn’t believe his luck when another winner came along at Canterbury the very next day. Two weeks later the same horse was involved in a spectacular fall at Canterbury. Paddy was lucky to escape serious injury. He remembers a wild ride he had on a Grafton Cup day in the 1970’s. Despite doing everything wrong the horse in question was able to score an amazing win. Paddy talks about “the one that got away”. He regarded a horse called Final Say as the  best he’d ever ridden and was bitterly disappointed when the gelding went amiss. He says unstable weight eventually hastened his retirement from race riding but has never regretted his brief but exciting few years in the saddle. Paddy unhesitatingly nominated the  country jockey who inspired him the most. He looks back on the low key beginning to his training career. Surprisingly he can’t remember his first win as a solo trainer.  Cunningham talks of his training career to date- two stints at Grafton and a decade on the Sunshine Coast. His move to Caloundra coincided with daughter Kylie’s decision to become an apprentice jockey. Paddy says he often travelled to faraway Queensland destinations in search of the right races for his horses. He looks back on a return to Grafton in 2010. The winners flowed over a six year stint but he decided on yet another move when synthetic training tracks came to Grafton. He’s pretty vocal in his opposition to them. Paddy elaborates on the talents of several nice horses who helped to forge his reputation as a very serious horse trainer. He talks of Jodi Worley who rode work for the stable for close to five years before deciding to become a jockey. Paddy signed her up and the young rider got away to a spectacular start. Paddy has always been one to support the jockeys who’ve supported him. He makes mention of a few special favourites. Paddy pays tribute to best mate and devoted supporter wife Kathy whose behind-the-scenes work for Cunningham Racing has been unwavering.  He and Kathy are the proud parents of four daughters. He brings

Great to chat with a man who co-founded Hyperion Thoroughbreds, one of the very earliest racehorse syndication companies in Australia. We find out what Allan’s been doing since a crippling recession brought Hyperion’s operation to a halt in 1990.Allan takes us back to his childhood in Gravesend near Warialda when radio was a way of life to country people. He fell in love with the theatre of racing, the day he listened to the broadcast of the 1956 Melbourne Cup.He talks of school days in Inverell and his first job at the Valuer General’s Department in Sydney. A job transfer to Moree led him to a friendship with Terry Mulhall, destined to become his business partner in later years.Allan reflects on the creation of Hyperion Thoroughbreds and the concept of forming larger syndicates than those offered by predecessors.He recalls the creation of the famous black and pink silks which signalled the emerging popularity of syndication.He reflects on the tough guidelines introduced by the Corporate Affairs Commission in the 1970’s.Allan looks back on the extensive methods of communication necessary to keep hundreds of owners informed about their horses.He acknowledges some of the better horses to keep the Hyperion banner flying, beginning with the cheap Dubbo sale graduate Prince Clarendon.Allan pays a special tribute to the evergreen Targlish, almost certainly the best horse to represent the company. The remarkable gelding raced 109 times for 17 wins and 31 placings.He reflects on the ground breaking idea of purchasing a horse to race in America for Australian owners. He pays tribute to So Vague who won 5 races in the USA before being brought to Australia. He later won stakes races in Melbourne for Colin Hayes.Allan acknowledges the devotion of some special trainers who gave great service to Hyperion Thoroughbreds.He pays a special tribute to the veteran jockey who rode many winners in the Hyperion colours and frequently helped out behind the scenes.Allan reflects on the inevitable winding down of the 16 year old company when the recession started to bite. Hyperion was one of hundreds of businesses to be brought to their knees. The last of the horses were placed according to the wishes of their owners, and a great era had come to an end. It was a tough day for old mates Gainey and Mulhall.

It’s always a pleasure to talk to a dedicated bush trainer from any part of the nation. This week we go to the busy training hub at Dubbo and to one of its most respected participants. Dar (that’s his official christian name) was one of a family of jockeys from the tiny village of Carinda in the Walgett Shire. He spent more than 35 years as a respected member of the western riding ranks before having to quit following a serious kick from a nervous young horse. Dar has been training for some 14 years from a Dubbo base and has  no intention of trying any other job. Right off the top he appeases the curiosity about his first name. Dar talks about his infrequent trips to town and says it takes a pretty handy horse to warrant a  crack at the city slickers.  He made a rare appearance at Randwick on Saturday where his two runners were out of a place, Saint  Philomena and Elson Boy who had a pretty tough run. Dar says he travelled the horses to Sydney the day before in heatwave conditions. He talks about a horse called Green Run who might earn a trip to the big smoke in the near future. The horse’s regular rider is out of action following a freak mounting yard accident recently. Dar talks about his birthplace of Carinda which boasted a population of 200 during his childhood.  The Dubbo based trainer reflects on the riding activities of four brothers. Dar looks back on school days in Carinda and a move to Walgett as he reached a higher grade.This was when his association with thoroughbreds began under the tutelage of a veteran trainer. He makes the frank confession that he wasn’t licensed at the time of his first few race rides. He looks back on his first legitimate race ride and his first winner  way out west at Bourke. Dar says he wasn’t dedicated to looking after his weight early days, but mended his ways soon after. He talks of the shortage of race meetings in the west and the distances he had to travel to carve out a livelihood as a bush jockey. Dar says he rarely rode on metropolitan tracks, but recalls one exciting win at Eagle Farm in Brisbane. He says he could count his Sydney rides on one hand but reflects on a two year old race at Rosehill when he ran into a rising topliner. The 64 year old remembers his final winning ride on the spacious Warren track on a horse trained by brother Garry. Dar talks about the freakish accident that ended his riding career. The experienced horseman takes us through the Elson Boy story- the unraced horse identified on line by one of his most supportive owners. Dar admits he made a few mistakes before working the gelding out. He takes us through some exciting wins and one heartbreaking setback. Dar looks back on a horse he felt was going places before going amiss. He looks back on a great association with a western trainer who was destined to become his father-in-law. This was Dar’s cue to acknowledge the unwavering support of Jill, his wife of 39 years. He and Jill are the proud parents of daughters Brianna and Layne. Brianna has in turn presented her parents with three grandchildren- all girls. Dar speaks candidly of the sudden stroke that stopped him in his tracks just over two years ago. He hated the inactivity of his recovery but opted to do everything the doctors ordered. Dar Lunn has earned the respect of all in NSW country racing. It’s a pleasure to have him on the podcast.

Ray Thomas’ recent decision to quit his high pressure role triggered a flood of tributes for the hugely popular media identity. Ray’s many fans were pleased to learn he’ll still be appearing on Sky Thoroughbred Central programmes “This Week Next Week” and “News Central” and intends to continue his long time hosting role on the Sunday morning edition of Sky Racing Radio’s “Big Sports Breakfast”. Ray’s passion for multiple sports was evident from an early age, but horse racing  prevailed when it was time for the aspiring journalist to settle on a career path. That career has been well documented, but I’d like to add my tribute to the many he’s already received from colleagues and followers. He’s our podcast guest this week. Ray begins by revisiting his final day in the Sydney Press Room, and the touching tribute accorded him in the Newscorp office a few days later. The popular journalist talks about the effects of his sudden departure from a very busy role. Ray talks about a 2023 health scare and the i decision to take stock of his hectic lifestyle.  He talks of his late father’s career as an RAAF communications operator, a job that took him to several parts of the world. Young Raymond Grant was born during David Thomas’ Hong Kong stint in the early 1960’s.  Ray looks back on his dad’s transfer to Perth where his love of sport began. His interest in horse racing was triggered by the deeds of two notable thoroughbred mares and one freakishly talented harness horse. Ray says one particular race call had an amazing impact on him. The multimedia personality looks back on his own participation in Aussie Rules and cricket  during those early years in WA. He talks of the decision to follow his father into the air force.  Ray acknowledges his elderly mother Marlene and siblings Tony and Stacey. He talks about his own nine year career with the RAAF. Ray takes us through the progression of roles with the Melbourne Herald Sun, the Sydney based Sportsman and finally his transition to Daily Telegraph Racing Editor, an appointment that came out of the blue. Ray takes us back to some of the biggest stories he covered from the mid nineties up to his recent retirement. From a media viewpoint some of them were veritable “bombshells”. The sixty one year old takes delight in revisiting the five races he rates as the most memorable he got to cover for Newscorp. Ray talks about the heartbreaking Friday afternoon in the Newscorp office when much loved Rugby League writer Peter Frilingos suffered a fatal heart attack at his desk. The legendary journalist was enormously thrilled when appointed to the Daily Telegraph team for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. To this day he savours memories of Cathy Freeman’s dash for gold in the 400m. He was thrilled to have what he called “the best seat in the house”. Ian Thorpe’s unforgettable final leg in the 4x100m relay remains another indelible memory. (Beat American Gary Hall Jnr who’d been making some idle threats in the media) Perhaps the major sporting event Ray enjoyed the most as a working journalist was the Wimbledon men’s final of 2012 when Roger Federer won his seventh title at the All England Club. This was a bittersweet occasion for Ray whose father had passed away the previous year.  He’s currently enjoying his new found role of grandfather to eighteen months old Charlotte. That role will soon be expanded. This is a lovely stroll down memory lane with a legend of the Australian racing media.

My thanks to Luke Berger who suggested we should take a trip down memory lane with his grandfather John, who’s remembered as one of the best country trainers of his generation. The veteran was in his early 80’s when he relinquished his licence in 2014, but spent another five years helping out on the ground for grandson Luke. John had no special ambition when he began his training career in …. He simply loved horses and knew there was nothing else he wanted to do. Over the next three and a half decades John Berger became a trainer of great repute in northern NSW. John says he continues to enjoy reasonably good health. He talks of the special anniversary he and wife Val celebrated recently. John talks of his retirement from the training ranks and an enjoyable five years assisting grandson Luke. The veteran takes a keen interest in Luke’s current role as a racehorse owner’s group manager. John says he’d never been on a horse’s back at the time he walked into the stables of Glen Innes trainer Reg Madgewick in the 1950’s. He looks back on Madgewick’s talents as a horseman. John reflects on a long period away from horses and a move to Sydney with his young family in search of job opportunities. He stayed for seventeen years. The former trainer remembers his move back to the country and a sapphire mining venture with brother Tony. John recalls the acquisition of his trainer’s licence and the thrill of his first win at Bingara. The respected horseman shares his memories of the handy bush horses he got to train over more than three decades, with special mention of his all time favourite Main Supply.  John looks back on the methods he preferred to use in the training of thoroughbreds. The veteran pays tribute to the country trainers and jockeys he most admired. He looks back on the many bush race clubs he supported over the years. You rarely get to talk to horsemen of John’s generation. It was a pleasure to have him on our podcast.

Clint Lundholm stands 182 cm and weighs in at 80kgs, but continues to ride regular trackwork at Dubbo. It’s hard to believe the same bloke was a professional jockey for close to three years in which time he posted 218 wins including a handful of country Cup successes. An eighteen month stint followed in the amateur ranks before he finally followed the family tradition of training racehorses. In just thirteen years in the role, Cint has posted 1012 wins and has a NSW country trainer’s premiership on his CV. At one stage his team grew to almost fifty horses, creating an unmanageable workload. Today he rarely has more than twenty in work and is thoroughly enjoying the job.  Clint joins us on the podcast and begins by talking about his frenetic 2022/2023 season. He says the results were gratifying but the toll was high. He takes us right back to early days in Coonamble under the tutelage of his grandfather, legendary country trainer John Lundholm Snr. Clint reflects on the lessons learned from the elder Lundholm. He reflects on the stories he heard about his grandfather’s association with champion country jockey Dennis Firth. The trainer looks back on his first day as a professional jockey when he had five rides at a Nyngan meeting.Clint hasn’t forgotten the thrill of his first winning ride. He looks back on a three month loan out to Gai Waterhouse at Randwick. He recalls being gobsmacked by the enormity of the Tulloch Lodge operation. Unable to adapt to city life, Clint says he returned to the bush to finish his apprenticeship with a new boss. Lundholm understands why people are surprised to learn he was once a professional jockey. He pays tribute to the horse he regards as the best he rode in his short time in the saddle. Clint looks back on a very happy eighteen months in the amateur riding ranks. He remembers the commencement of his solo training career and his father’s decision to join the team. Clint was chuffed to join the ranks of trainers who were able to win with their very first starter. He’s not a regular in the city but is thrilled to have a couple of TAB Highway winners on the  board. Clint is adamant that Listen To the Band is the best horse he’s trained to date. He talks of the talented but injury plagued Quasimoto who’ll shortly return to work. Clint says he had a lot of fun with ten time winner Any Blinkin’ Day. The trainer speaks of former metropolitan galloper Notabadidea who won a country Cups tre le after entering his stable. He acknowledges the support he’s had from a select group of prominent western districts jockeys with a special shout out to his partner Zoe Hunt who’s been in top form of late. This is a nice chat with a …year old who was destined to forge a career in the racing game.

Racing’s best judges were predicting a big future for Braith Nock long before he ever rode in a race. How right they were! The third generation jockey won at his first ever race ride, and hasn’t stopped riding winners since. Braith made a huge statement last season when he became champion Sydney apprentice with 40 metropolitan winners. The quietly spoken twenty four year old honed his balance with several years as a bull rider, before taking up an apprenticeship under the watchful eye of Brett Cavanough.There are many other things Braith would rather be doing than recording interviews, but he kindly consented to join us this week on the podcast. He talks about his punishing recent schedule. Braith is delighted to have the support of his former master Brett Cavanough. He explains the recent addition of his trademark moustache. The young jockey takes us back to his bull riding years and the serious accident that stopped him in his tracks. Braith remembers the thrill of winning at his very first race ride. He says he enjoyed a three month stint with top Randwick trainer Peter Snowden despite a bout of homesickness. Braith looks at some of his favourite city winners including a trio of mares from the Maher stable. He looks back on a healthy number of doubles and trebles, and one spectacular four timer at Gilgandra. The young jockey speaks of the thrill of riding a Wellington Boot winner. Braith speaks of Brett Cavanough’s recently formulated training partnership with daughter Georgie. He’s thrilled to report his elder sister Dana is also apprenticed to Brett Cavanough. Braith pays tribute to his trainer/Mum Jane Clement. He says he was beginning to think he’d never ride a winner for his mother. It finally happened at Kempsey. Braith talks of his passion for fishing.

It’s a great pleasure to welcome to the podcast former jockey Alan Cowie, currently one of Australia’s best known jockey managers. If you call him Alan you’ll be lucky to get a response- if you call him Pup you’ll get an instant reaction. That’s the nickname given him by a friend in Rockhampton many years ago, a nickname he’s been unable to shake over several decades.  Alan Cowie had 760 winners and a Gold Coast premiership under his belt when he was involved in a three horse fall on the first turn  in a fillies and mares race on Magic Millions day 2002. He was in a bad way by the time he arrived at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital where his impending paraplegia was diagnosed. Pup’s acceptance of his fate and an amazing ongoing attitude have become legendary in Queensland racing. He graciously accepted our invitation to join us on the podcast, and was happy to revisit the highs and lows of his life so far. Alan says he was always going to stay in the racing game after a long and trying rehabilitation. He talks about the demands of modern day jockey management. Alan acknowledges the talents of the three jockeys under his management at the  moment. He looks back on some of the fine riders he’s managed since commencing operations more than twenty years ago. Life in a wheelchair isn’t without its hazards. Alan talks about a freakish recent accident which left him with a broken femur.  He says regular exercise is of paramount importance in keeping ahead of his problems. He continues to play golf thanks to the wonders of technology. Pup takes us back to early days in his hometown of Rockhampton, and talks of three other jockeys in his family background. He talks of his original apprenticeship to a rural Queensland trainer who was reluctant to use up his weight claims too quickly. Alan’s famous nickname of “Pup” was bestowed upon him by an older friend in Rockhampton. He hasn’t forgotten the influence of two legendary jockeys who won multiple Rockhampton premierships between them. Pup remembers two great bush horses who got him up and running in the local riding ranks. He says a well known stipendiary steward instigated his transfer to Sydney trainer Jack Denham. Alan looks back on an exciting twelve months in the famous Denham stable at Rosehill. He has a soft spot for one consistent Denham trained horse he got to ride. Alan looks back on the eighteen months he spent at Rosehill after the termination of his apprenticeship. He enjoyed a great trot with the late Ray Guy. He finally headed home with the opportunity of a regular riding job with Brisbane trainer Colin O’Neill. An amazing twist of fate changed all of that. Alan looks back on his valuable stint with master trainer Jim Griffiths. He hasn’t forgotten the winning run he had with the Toby Edmonds trained  Chappel Dancer. He travelled with the horse to several country Cup carnivals. We set aside ample time for Alan’s review of his exciting association with Kinjite, a horse he rode in 22 races. He says Kinjite was the best horse he rode by a country mile. Alan looks back on several feature wins on Kinjite and the thrill of riding him in some famous Melbourne features. He remembers the disappointment of losing the ride to champion jockey Mick Dittman.Alan talks of sons Jarrod and Dylan. He remembers the torturous eight year wait for legal proceedings to be sorted out following his accident. It’s an entertaining chat with an inspirational human being.

Many young people born into racing families develop an affinity with horses from a very early age. Not the case with Craig Widdison. Despite the fact that his father Col had ridden and trained successfully, young Craig didn’t want to know about the sleek thoroughbreds that had dominated his early years. His original goal was to become a physical education teacher. He later became involved in roller hockey and immediately showed potential. He had enough ability to play for Australia in the junior ranks, and looked a certainty to represent his country as a senior until fate intervened. A nagging knee problem brought an end to his hockey dreams, and that’s when the racing bug finally took hold. Craig takes us through his twenty five years in racing. He  talks about the highs, and one devastating low for which he blames nobody but himself. The Wodonga trainer begins by talking about a trip to Randwick on Melbourne Cup day when The Prodigal Son ‘s chances were thwarted by a H8 track.  Craig revisits a win by the same horse on Melbourne Cup day last year.  The trainer talks about his Wodonga base and easy access to southern NSW meetings. Craig talks about father Col’s days as a jockey and trainer, and subsequent involvement in the horse transport business. He admits to having zero interest in racehorses early days, and looks back on his ambition to become a PE teacher. Craig looks back on his fascination with roller hockey and his selection for the Australian junior representative side.

It's always a pleasure to welcome a bush trainer to the podcast. Our guest this week is Stephen Lee who chips away diligently from his Ballina base season after season with consistent results. He’s currently ably assisted by son Jordan with whom he’ll soon form an official partnership. Lee has posted 850 winners since his  solo career began in 1986, and has two NRRA training premierships on his CV.  Stephen rotates his horses between a dual barn complex on Ballina racecourse, and a nearby 60 acre property which gives him access to a pristine stretch of  beach. Whenever one of the team warrants an opportunity in a metropolitan environment, he heads to Eagle Farm or Doomben just two hours away. He rarely tackles the arduous road trip to Sydney although he did venture to Randwick on November 1st with smart sprinter The Astronomer. This podcast was recorded twenty four hours before The Astronomer raced. Stephen talks of the easy access to Brisbane tracks as opposed to the marathon trip to Sydney. He acknowledges son Jordan’s entry into the NSW training ranks and says he’s looking forward to their proposed partnership. Stephen talks about the luxury of being able to give horses a complete change of environment at his beachside property. He says the new routine works wonders with highly strung horses. He talks about the large paddock set aside for retired racehorses or horses who’ve fallen on hard times. His partner Amanda would have even more if space allowed. The trainer talks about his two NRRA premierships. In winning the first one he unseated long time incumbent John Shelton. Stephen looks back on his early education under the tutelage of his late father Bruce. He says Bruce was a capable racehorse trainer but was best known as an all rounder constantly called upon to sort out other people’s troublesome horses. He talks of his father’s early association with iconic trainer Maurice McCarten. The Ballina horseman pays tribute to his elderly Mum. Stephen says his early aspirations to become a jockey were quickly negated by increasing weight. He talks of a brief flirtation with the harness racing sport. Stephen has vivid recollections of his first training win on the defunct White ParK track at Scone. He talks of a brief training stint at Coffs Harbour and a subsequent move to Ballina, a move he hasn’t regretted. Stephen pays tribute to daughter Maddison who was his valued trackwork rider for a number of years. Maddison put a lot of time into Anton En Avant, a prolific winner for the Lee stable. As a yearling Anton En Avant appeared unlikely to ever make it to the races.  He talks about the gelding’s amazing race record which included a win in the Gr 3 Chairman’s Hcp  at Doomben.  Stephen talks of former jockey Cassandra Schmidt who won a string of races on Anton En Avant. The trainer pays tribute to several handy horses who’ve flown the flag for the Ballina stable over the years - Zoukina, Lasting Kiss, Minassi, Felix Trinidad, Song Time, Bavosa, and Espiritu. Stephen tells us more about his current apprentice Siabh Wrigley who still has a number of trial rides to complete before gaining her licence to ride in races. The signs are promising. It’s a laid back chat with a top country horseman.

Jessica Owers was well established as a feature writer for several respected racing publications before being invited to tackle her first book in 2011. She knew the project would be a long and arduous one. She didn’t expect it to take all of six years. Her much admired “Peter Pan- The True Story Of Phar Lap’s Successor” was not only widely acclaimed but gave its author the incentive to follow up with a similar tribute to another iconic Australian racehorse. Just two years later she brought readers the fascinating story of 1940’s champion Shannon.  It’s taken Jessica twelve years to turn out her third book, and this one is on an entirely different theme. Encouraged by friends at the famous Magic Millions Sales organisation, the talented writer recently completed Magic Millions, The Rise, Fall and Extraordinary Rise Of An Iconic Australian Company. We welcome Jess to our podcast to tell us more about her new book and to share with us recollections of her fascinating journey in journalism thus far. The gifted writer says she was encouraged to tackle the Magic Millions story by a handful of longtime company stalwarts. She explains that most of the people involved in the Magic Millions story are still living, which greatly enhanced her research. The central characters in the Peter Pan and Shannon stories had long passed on. Jessica talks about the impression she gained during research about the late Carl Waugh, the man who first created the Magic Millions concept. She says few realised how close the fledgling company came to receivership in the 1990’s. The author talks of a meeting she had with a Gold Coast developer who owned the Magic Millions company for a couple of years before hitting his own financial crisis. Jess says she also had the pleasure of recording a voice over for the audio version of her new book. She talks of her Irish birthplace and a family relocation to Australia before her first birthday. The mother of two looks back on a return to Ireland at age 10 and a subsequent university degree attained in Scotland. Jess says she headed back to Australia with her new diploma in hand and has never considered leaving the harbour city. She steadfastly declares that her love of thoroughbreds  was triggered by the legend of Phar Lap. Jess looks back on the six year slog required to complete her first book, “Peter Pan- The Forgotten Story Of Phar Lap’s Successor.” She reflects on Peter Pan’s stellar racing career.Jessica explains why she selected 1940’s champion Shannon as the subject of her second thoroughbred biography. She gives a brief outline of Shannon’s distinguished Australian racing career and the “one-off” Inglis sale convened to sell the great horse following the death of his owner and trainer Peter Riddle. The author also looks back on the stallion’s subsequent sale to the US where he won several races before standing at Kentucky’s famous Spendthrift Farm. Jess talks about her freelance roles with several racing platforms including her current contribution to “The Straight”- a recently introduced, subscription based digital publication founded and edited by respected journalist Bren O’Brien. She talks about her Racing Writer Of the Year  nomination at the . 2023 Kennedy Awards. She didn’t win but was deeply touched by the honour. Jess talks about her own love of horse riding and pays a special tribute to Moxie’s Halo- the former racehorse who became her best equine friend. Moxie died much too soon. She talks of the trauma experienced by the whole family when her sister Sonya was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2009. Her admiration for Sonya’s courage is boundless. Jessica speaks with great affection of the two shining lights in her life- son Julien and daughter Charlotte.

Mitchell Bell is one of several Sydney based jockeys who regularly ply their trade on outside tracks. His manager Shaun Flaherty makes a point of committing Mitch to race meetings no further than three hours from his Windsor home. The hard working jockey is a regular at places like Scone, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Goulburn, Bathurst, Orange and Mudgee. Mitchell’s unwavering reliability has seen him build a strong support base among a wide range of trainers. The jockey says he’s learned to handle the tedium of constant travel. Mitchell talks about the two hip replacement surgeries he’s been forced to undergo in recent years.  He says he never knew his grandfather Billy Bell who was a successful Sydney jockey in the 60’s and 70’s. Mitchell pays tribute to his father Steve who had a jockey’s build but opted to pursue a career as a professional boxer- a career that led him to an Australian flyweight crown. Mitchell says his riding plans could have been thwarted when he was involved in a freak gymnasium accident at age 13. He looks back on his amazing recovery from serious hand injuries and early riding education at an Ingleburn riding school. The 40 year old talks about his apprenticeship to Tamworth trainer Mark Mason and an inauspicious first ride at Quirindi. He pays tribute to a former leading country jockey who became his tutor in Tamworth track gallops. Mitch hasn’t forgotten the thrill of landing his first winner. He remembers the most minor detail about his initial metropolitan win on the historic stretches of Royal Randwick. The jockey acknowledges the first notable horse he got to ride after returning to Sydney as a fully fledged rider. Mitch plays tribute to the talented Artlee who gave him success in the Wild Card and Final of the 2015 Country Championship.  He says Artlee was also the centrepiece of one of his biggest racing disappointments. Bell talks of a successful association with the Waller stable on outside tracks. He recalls a Newcastle win on Youngstar immediately before the filly went to Brisbane to win two important races. He rates another Waller trained horse as one of the best he’s ridden. Mitch looks back on a black type Hawkesbury win on Cellarman. He talks about the strong association he’s forged with Peter Snowden and a recent Newcastle treble for the stable. Mitchell speaks fondly of a strong association with legendary horseman Ron Quinton. He acknowledges the support of several other prominent stables. Mitch says he was greatly influenced by two special role models in the early part of his career. He doesn’t take for granted the luxury he enjoys in being able to maintain a weight of 53kgs. The much travelled jockey says he’s sometimes tempted by offers to ride in the city but is reluctant to inconvenience established country and provincial supporters. The 40 year old speaks fondly of wife Hollie and children Harper, Billy and Tayla. This is a nice chat with an ever reliable jockey who prefers to ‘hit the highway” in his quest for winners.

Although there wasn’t a trace of racing in Clare Lindop’s family background, the little girl from Warrnambool was hellbent on becoming a jockey from age 10. Her parents finally relented and  bought their youngest daughter a pony called Annie- the pony destined to teach her young companion the rudiments of riding. Whenever either of her parents could find the time to drive her to the St. Mary’s Pony Farm at Wangoom, little Clare would spend every available minute putting Annie through her paces. From these unpretentious beginnings, Clare Lindop forged a career that would take her to racing’s biggest stage. She quit the saddle in 2018 with 1432 winners on her CV, including 4 Gr 1’s and another 50 stakes races. Now in a full time role with Racing South Australia, Clare takes time out to revisit her stellar career for our podcast regulars. She admits to the occasional nostalgic flutter when she watches Adelaide’s feature races each year. Clare says she went to great pains to play her retirement down in 2018. She didn’t want the fuss. She does admit that she gradually weaned herself off horses by riding trackwork for quite some time. Clare reaffirms that nobody in her family had the slightest connection to horses. Her parents were not overly impressed with her persistent pleas to invest in a pony, but finally relented.  The four time Gr 1 winning jockey looks back on her initial apprenticeship to Warrnambool trainer Frank Byrne. She recalls her first race ride at Warrnambool and her first winning ride at Dunkeld. Clare vividly recalls her first metropolitan win on Mondilibi at Moonee Valley. She talks about a transfer of her indentures to Jack Barling at Hamilton in 1997. The retired jockey looks back on her life changing relocation to Adelaide in 1999 and the beginning of a long time association with trainer Byron Cozamanis. Clare recalls the thrill of her first Adelaide metro win on Odysseus at Cheltenham. She remembers with affection her first metro win as a fully fledged jockey at the famous Victoria Park track. The horse was one of her all time favourites. Clare looks back on the occasion of her first Adelaide stakes win for great supporter Leon McDonald.   She looks back on an amazing sequence of wins- four timers at three consecutive race meetings. Clare remembers with great clarity the unforgettable experience of her first Melbourne Cup ride. The former top lightweight is proud of her three Adelaide jockeys premierships. She remembers her first Gr 1 win- an all the way victory in the 2006 Adelaide Cup.. Lindop takes us back to her second Melbourne Cup appearance in 2007. Not surprisingly Clare takes great pleasure in looking back on her association with outstanding 2YO filly Augusta Proud. She takes us back to her Magic Millions win in 2008. Now to the horse who took the talented rider to racing’s biggest stage with a Victoria Derby win at odds of $101. She takes us through the Rebel Raider story. Like most Adelaide based jockeys Clare wanted to win a Goodwood Hcp. Her turn came in 2011 when Robert Smerdon chased her services for Lone Rock in the famous sprint. She got the job done. Clare managed to fit in two separate trips to the UK in 2009 and again in 2011. She looks back on a great experience and the four winners she landed on some famous tracks. She talks of the multiple injuries sustained in a fall at Morphettville in 2014. Clare looks back on a business meeting with leading jockey manager Damian Wilton who is now her husband of seven years. This is a reminiscent chat with one of Australia’s most successful female jockeys.

Young trainer Cameron Crockett completely dominated the recent Dubbo Cup programme with three wins and one dead heat on the ten race programme- easily his best day since going solo as a trainer in 2011. To say he was born to be a trainer is probably a misnomer, because he showed little interest in horses until mid teens. Today he’s adamant that training racehorses is all he wants to do. Cameron begins our podcast by reviewing his red letter day at Dubbo. Ashley Morgan was the jockey to ride all of Cameron’s winners on the day. He pays tribute to the Welsh born horseman. The trainer is understandably chuffed with his current strike rate. He talks of his relocation from Mudgee to Scone in 2019. Cameron speaks glowingly of his current location at the former Clovelly Vet Centre in the heart of Scone. He looks back on early days when he learned the art of breaking-in from his father Max, a noted yearling educator.  Cameron looks back on his dad’s role as full time breaker at the famous Gooree Stud. Max’s assistant was another legendary horseman in Harry Meyer. Young Crockett looks back on a broken femur sustained when a yearling reared over and landed on top of him. By the time he was ready to return to work he’d lost the passion for the horse breaking business, and immediately changed direction. He acknowledges the horse to set him on the road as a trainer. Are You Sure was a quirky gelding who was shunned by other horsemen at the time. Cameron saw something in the horse and won 9 races with him. The trainer runs through a number of the horses who shaped his early training career with special mention of Ori On Fire.  Cameron recalls a rare word of praise from his father following a flurry of winners on western tracks. He’s never forgotten the moment. He looks back on his continued success in the TAB Highway series. Predictably Cam spends extra time in acknowledging the deeds of Commando Hunt, the horse he says is the best to come through his hands so far. The successful Scone trainer talks of his own particular slant on  the training business. Cameron talks of the five special kids shared by he and wife Elizabeth. His mother Cheryl also gets an honourable mention.  The trainer pays tribute to several jockeys who’ve contributed to his success in the training ranks. He makes special mention of Brooke Stower who’s currently absent from the riding ranks and working on a Queensland cattle station.

“I’ll just wake up one day and say to myself that’ll do me,” was the reply given by Greg Ryan when quizzed about a likely retirement date on a podcast posted on October 27th 2020.  He was then 54 years old and still riding in races. The winners were flowing and so were the opportunities from a wide range of prominent stables. That fateful day was to arrive just six weeks later. Greg was booked for six rides at a Mudgee meeting on Friday December 4th, including three for Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker. As he drove away from his Dubbo home for the 126km trip to Mudgee, not even wife Pauline knew this was to be her husband’s final day as a professional jockey. The punter’s favourite had to settle for a fourth and a third on his first two mounts, but was quietly chuffed when he came from well back to win a 1200m maiden on Without Shame for longtime supporter Sue Grills. His final three rides all finished out of a place, and still he hadn’t breathed a word to anybody about his impending retirement. The fact that he hadn’t taken a ride beyond the Mudgee meeting should have aroused suspicion. Perhaps people thought he’d been suspended or was simply taking a short break.  Inevitably it wasn’t long before participants and punters alike were all asking the same question- where the hell is Greg Ryan?” Greg Ryan had retired, that’s where the hell he was!- no bells and whistles, no fuss, no elaborate farewells. Despite self confessed withdrawal symptoms, the jockey with the second largest win tally in Australian racing history has stayed retired. He’s about 12 kilograms heavier than he was in riding days, but quietly chuffed that he still doesn’t carry an ounce of fat on that wiry frame- the direct result of an ongoing work schedule, and regular activity.  Greg had begun assisting son Isaac in his growing Dubbo tree services business, even before calling time on his riding career. He continues to work full time with Isaac and valued staff member Andrew Cook, although he’s currently threatening to scale back, as his 60th birthday approaches. I’ve had several emails in the last six months about Greg Ryan’s current whereabouts and lifestyle. I recall the earthy way in which he shared his story in that 2020 podcast, and I’d love to give it another run. If you missed it last time I know you’ll enjoy the reminiscences of a former automotive mechanic who rode 4,035 winners and 5,825 place getters in a career that was very late getting started. During the podcast Greg makes loving reference to grandmother Betsy who was still going strong at age 94.The remarkable veteran, a classic example of the stoic and hard working women of her generation, had turned 98 shortly before her recent passing. For Greg Ryan fans this is a comprehensive summary of the career of a legendary country jockey.

Plagued with chronic hoof issues in his early life, Carioca won only three of his first nine starts and spent long periods on the sidelines. As his foot problems slowly improved Carioca began his path to greatness. He won another 17 races including a Sydney Cup and an AJC Metropolitan. Many fascinating stories surrounded the great horse on his climb to the top. If you appreciate a champion from any generation you’ll enjoy the story of Carioca. At the peak of his powers he was one of  Australia’s favourite racehorses.

It’s always a pleasure to welcome a member of the country training ranks to the podcast. This week it’s Sally Taylor from the busy Coffs Harbour training hub, home to more than 100 horses. Sally’s training career began with a bang in 2016 when she won the time honoured Grafton Cup with former Victorian galloper Rednav. She bases her training technique on giving horses a change of environment as often as possible. The thirty two year old joins us on the podcast to look back on her journey from pony club to the show ring and later to a six months stint with dual Melbourne Cup winning trainer Sheila Laxon in Victoria. The decision to train in her own right was encouraged by Peter Wood, owner of the Coffs Harbour Telstra shop in which Sally was working a decade ago. The lifetime horse lover talks of the benefits of keeping her team numbers under control.  Sally acknowledges three recent wins by Mission To Win.  She speaks of regular trips to nearby Boambee Beach where her horses enjoy working on “nature’s racecourse.” Sally has been riding from an early age and still handles 10-12 horses in trackwork six days a week. She talks about two nearby properties where she’s able to give her horses frequent changes of routine. Sally talks of childhood days at Corindi Beach and early tuition from her father Brian, owner and part time trainer. The thirty two year old remembers her six months with successful trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon at Seymour. The talented trainer remembers her stint with expat Victorian Jim Jarvis who’d relocated to Coffs. She wonders how she ever found the time to complete an online course in vet nursing. Sally acknowledges the support of Peter Wood who encouraged her to train in her own right. She was working at the time in Peter’s Coffs Harbour Telstra shop.  She looks back on Peter’s acquisition of the unsound Rednav, formerly a member of the Greg Eurell team in Melbourne. Sally takes us through Rednav’s progression to the Grafton Cup and the thrill of winning one of country racing’s most coveted prizes. Almost as thrilling as the Grafton Cup win was Rednav’s success at Doomben sixteen days later, her first metropolitan win as a trainer. She pays tribute to another great favourite Zanardee’s Lane whose owner is a member of the Sally Taylor Racing team. Sally looks back on Coffs Harbour Cup day 2024 when her only two runners scored impressive wins. She acknowledges a few other horses who’ve helped to get her training career off the ground. Taylor talks of Brett Dodson, fellow Coffs Harbour trainer and her partner of seven years. Sally pays special tribute to the staff members who contribute to the smooth running of Sally Taylor Racing. She talks about the online nursing degree she’s currently undertaking.  It’s a laid back chat with a young horse devotee who’s made a rapid impact in the NSW country training ranks.

Ron Dufficy’s reputation as an astute judge of racehorses evolved very early in his apprenticeship to Bart Cummings. It wasn’t long before Randwick trainers like Tommy Smith were chasing the young jockey to ride some high profile horses in trackwork. “Duff” rode Kingston Town on a few occasions, and partnered Red Anchor in many gallops. When a nagging shoulder injury forced him out of the saddle in 1988, Ron was left unsure about his future career direction. It was Ray Warren who encouraged him to do a regular Saturday morning spot on 2KY, and the rest is history. Ron kicked off by tipping the Doncaster winner Lygon Arms at 40/1, and has been a favourite with punters ever since. The 63 year old took time out from his busy work schedule last week to join me on the podcast. He talks about a normal working week in the life of a racing form analyst. Ron looks back on the days when punters had nowhere near the amount of information they enjoy in the modern era. He summarises his radio commitments for the week and talks about the Sunday morning TV programme he co-hosts with good friends Greg Radley and Corey Brown. The former jockey pays tribute to his long time mentor Graham McNeice who passed away exactly twelve months ago. Ron looks at the newspaper facet of his media career..He talks about his early education at James Cook High School at Kogarah. Despite some encouraging work in the class room, he decided to quit school at age fourteen..Ron remembers his grandfather Ron and father Maurice who were both involved in off course betting, still rife in the 1960’s. He was taking phone bets for his father from age seven. He looks back on his first taste of stable life with Canterbury trainer Dennis Maynard. Ron reminisces about the early days of his apprenticeship to Bart Cummings. He’s never forgotten the thrill of his first winning ride at Nowra in 1979. Strangely enough memories of his first city win are slightly blurred. Ron remembers the disruption at Leilani Lodge when the Bart Cummings trained Lloyd Boy returned a positive swab after winning the Carlyon Cup in Melbourne. Cummings incurred a three months ban, and Mal Barnes was appointed as caretaker trainer. “Duff” talks about the transfer of his indentures to Barnes when Bart Cummings returned to training. He has nothing but praise for Barnes who was already a recognised tutor of apprentice jockeys. Ron remembers his best ever day as a professional jockey- a winning treble at Rosehill with two close seconds on the same programme. He remembers a Gr 1 ride in Perth on the Mal Barnes trained Tsar Royal. Ron looks back on a thrilling Black Opal win on the curiously named Beans for Mal Barnes and owner John Singleton. He and a fellow apprentice actually floated the filly to Canberra.  Overnight rain dimmed Ron’s confidence in the filly’s chances, and he advised “Singo” to reduce his bet. The advertising guru was delighted nevertheless, when Beans scored an easy win.  Ron looks back on the reputation he developed as an astute judge of trackwork and race form. The former jockey talks of a long association with Tommy Smith and pays tribute to two high profile horses he got to ride in trackwork. He remembers a stakes winner he rode for Smith in 1986. He was surprised when given the ride. Ron looks back on his stint as a jockey manager, and the shock decision by stewards to stand him down for what they perceived as a conflict of interest. Ron Dufficy is one of the great success stories in the Australian racing media. He shares that story with us on this week’s podcast.

I’ve all but lost count of the number of requests we’ve received for an interview with Kevin Moses. The most recent enquiry came from a regular podcast listener at a Sydney RSL Club. He was surprised to learn we’d spoken to the former jockey/trainer as far back as January 2020. At the time Kevin was training only one horse, and actually relinquished his licence a year later. The time is right to dust off that 2020 interview and give it another run on our regular podcast.  Kevin’s riding career brought 2300 winners including 22 Gr 1’s. He drifted into training initially to fill in time, but politely reeled off 364 wins including the Gr 1 Sydney Cup. Obviously one or two answers are now dated but in the main the interview could have been recorded yesterday. Kevin begins by recalling his entry into stable life. He says he was keen to continue riding trackwork after launching his training career. Kevin looks back on the shock positive swab that turned his training operation upside down in 2015.  He looks back on his very first training win with Comhere in 2002. He couldn’t believe it had happened on a metropolitan track. The horse had been sent to him by Gold Coast trainer Alan Bailey. Kevin says he learned many aspects of the training craft from Neville Begg with whom he spent his entire apprenticeship. He looks back on some of the horses to establish him among the Sydney training ranks. He makes special mention of No Wine No Song, the horse to provide him with a Gr 1 success.  Kevin acknowledges the assistance he received from son Shane who rode work most mornings alongside his father. He acknowledges the tremendous support of wife Jenny as a trackwork rider, stable foreperson and office administrator. Kevin speaks affectionately of daughter Tanya, son Darren and an increasing number of grandchildren. The top all round horseman makes the amazing confession that he was terrified of horses when he first joined the Begg stable. He looks back on two brief working stints before he became an apprentice jockey. Kevin talks about his experience as a boxer in a “paperweight” division. He says he took forever to get going in the Sydney riding ranks, and pays tribute to the two men who helped get him on his feet. Kevin has never forgotten his first city treble. The triple premiership winner remembers a Doncaster win on Authentic Heir for Tommy Smith in 1976. Moses didn’t know he was on Dark Eclipse in the 1980 Golden Slipper until the “eleventh hour”. In his heart he thought the filly had a great chance. The former jockey/trainer treasures the memory of his one and only ride on champion Emancipation. He was sent to Melbourne by Neville Begg to ride the grey mare in the Edward Manifold when Ron Quinton elected to ride Dalmacia in the Epsom. Both jockeys had reason to smile. Kev reflects on his great association with Lord Hybrow trained by expat Kiwi Neville McBurney. He was thrilled to win the 1994 Stradbroke Hcp on foolproof racehorse All Our Mob. Kevin remembers lightly framed mare Palace Revolt who had a curious record- 44 starts for just two wins. One of those wins was the Gr 1 Sydney Cup on a “bottomless” track. He devotes plenty of time to reminiscing about the remarkable horse Stylish Century.  He won a Victoria Derby and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the gallant little stallion as well as going very close in a W.S Cox Plate.  Moses reflects on his four memorable seasons in Ireland riding for highly respected trainer Ted Curtin. He shares a humorous story about a ride in the famous Ascot Gold Cup when he was offered tuition during the race by the legendary Willie Carson. He speaks openly about the infamous “Jockey Tapes Scandal” of 1996 when he was one of three jockeys to be given hefty disqualifications. Kevin looks back on the three consecutive Sydney jockey’s titles that brought him a total of 301 winners and one dead heat. He reveals the names of the three jockeys he admired most. One of them had an amazing talent unrelat

Jack Bruce quickly made his mark after joining the Queensland training ranks in 2022. The NZ born 35 year old didn’t even contemplate applying for a trainer’s licence until he felt good and ready for the task at hand. Despite being the holder of two notable University degrees, Jack made up his mind early in life that horse training was his ultimate goal. He had early experience at Windsor Park Stud before gaining selection for the Godolphin Flying Start programme. He worked under a succession of leading trainers in his early years- Mike De Kock, John O’Shea, Bjorn Baker, Chris Waller and Maher/Eustace all contributed to his education. He started with only seven horses at Deagon on Brisbane’s outskirts but quickly made a statement. Today he’s working over 60 horses from stables at Deagon and on the Sunny Coast. Jack joins us on the podcast to talk about his exciting journey from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch to the professional training scene in Brisbane. He talks about the benefits of his University studies in managing a big racing operation. Jack talks about the routine he follows in running a dual stable operation. The trainer acknowledges the contribution of partner Lauren who plays a significant role  behind the scenes. Jack takes us back to childhood days in Hamilton (NZ) where his parents owned a lifestyle farm. He talks of his father’s connection to harness horses. He explains that his University studies were completed over two phases. Jack talks of work experience at the famous Windsor Park Stud. He talks about some of the stallions who were in residence during his time on the property. He talks about the thrill of gaining entry to the Godolphin Flying Start initiative which provided two years of invaluable experience. His first assignment was in Dubai with a legendary trainer. During his stay in Dubai, Jack met a young South African jockey whose career had begun in England. Later he got the opportunity to go to Dubai as a resident work rider for De Kock. It wouldn’t be the last time he crossed paths with Jean Van Overmeire.  Jack looks back on his first posting back home- a rewarding stint with John O’Shea who’d just taken over as Godolphin’s head trainer. He looks back on a four year working stint as Racing Manager for Bjorn Baker at Warwick Farm. Jack reflects on an invaluable twelve months with the Chris Waller operation. He assisted Waller’s Racing Manager Charlie Duckworth.   Then came a massive step up when appointed Manager of Ciaron Maher’s 60 horse Warwick Farm barn. Jack was gobsmacked. When he felt fully prepared to launch his own brand, Jack settled on Queensland as the most suitable venue. He talks about his low key start at Deagon. The trainer talks about his reason for launching a second stable on the Sunny Coast. Jack gives a special mention to the horse who provided his first win as a solo trainer.  He talks of a resolve to source tried horses from other stables. One of the earliest acquisitions, a horse called Axe gave him a stakes win at Toowoomba. Jack acknowledges several other “second hand” horses who’ve helped get his career up and running. He talks of three very successful seasons since becoming a trainer in Queensland. Jack pays tribute to the jockeys who’ve helped him to 185 wins in just three years.

Mack Griffith has long been regarded as one of the most astute country based trainers in the state. He learned the trade from his late father John before taking out his own licence  on the occasion of his 18th  birthday. Mack joined an elite group when he won with his very first starter Acacia Ridge at Quirindi and has maintained an excellent strike rate ever since. He took a long break from racehorse training to manage Gooree Stud’s spelling and pre-training division at Mudgee, a role he filled for close to a decade. When Gooree ceased operations in 2020, Mack decided to stay in the district and is currently training a 15 horse team at the Mudgee racecourse. The 55 year old joins us on the podcast to look back on his life in racing. He begins by explaining the origins of his unusual christian name.  Mack talks of his 25 acre farm on the outskirts of Mudgee where his horses spend a lot of time. He talks of a recent trip to the Mackay Cup carnival with two members of his 15 horse team Aimpoint and Amicus Curiae. Neither won but both covered expenses with minor placings. Mack takes us right back to the early 70’s when his father landed a new job on a northern territory cattle station. It wasn’t long before John Griffith was training a handful of gallopers. Griffith Snr was thrilled to win the 1974 Darwin Cup with Chatelle.Just a few months after Chatelle’s win Darwin was devastated by the ravages of Cyclone Tracey. As the city got back on its feet, the Darwin Turf Club launched a huge drive to regenerate racing at Fannie Bay.  Trainers were encouraged to return to the top end, and John Griffith was one of the first to respond. Mack looks back on his time in Darwin. The trainer reflects on his dad’s later move to northern Queensland where he built a strong reputation as a trainer. Fast forward to the mid 1980’s and Mack looks back on a valuable six months with Brian Mayfield- Smith around the time he deposed Tommy Smith as Sydney’s premier trainer. He remembers his father’s passing in 1995, and the twenty horse team he and brother Luke inherited. Many of the stable clients opted to support the young horsemen. Mack hasn’t forgotten the thrill of winning with his very first runner at Quirindi. He had to endure the pressure of a protest. The trainer looks back on his first city win at Canterbury and the pressure of yet another protest. Griffith lights up as he talks about one of his all time favourites Dancing Sun. The genuine stallion won a string of country Cups and took his young trainer to Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day 1996. He acknowledges the consistency of family horse Mach ‘N’ Me.Outback Club gets an honourable mention from the trainer. Mach talks of prolific winner Binalong Road. He recalls a win in a Country Championship Qualifier at Bathurst with Hugh Bowman on board. The trainer looks back on a seven win streak with Pera Pera in the Gooree Stud colours.  Mach sings the praises of current star Compelling Truth, already the winner of $578,000. He has a high opinion of the horse. He remembers the fateful night when he met a charming American girl in a Scone pub. After a whirlwind romance the pair were married in Las Vegas. They are now the proud parents of two daughters and a son. Mack goes back to 2012 when he spotted an advertisement calling for expressions of interest in the role of spelling and pre-training manager at the famous Gooree Stud. He was destined to spend a decade in the job.  He tells the story of Gooree’s state of the art training track which once brought James Cummings to the property with twenty horses during a wet spell in Sydney. Mack says the magnificent Gooree property is currently unused as its fate is determined. He pays tribute to some of his favourite “go-to” jockeys. It’s a laid back chat with a highly respected bush trainer who’s crammed a lot into his fifty five years.

David McColm’s handling of media commitments after the 2024 Kosciuszko won him many friends. It was well documented that his talented horse Far Too Easy had endured several setbacks over the previous couple of years and public interest was high. All David wanted to do in post race interviews was deflect the credit to others. The enormity of the moment triggered unbridled emotion in the former apprentice jockey who’s now approaching forty years as a professional horse trainer. I’ve been looking forward to having David McColm on the podcast, and we’ve finally pinned him down for a chat. He says stable star Far Too Easy will return to the stable next month after the longest break of his career. David looks back on two uncharacteristically disappointing runs during the Brisbane carnival. The trainer takes us back to the 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale and the input of his teenage son Archie. David says the journey with Far Too Easy has been better for the presence of close friends in the ownership.  He says ongoing foot issues with Far Too Easy have tested his resolve. Dave looks back on the gelding’s first two wins with the late Chris Caserta in the saddle. Only eight months later the young jockey lost his life in a freak accident. He reflects on the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas when Craig Williams rode the horse for the first time. David recalls Far Too Easy’s impressive win in the Country Championship Qualifier at Grafton. He looks back on the horror of the 2022 flood which impacted Far Too Easy and ten other horses. Racing NSW assisted with the remainder of the gelding’s Country Championship preparation. The trainer remembers the Championship Final on a very heavy track with J. Mac in the saddle.  David looks back on the first of Far Too Easy’s three Kosciuszko attempts and the worrying skin rash that impeded his preparation. He reflects on the horse’s first clash with arch rival Front Page. McColm talks about another Kosciuszko in 2023. This time he had to settle for third as Front Page prevailed again. The trainer says he carefully planned Far Too Easy’s path to the next edition of the Kosciuszko. The horse raced only three times in between.  David was buoyed by Craig Williams’ decision to fly to the Gold Coast for a barrier trial eleven days before the big race. He reviews the race and the emotional aftermath. The experienced horseman takes us back to his days as an apprentice jockey with Reg Powell at Werris Creek and pays tribute to a later tutor at Ipswich. He hasn’t forgotten the thrill of his first win as a professional jockey. David acknowledges some special horses to help him along the way. He talks of son Archie’s official transition to stable apprentice, and gives a shout out to younger brother Max. Mrs. Judy McColm plays a huge part in the operation of the stable, and receives the recognition she deserves. He makes special mention of his older family from a previous marriage. Dave looks back on a serious illness that halted his career for a couple of years. He pays tribute to a handful of jockeys who’ve rendered great service over the years. The trainer talks of his recent relocation to the Gold Coast. This is a laid back chat with a bush horseman who was able to guide Far Too Easy through some turbulent times to win a $2 million dollar race at Royal Randwick.

Darryl McLellan’s recent retirement announcement caught a few racing mates by surprise. It was well known that the 54 year old was still enjoying his riding and happy to travel big mileage if the mounts were there. He aggravated an old shoulder problem in an accident at Port Macquarie last December which sidelined him for five months. After just 22 rides on the comeback trail he knew the troublesome shoulder was destined to bring the curtain down on his very successful career. “Digger” is still dealing with the frustration of having to stop before he was ready, but kindly consented to join us on the podcast. The veteran jockey says he’s having fresh scans currently to determine the long range future of a shoulder he injured initially in 2009. He takes us back to a Sunday meeting at Port Macquarie in late December when a fall from a “bucking bronco” aggravated a fifteen year old injury. Darryl reflects on his very first job as an apprentice spray painter. Workmates constantly encouraged him to consider a future as a jockey. He looks back on his time with top Muswellbrook trainer Pat Farrell who enjoyed a reputation as a master tutor of junior riders. Darryl says he hadn’t ridden a horse when his apprenticeship began, but was riding in barrier trials after four months. He remembers his first race ride at Quirindi and his first winning ride at Kembla Grange.   He acknowledges the first better than average horse he got to ride. McLellan looks back on the thrill of winning the 1992/93 Sydney apprentices premiership. He says his nickname “Digger” evolved during his spray painting apprenticeship and has never left him.  Darryl talks of the tremendous advantage he had over most jockeys by being able to ride at the limit weight. That ability brought him the ride on Magic Of Money in the 1995 Galaxy, his first Gr 1 success. He remembers his ride on the same horse in the Doomben $10,000. He thought he was on a winner approaching the hometurn. In the same year he was thrilled when Bart Cummings got him to ride a horse at a Saturday Newcastle meeting. How could he have known what Saintly was to achieve over the next 18 months. “Digger’s” ability to ride light got him on Iron Horse in a very strong Epsom of 1996. He ran third to a couple of talented horses. He looks back on an approach by John Hawkes seeking his services for Lease in the Doncaster. Take Sunline out and he wins the famous Gr 1 event. The veteran hasn’t forgotten his 2000 Newcastle Cup win on Silent Impact. He says he’s never seen a bigger crowd at the Broadmeadow Racecourse.“Digger” values the bragging rights he derived when he won the 2001 Warwick Stakes on Lonhro. It was his one and only ride on the great horse.  He looks back on his Chairman’s Hcp/Sydney Cup double on the Neville McBurney trained Henderson Bay. Darryl fondly remembers an association with the hugely talented Court Command. One of several wins was the 2006 Golden Rose before the race was elevated to Gr 1 status. He remembers the barrier trial fall at Newcastle which was the catalyst for his longtime shoulder issues. He resumed about 8 months later only to be involved in another fall on the same track, aggravating the old injury. “Digger” talks about a five year hiatus and the sudden urge to resurrect his riding career. He reflects on the five years since his return to the riding ranks. Opportunities haven’t been as plentiful, but he’s enjoyed every moment.

Queensland has long been regarded as a nursery for budding champion jockeys. Prime examples are George Moore and Neville Sellwood who both rode English Derby winners in addition to their stellar Australian careers. Dalby born Garnet Bougoure also left his mark in England with victories in a 1000 Guineas, St. Leger and Epsom Oaks. Graham Cook’s only overseas experience was a successful stint in Singapore where he notched a Gr 1 win. At home in Queensland he compiled a stellar record. We’re delighted to have his company on this week’s podcast, and I’m pleased to say the 82 year old has forgotten nothing. Graham takes us back to the day in 1993 when he realised it was game over.  He rekindles memories of his father Frank, a capable jockey whose career embraced two separate phases. Although only five years old at the time, Graham has vivid memories of Frank Cook’s Doomben Cup win on Forge in 1948. He watched the race from an unlikely vantage point. The former star jockey talks of his father’s premature passing. He remembers his hard working mother Margaret who died in 1993. Graham reflects on his apprenticeship to his uncle Bert Cook. He’s never forgotten the August day in 1959 when he made his race riding debut and earned the ire of his master. Graham remembers his first win on Countwood, a horse destined to play a pivotal role in his early career. He looks back on the three horse race he won on Countwood beating a couple of star jockeys. Graham acknowledges a handful of jockeys he greatly admired in his formative years. He remembers two important wins on the talented Maybe Lad. The veteran looks back on his second Queensland Guineas win on Lord Kearsey from the Jim Atkins stable. He pays tribute to the legendary Toowoomba trainer. He acknowledges another four wins in the Guineas making it a total of six- his best result in Queensland feature races.  Graham remembers a Gr 1 win on Zephyr Zip for another Brisbane training legend. Fittingly he pays tribute to the gallant Mode, the pony sized mare who gave him victory in two famous Queensland races. “Cookie” hasn’t forgotten his Gr 1 rampage during the 1974/75 Brisbane winter carnival- three elite level wins for champion trainer Jim Griffiths. He looks back on the Doomben $10,000/Stradbroke double with Spedito. The champion jockey relates the circumstances under which he was persuaded to fly to Sydney to ride Leonotis in the 1978 Epsom. His confidence was dimmed by a bad barrier but Leonotis was awesome on the day. He looks back on another Stradbroke success on Dancing Poet for Bill Calder who later gained prominence as the trainer of Chief de Beers. Graham takes us through his winning record in some of Brisbane’s most historic races.   He fondly remembers winning several races on the consistent galloper Ima Shadow for trainer Tom Dawson. Ima Shadow won an amazing total of 31 races. Graham looks back on his four Brisbane jockey’s premierships, and some special days when he dominated the programme. He remembers a lightning trip to Singapore to ride a top fancy in the Gold Cup. He won the feature and later returned for a three year stint. “Cookie” talks of the inevitable accidents during his thirty four year career.  He pays tribute to Janelle, his wife and best friend.  It was an absolute delight to catch up with one of the best riders of his generation. Many memories here for those who were around in “Cookie’s time.

Early in life Lindsay Hatch was totally focused on becoming a jockey and was able to make that happen, albeit for a very short time. Apprenticed to his father Geoff, young Lindsay lasted only 3 years before his weight got out of control but it’s fair to say he left his mark with more than 80 wins, including 30 in Brisbane and a Gold Coast apprentices premiership. He later learned the training craft from some of Australia’s most successful horsemen before settling into a full time solo career at Toowoomba- a career that has so far brought him two Toowoomba premierships. The Lindsay Hatch story makes for a very interesting podcast, and we’re delighted to present it this week. Lindsay begins by singing the praises of his talented mare Wanda Rox who scored a dashing win at EF on Sat July 19th. It was her fourth win at headquarters. Lindsay talks about his dual operation in Queensland with stables at Toowoomba and Townsville. He outlines the reason for the establishment of a northern base. He acknowledges the professionalism of his Townsville stable manager Martin Haley. Lindsay says the toughest part of the job is the endless travelling between coastal racing venues.  He talks of his 40 horse team at Toowoomba. Lindsay remembers childhood days at Blackall and a subsequent move to Ayr in sugar cane country. He looks back on his low key job with top trainer Bruce McLachlan in Brisbane. All he wanted to do was become a jockey.At this point his father Geoff made the important decision to apprentice his son. Lindsay looks back on a fleeting riding career before rapidly increasing weight brought an end to his dream. His three years in the saddle were not without rewards. He looks back on the freakish stroke of luck that would change his life. With the help of a friend, Lindsay became a trackwork rider for Tommy Smith who was a regular in Brisbane at carnival time. That association was destined to last for several years. He remembers one outstanding horse he got to ride in trackwork. Lindsay talks of a move back to Brisbane and a job with talented trainer Kelso Wood. He looks back on a trip to the famous Cairns Amateurs with a few mates. He intended to stay for a week, but was still there three years later. During that time his training career had a low key start. On returning to Brisbane Lindsay would meet the lady destined to become his wife and the mother of his two children. Tracey wasn’t from a racing background but quickly learned the ropes. Lindsay brings us up to date with the current activities of son Thomas and daughter Jade. The trainer looks back on a fateful decision he made in 2010. Unhappy with the Toowoomba Turf Club’s decision to install a synthetic track, he applied for a job with John Sadler in Melbourne. He landed that job and loved every  minute of the experience.  Lindsay takes us back to the second phase of his Victorian experience- a stint with Team Snowden during which time he worked with some classy horses. He recalls his return to Queensland and a whole new career experience courtesy of old friend Tony Gollan. The talented trainer acknowledges some of the horses who’ve helped shape his career. Lindsay recalls the thrill of his recent win in the Battle Of The Bush Final with Peshwa ridden by his former apprentice Angela Jones. He pays tribute to the young lady who’s on the brink of history as the current season draws to a close. He speaks highly of Angela’s partner Kyle Wilson-Taylor who spent part of his apprenticeship with the Hatch stable. Lindsay looks back on the two lowest points of his fifty year involvement in racing. He talks of the shock bowel cancer diagnosis he was handed by doctors in 2017, and the twelve months disqualification he incurred when one of his horses returned a swab positive to cobalt in 2024. The disqualification was eventually replaced by a hefty fine.  It’s a laid back chat with a true blue Queenslander who wouldn’t swap his lot in life for “quids”.

Racing Victoria has always placed enormous importance on the education and welfare of the state’s junior jockeys. No stone is left unturned in developing the talents of promising young riders, at the same time closely monitoring any potential mental health issues that may arise. The governing body chose carefully a few years ago in selecting Darren Gauci and Alf Matthews to head up their jockey coaching initiative. Alf brought the curtain down on his riding career as far back as 1999 and has spent the ensuing 26 years working in apprentice jockey tuition and mainstream racing media. Adelaide born Alf Matthews has crammed a heck of a lot into his 69 years, and his story makes for an absorbing podcast. Great to have him on board this week.  Alf begins by talking about the high number of female apprentices coming through the system. He agrees the girls will comprise a high percentage of Australia’s jockey ranks  in the years ahead.  He talks of the benefits of Racing Victoria’s “mechanical horse” in schooling budding riders. Alf takes us through a day at  the races  with young riders in his group. He takes us back to his final race ride in 1998 when Craig Williams on Prime Address robbed him of victory in the Eclipse Stakes. Alf looks back on his very happy apprenticeship with optician turned horse trainer John Riggs at Morphettville. He’s never forgotten his first day at the races in 1972. He thought he had only one ride but finished up with a couple. He met an English riding legend during the day. Jockeys who win their first race on a metropolitan track are few and far between. Alf was one of them. He looks back on an early association with Bart Cummings and the opportunity to ride a classy 3 year old for the maestro.  Alf still can’t believe his luck in winning his first Gr 1 at home in the Adelaide Cup of 1975. He only had to wait a couple of months for his second Gr 1, this time down the historic Flemington straight six.  Alf says he was chuffed to win the Blue Diamond Stakes for legendary trainer Colin Hayes. He looks back on a transfer of his indentures to Randwick trainer “Skeeter” Bentley in 1976.  Not long after Alf arrived in Sydney Bart Cummings came looking for him to ride one of his runners in the time honoured Epsom Hcp. It was a roughly run Epsom, but Alf missed the trouble to land outsider La Neige a narrow winner.  He looks back on his association with classy mare Maybe Mahal in the 1977/1978 season. At his second ride on the bonny mare Alf got her home in the Craven A Stakes, his second win in that high profile Derby day sprint. He has fond memories of the mare. Alf looks back on a memorable Adelaide carnival in 1986 when he landed the winners of both the Oaks and SA Derby. He looks back on another Oaks win on the grey filly Pindi.  The former jockey was elated to win the famous Oakleigh Plate on Khaptingly for his great supporter David Hall. Alf says he  brought his Gr 1 tally to an even 10 on Minegold in the Australasian Oaks for old friend Leon Macdonald. He pays tribute to one of his favourites Blue Boss. He won seven races on the old warhorse including four at stakes level. Alf looks back on three overseas stints. He was all set to spend a season in Hong Kong but an Adelaide fall saw his contract cancelled. He pays tribute to one Adelaide rider who had a marked impact on his early career. Alf reviews his long association with Racing Victoria. The former outstanding jockey looks back on his 15 years with the Skychannel organisation and several other TV and radio experiences. Alf pays tribute to daughters April and Krystal and the three grandsons the girls have brought into the world. He acknowledges the undying support of wife Kellie. I can still see young Alf Matthews charging along the fence on La Neige to snatch victory in the last stride of the 1976 Epsom. It was one of an amazing tally of 1603 career winners. Those Victorian apprentices are indeed fortunate to have a former rider of such gr

Many punters have noted the absence of Luke Currie from the Melbourne riding ranks in recent weeks. The popular jockey has simply taken advantage of the off-season period to attend to a nagging knee issue he’s been dealing with for quite some time. He’s making great progress and hopes to return to the saddle in just a few weeks. Luke Currie has had a presence among Victoria’s top bracket of riders for close to three decades posting more than 1500 winners with 13 Gr 1’s prominent on his CV. He’s been on our podcast shortlist for a long time and we’ve been able to make it happen during his current layoff. Luke begins by tendering a full report on his troublesome knee. He says the timing of his hiatus wasn’t ideal. He’d been riding winners everywhere. The jockey looks back on his Tasmanian upbringing and an early apprenticeship to his father Ricky. He looks back on a couple of winners in his home state. The system was such that any Tasmanian wins would have had an effect on his Victorian claim. He had to relocate as soon as possible.  Luke looks back on his time with trainer and former champion jockey Pat Hyland. He talks of a transfer to Robbie Griffiths in the latter stages of his apprenticeship, and the golden opportunity he was given by his new boss. The high profile jockey looks back on a six race association with champion mare Makybe Diva. Luke remembers his first Gr 1 success on hardy gelding Roman Arch in the famous Toorak Hcp. He pays tribute to mentor, confidant and friend the late Deane Lester. He reminisces about two C.F Orr victories on Suavito and Manuel. The jockey pays a heartfelt tribute to brilliant mare Sunlight  who provided him with ten wins including two Gr 1’s. He recalls her fighting effort to beat some star colts in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.  Luke marvels at the mind boggling money generated by Sunlight and her relatives in the sale ring. Currie will always have a soft spot for Hey Doc. He rode the sprinter-miler 27 times for 8 wins including 4 Gr 1’s. He reviews his two memorable Blue Diamond wins on Lyre and Artorius. Luke says he was thrilled to win the 2021 Newmarket for old friend Matthew Ellerton. He agrees his McKinnon Stakes win on Arcadia Queen was perhaps the easiest elite level win he’s ever been involved with. Luke looks back on his Hong Kong experience at the height of the covid pandemic. He won at his first race ride, but everything went “belly up” from there. He says there was one memorable development during his time in Hong Kong when invited to fly home to ride Mr. Brightside in the All Star Mile at Moonee Valley. The story had a happy ending. Luke pays tribute to his girls- wife Sophia and daughters Mia and Miley.  This is a laid back chat with a Melbourne jockey whose reputation for hard work and reliability precedes him wherever he goes.

A remarkable riding career came to an end at Doomben in July 2019 when Jeff Lloyd donned the silks for the final time. Imagine how many sets of colours this man had worn in a career embracing 41 years, 5500 winners, 94 Gr 1’s and countless stakes races. He was 50 years old when he arrived in Brisbane in  2012 but soon demonstrated the skills that had built his image as a world class jockey. Not even a 14 month absence recovering from the effects of a stroke could force his retirement until he was good and ready. The continued success of his sons Zac and Jaden has  triggered several requests for a podcast. We’ve been into the archives and regenerated an interview recorded with Jeff Lloyd almost 6 years ago. Let’s give it another gallop. He began by looking back on cherished memories from his final day at Doomben. The former ace jockey reflects on his English origins. He says there was no actual racing background in his family other than his father’s love of a punt. Jeff recalls watching racing on television at every opportunity and the hero worship he developed of legendary jockey Lester Piggott. He says Piggott had more impact on his life than any other jockey.He recalls riding with Piggott many years later in South African Invitational events. Jeff outlines the reason for his family’s move from Great Britain to South Africa. He’s never forgotten his enrolment with the famous South African Jockey’s Academy where strident discipline applied.  Lloyd recalls his initial apprenticeship to respected trainer Brian  De Villiers who gave him unexpected support. Like most jockeys Jeff vividly recalls his first winning ride. The former champion jockey talks about the development of his trademark style. Jeff picked up a special nickname early in his career which sticks to this day- a nickname inspired by his English roots. He reviews the  countless highlights of his South African career. Jeff says he competed in South Africa against some of the world’s best jockeys.  Lloyd still regards a 7 time Gr 1 winner called Wolf Power as the best horse he’s ridden. The big grey was a specialist miler in  South Africa. He looks back on a stunning day at the Kenilworth track shortly before his relocation to Australia. His haul of wins included three of the country’s top Gr 1 races. Jeff talks of his participation in the famous 2000m race the J&B Met. He won it five times. He talks of several trips to other countries including Mauritius. He was lukewarm about a short term contract but finished up riding more winners there than any other jockey before or since. When his stellar South African career came to a close he was given  two unforgettable sendoffs. Jeff Lloyd farewells at Scottsville and Turffontein were emotional experiences. Jeff looks back on the worrying aspect of living in Durban in the early 2000’s. He and wife Nickola lived in a housing estate which offered round the clock security. He says dining out wasn’t a pleasant prospect. When Jeff decided to try his luck in Australia, brother-in-law and fellow jockey Glyn Schofield opted to do the same.  The former star jockey pays tribute to the horse who got him up and running in his adopted country.  He’s never forgotten a Randwick treble on New Year’s Day 2008. Jeff says he was well aware Sydney racing people were talking about his unorthodox style. He simply let the results do the talking. He recalls his surprise when he learned that the Aussie horses were not as “hyped up” as their South African counterparts. Lloyd was overwhelmed when a wide range of Sydney trainers started to seek his services. Even Jack Denham jumped on  the bandwagon. He looks back on  a career defining win on Kiwi 3YO Nom De Jeu In the 2008 Australian Derby.  Then came a contract to ride in Hong Kong. Initially it was to be a three month arrangement but things changed. Jeff was delighted to win the Gr 1 HK Mile on the remarkable Able One, an unsound nine year old at the time.  When the decision was made

It’s doubtful that Queensland has ever produced a more versatile racing all rounder than Rockhampton based Tony McMahon who was forced to reduce his workload significantly following a freak stable accident in 2022. After 50 frantically busy years working in multiple roles within the racing industry, the 72 year old walked away from several commitments including his favourite pursuit of horse training. His many supporters were delighted to hear that the veteran will continue in the role of resident race caller for several regional race clubs. This man’s story is ready made for a racing podcast and we’re delighted he agreed to join this one. Tony begins our chat by looking back on the simple accident that would leave him with a badly damaged shoulder. He has three race horses still in work with other trainers. Tony identifies five tracks where he’ll continue to work as resident commentator.        The veteran takes us back to early days when he’d hitch a ride from the Gold Coast to Brisbane most Saturdays to meet an uncle at the metropolitan race meeting. Tony remembers the days when he’d practice race calling onto a tape recorder and get top caller Vince Curry to review his work. He recalls his disdain of the schoolroom and his first job with a Gold Coast bank.  He reflects on the night when he got a work colleague to listen to one of his phantom race calls. The exercise indirectly guided him towards a race calling career.   Tony hasn’t forgotten his audition call for the Lismore Turf Club whose course commentator was nearing retirement. He landed the job at just 17 years of age. He immediately quit his job at the ES&A Bank despite the misgivings of his parents.  He recalls jumping at an opportunity to call some harness racing for Brisbane radio.   Tony looks back on a surprise opportunity in the early 1970’s to act as race caller and handicapper for the Gold Coast Turf Club. A short time into the dual role he developed blood clots on his vocal chords. He was devastated to learn that his race calling days were over, at least in the short term. He was thrilled when another door opened almost immediately- the dual role of assistant handicapper and cadet steward with the NRRA. Tony talks of his next adventure. This time he landed the job of handicapper for the Newcastle Racing and Registration Board. He became the youngest handicapper to be appointed in NSW. He looks back on subsequent roles with the Wyong Race Club and the Newcastle Herald. It was around this time his voice returned and he was soon back behind the binoculars. He remembers another change of direction in 1978 when the NRRA appointed him chief steward for race meetings in their northern sector. This made him the youngest chairman of stewards ever appointed in northern NSW and possibly the nation. Finally Tony’s long time desire to train in his own right got the better of him. He acquired stables on the Gold Coast and kicked off with some ‘hand-me-down’ horses from Newcastle trainer Jim Johnstone. He joined an  elite group of trainers to score with his very first starter. Tony pays tribute to the horses who launched his career and helped him to establish a reputation as a serious horse trainer. He makes special mention of Konedobu, the frustrating horse who provided his first Brisbane city win and became his one and only Sydney runner.  The versatile racing identity pays a special tribute to former ace jockey Tony Erhart. He looks back on a decision to set up shop as a trainer in faraway Rockhampton. It also brought him closer to his future wife Jean who’s been a tower of strength in subsequent years.  Once again a new door opened for Tony not long after arriving in Rocky. He walked straight into the roles of Callaghan Park race caller and racing writer for the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin. He held both jobs for many years.  He expresses gratitude for two journalistic awards to come his way. Trainer McMahon pays tribute to three special horses who kep

Our regular podcast has catered principally for racing fans since its introduction seven years ago. This week we break the mould by presenting an interview with Royce Simmons OAM who reached dizzy heights in his footballing career as both player and coach. From the time of his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2022, Royce hasn’t left a stone unturned in keeping himself fit enough to pursue every avenue in raising money for dementia research. His results have been inspiring. The celebrated hooker played in 238 games for Penrith between 1980-1991, ten  for the NSW Blues and another ten in the green and gold of Australia. Every time I run into Royce at a sporting function I’m reminded of the fact that he should be a guest on our podcast. I issued an invitation at a recent Panthers charity luncheon and he graciously accepted.  Royce talks about his current state of health and the success of the “Royce’s Big Walk” initiative which has raised thousands of dollars for dementia research. He talks about his recent hosting role at a Saturday afternoon Panthers initiative called “Royce’s Race Day”. Members and guests got to enjoy the best in food and drinks, good fellowship and the opportunity to chat with one of Penrith’s favourite sons.  Royce talks of his love of a dabble but doesn’t rate himself as a successful punter. The Penrith Hall Of Famer talks of early life in the Lachlan Valley township of Canowindra where he developed a liking for the Rugby Union code. Royce talks of his hard working parents and his siblings - two sisters and one brother. He reflects on a move to nearby Gooloogong when his father George purchased the local butcher shop. He brings up the subject of Cocky Raider, a champion pacer of the late 60’s and early 70’s who was trained in the town by Jack McWilliam. Royce was just ten or eleven years of age but hasn’t forgotten the impact Cocky Raider had on the 500 residents of Gooloogong.  Royce looks back on his subsequent move to the big smoke and trial games for St George and South Sydney.  He hasn’t forgotten an unexpected approach from the Penrith Club generated by a recommendation from Parramatta star Barry Rushworth. To make it all come together Royce had to play two trial games in twenty four hours. Many have forgotten that Simmons played lock forward in his first year with Penrith.  The former champion hooker talks of the radical changes in the scrum feed. He looks back on his unforgettable debut for the NSW Blues in 1984.  Royce says he lost the job to Benny Elias in 1985, but returned the following year to get “Man Of The Match” in Game 1. His form in the 1986 State Of Origin series earned him a spot in the Kangaroo squad to play three tests against NZ. He was the first Penrith product to play for Australia. Later in 1986 Royce toured with the Kangaroo side in a six test series against Papua New Guinea, Great Britain and France. He didn’t get a break that year. Royce talks about his seven years as captain of the Penrith side, a role he took very seriously. He looks back on Penrith’s clash with a very strong Canberra side in the Winfield Cup Grand Final of 1990.  Perhaps Royce Simmons is best remembered for his two try contribution to Penrith’s first ever premiership win in 1991. It was his final appearance as a player, and one he’ll never forget. Royce takes us through the circumstances under which his “double” eventuated. The OAM inductee takes us through his coaching days which began with the St Mary’s first grade side but soon escalated to loftier heights. On returning to Australia Royce was invited to take over the role of Panthers coach from the departing Phil Gould. Royce looks back on seven happy years as assistant coach of the Wests Tigers under the leadership of Tim Sheens. The former Penrith legend was gobsmacked when an offer came for him to coach the famous St Helen’s Club in England. It didn’t work out quite as well as Royce had hoped. He pays tribute to his wonderful family - wife Liane, c

Donna was at Albury airport waiting to board a Melbourne bound flight when we tracked her down last Friday. She found herself a quiet corner and was happy to join us on the podcast. The experienced horsewoman was literally thrust into the training business when her husband Brett died suddenly in 2008. Before commencing her solo career Donna opted for a year with the huge Darley operation, and has never regretted the decision. Today she trains a 25 horse team from the Albury racecourse precinct, and maintains a very good strike rate. Donna talks about a good recent run of winners with special mention of the promising One Hard Lady. She takes us back to childhood days on the family farm where she was riding ponies from a tender age. Donna talks of her father Graham Hulm who schooled her in the art of horse breaking.  She recalls learning the finer points of thoroughbred management from respected local trainer Ron Stubbs. It was at the Stubbs Albury stable where Donna met her future husband Brett Scott. She talks of Brett’s achievements as a jockey in the southern districts and his transition into the training ranks. Donna and Brett became the proud parents of Brett Jnr and Danielle. She pays tribute to the kids and talks of the four grandchildren who’ve come along in recent years. She looks back on the trauma created by Brett’s passing and the small team of horses she inherited.  Donna will never forget the magical first win just two months after her husband’s passing. Before getting too serious about a solo training career she opted for a stint with a major Sydney stable. She landed a job with the huge Darley operation and Danielle went with her.  Donna talks of Danielle’s brief stint as a jockey. She speaks highly of Danielle’s partner Blaike McDougall, a jockey of great talent and a NSW premiership winner in 2020/2021. Donna acknowledges the support of longtime stable foreperson Madi Connell and apprentices Amy O’Driscoll and Robert Wilcox. The trainer makes special mention of Lord Von Costa, a family favourite who had a few trainers during his racing career. She got him very late but managed to win a stakes race at Flemington.  Donna had a lot of time for a mare called Bennelong Dancer who made her presence felt in two editions of the Country Championship. She pays a special tribute to one of her all time favourites Our Last Cash.   Donna was thrilled to win a race at Caulfield with Takissacod. She talks about another favourite Villasaurus - the horse to break her TAB Highway “duck”.  The trainer makes mention of Bautista, another of her Country Championship Final runners. Donna talks about an early phobia she had regarding Sydney tracks. She talks of the family farm Hazel Park named after a very special grandmother. Donna talks of the trusty stable truck that gives her total independence in getting horses to the races.

Anthony Cavallo’s year long absence from the western districts riding ranks continues to arouse the curiosity of his many friends and TAB followers. A veteran of almost forty years in the saddle, Cavallo sustained multiple injuries in what appeared to be a simple fall at Wellington. Two fractured vertebrae in the upper back required a spinal fusion and the insertion of a metal plate. That plate is to be removed at the end of June, after which the veteran will determine the course of his future. Enquiries have been numerous about a likely return to the saddle for one of country racing’s most respected jockeys. “Choco” joins the podcast with his own version of events. He expresses his gratitude for the many messages of encouragement he’s received. Anthony says he’d love to keep riding but intends to accept the judge’s decision. He looks back on the Wellington fall and says he had absolutely no warning. The jockey summarises an endless list of injuries. He reflects on many race falls but says none of his injuries have been below the waist. Cavallo looks back on one other nasty spill on the very same racetrack. He looks back on the way in which his apprenticeship was arranged by his father and an uncle. He pays tribute to his master Ray Guy. Anthony speaks freely about the nickname he was given by a co-worker soon after he joined the guy stable. He still gets that nickname from the majority of racing people. Like most jockeys he has vivid recollections of his first winning ride 39 years ago. He looks back on his one and only ride on multiple Gr 1 winner Potrero, the horse he rates the best he’s ridden in a race. Tony hasn’t forgotten a stakes win at Randwick on a 140/1 pop called Reign of Honour. He got to ride the same filly in a Gr 1 two weeks later. He looks back on the day at Warwick Farm when he won a Gr 3 race under the most unusual of circumstances. Cavallo looks back on a feature country win which came out of the blue when Glen Boss had to forfeit the ride. The veteran spent almost 8 years out of Australia  during his long riding career. He reflects on stints in Singapore/Malaysia, Macau and Abu Dabi. He goes back to 2016 when he was still riding a power of trackwork at Randwick, but spending Saturdays at country meetings. Finally it made good sense to base himself in the central west. The jockey talks about his first country retreat at Cudgegong Waters near Mudgee. He loved the lifestyle. He continued his usual practice of riding regular trackwork. He formed a successful partnership with dubbo horseman Kody Nestor. Tony says he also got to Orange trackwork once a week for trainers like Alison Smith, Peter Cornish and Cindy Monaghan. He also rode work for Bob Howe on an abandoned picnic racecourse. He talks of his recent move into Mudgee township where he lives with partner Amanda. Anthony rarely rides in the city these days but has been able to win four editions of the TAB Highway. He looks back on those four wins. With his all important medical assessment due in a month, he’s already contemplating the possibility of having to quit the saddle. He says he’d love to have some contact with horses going forward. It’s a laid back chat with the little fellow of Italian descent who was besotted with thoroughbreds from the moment he walked into Ray Guy’s Rosehill stables.

The way James McDonald is reeling off Gr 1 wins it seems certain he’ll need only two more full seasons to seriously threaten Damien Oliver’s record of 129 Australian wins at the elite level. Until that happens we can continue to appreciate the distinguished record “Ollie” left behind when he retired from race riding seventeen months ago. Those 129 Gr 1’s were the highlights of a magnificent career tally of 3189. Throw in 14 Scobie Breasley medals, 10 Melbourne jockey’s premierships and an induction into the Racing Australia Hall of Fame at age 36, and you’ve got one hell of a record. Damien’s Melbourne Cup win on Media Puzzle in 2002 came just days after the death of his jockey brother Jason who’d suffered multiple injuries in a Perth barrier trial fall. The story of the tragedy behind Media Puzzle’s win made news around the world and remains a part of Australian racing folklore. A podcast seemed the best way to identify and document the many facets of the fascinating life of one of our best ever jockeys. “Ollie” was happy to oblige and we caught him in reminiscent mood.  He begins by admitting he still gets an occasional withdrawal symptom when the big races roll around. Damien talks of his final day in the saddle- a four race international jockey’s series in Saudi Arabia. He looks back on his final Melbourne Cup carnival. Three wins over the week consolidated his all time record of 88 wins for the four day carnival. The former ace jockey looks back on his final day of riding in Australia. From seven rides at Perth’s Ascot track he won the last three races to the delight of 10,000 racegoers. It was an emotional day for the WA born horseman. He talks about the death of his father Ray in a Kalgoorlie race fall in 1975. He was just three years old. Damien reflects on his original apprenticeship to step father Lindsay Rudland, and the unforgettable thrill of his very first winning ride at Bunbury. He recalls the manner in which negotiations played out for his transfer to the Freedman stable in Melbourne. He says the experience was intimidating in the beginning. The multiple premiership winner reflects on the first of his 129 Gr 1 victories. He was just 18 years old at the time.  He agrees that Mannerism’s Caulfield Cup win in 1992 was the one to propel him onto the big stage. Damien is happy to admit his first Melbourne Cup appearance finished in a disaster. He’s still in disbelief that he was able to win 18 Gr 1’s before completing his apprenticeship. Damien reflects on the first of his three Melbourne Cup wins on Doriemus in 1995. He pays special tribute to the top class stayer. He was happy to revisit the incredible Media Puzzle story of 2002. The death of brother Jason following a freak accident in a Perth barrier trial and the reason for his decision to ride the Irish stayer in the Melbourne Cup. He remembers the race, the emotion, the aftermath and the release of a movie called The Cup nine years later. He recalls the circumstances leading up to his engagement for Fiorente in the 2013 Melbourne Cup. He’d never ridden the horse in a race but played a major part in the stallion’s preparation leading up to the big race. Damien talks of three second placings in the famous event. He reflects on some favourite moments from his Gr 1 journey beginning with his first Cox Plate success on Dane Ripper in 1997. Damien remembers his second Cox Plate win on the great West Aussie Northerly. He had to survive a double protest. The champion jockey has won some major races several times over. He looks back on multiple victories in races like the Victoria Oaks, the Victoria Derby, and the 1000 Guineas.  Damien talks of several great sprinters he got to ride with special mention of the powerful grey Schillaci. Oliver won 5 races on the brilliant Testa Rossa including 3 Gr 1’s. He reflects on one famous defeat at the hands of Redoute’s Choice in the 1999 Caulfield Guineas. Damien says the last elite horse he rode was the multiple Gr

Luke Marlow’s love affair with thoroughbreds can be traced to the days when he had photos of the champion mare Makybe Diva  prominently displayed on his bedroom walls. Around this time his parents were managing the Merlo Downs Stud at Minden about 63 kms west of Brisbane. Luke’s life changed forever a couple of years later when Jeff Marlow took out a trainer’s licence and quickly enlisted his son as principal trackwork rider.  By the time the teenager had ridden a few fast gallops and provided a guest call of a race at Yepoon in 2008, the die was cast. Just three years later the young Queenslander won the fourth edition of a Sky Racing Scholarship and was off and running in the career he’d dreamed about.  Now approaching his 32nd birthday, Luke Marlow is recognised as one of the most versatile performers in the Australian racing media. He joins us on the podcast to reflect on a whirlwind fourteen years since arriving in Sydney. He begins by confirming a very important recent development in his personal life.  Luke talks about the never-ending variety in his working life. He lives by the roster. He talks of the changing face of country racing in NSW where undreamed of prize money levels regularly attract the patronage of major Sydney stables. Official barrier trials are almost as frequent as TAB race meetings. Luke is frequently called upon to describe the trials for Sky Thoroughbred Central. He talks of his hosting role on the popular Saturday morning radio programme Racing HQ.  Luke’s talks of the change in his situation when Sky’s Number 2 caller Mitch Manners accepted a full time role with the Gold Coast Turf Club in 2023. He immediately became understudy to the station’s chief caller Darren Flindell. In this capacity he’s had the opportunity to call five editions of the Provincial Championship Final. The easy going Queenslander talks of early life in his home state with special mention of happy days at the Merlo Downs Thoroughbred Stud. He recalls his introduction to the task of riding trackwork for his father Jeff. Luke recounts the entertaining story of the day he was invited to call a race on the public address system at a Yepoon meeting in 2008. The winner was trained by his dad and owned by his grandmother. He still regards the occasion as one of the greatest thrills of his life. He pays tribute to Tony McMahon, the man who gave him the opportunity to call the race that helped shape his destiny. Luke takes us back to 2011 when he “made the cut” for the fourth Sky Young Race Caller’s Scholarship. He looks back on a week of auditions culminating in a nerve wracking race call at Wyong.  He was in disbelief when the judges voted in his favour. Seven years after settling into his new job, Marlow was stunned to receive a phone call from the Singapore Turf Club who’d been left short of a race caller when Tom Wood relocated to Hong Kong. Luke agonised over the decision he had to make. He looks back on an exciting two years in the famous city-state with special emphasis on his meeting with the lovely Kiwi jockey now destined to become his wife. Luke talks about the ravages of Covid 19 and the soul destroying lockdown endured by all Singaporians. He and Alysha made the decision to return to Sydney.  He pays tribute to Alysha’s work ethic and acknowledges her emergence as one of Sydney’s most in demand jockeys. Luke explains how he manages to control his emotions when calling races in which his fiancee is competing. He talks about the legendary NZ racing family from which Alysha descends. It’s a laid back chat with a young Queenslander whose career  path was never in doubt. All he needed was an ounce of luck to make the dream come true.

Golf has long been the most popular pastime of professional jockeys. Some have attained a very high level in the sport, others are happy to “puddle” around once or twice a week with a few mates. Highly respected southern districts jockey Richard Bensley has come up with a recreation far removed from conventional sports. Thanks to the influence of his late father Bryson, Richard is a master exponent of the ancient art of carriage driving. He frequently jumps into a sparkling old world buggy drawn by a high stepping Hackney and competes at the highest level. He’s also ridden more than 900 winners in a successful 25 year career mostly on southern district tracks. Richard Bensley is a podcast guest with a difference. He talks firstly about a promising mare he’s been riding just lately for Goulburn trainer Patrick Murphy. He acknowledges the talents of former jockey Pat Murphy. Richard talks about the equine skills of his late father Bryson, his father-in-law Rick Jones and late mother Joanne who was also a noted horsewoman.  The successful jockey talks about his Goulburn property and the large number of horse drawn vehicles tucked away in a shed. One of those vehicles is a century old hearse.  He talks about the never ending work involved in maintaining leather harness and brass fittings. Richard talks about the English bred Hackney, the horse most commonly used in carriage driving around the world. The breed is diminishing but the jockey does his bit to help save the species. He pays tribute to wife Melissa, son Mitchell and daughter Chelsea. Richard remembers the occasion when breeder Peter Stewart told Bryson that his son’s feet were too big for him to even consider becoming a jockey.  He recalls a chance conversation his father had with trainer Ken Callaughan who’d only just moved to the new Goulburn training complex. That conversation changed Richard’s life. The jockey hasn’t forgotten Callaughan’s all round horsemanship skills. He remembers his hometrack debut on a Callaughan runner in 2000, and the thrill of his first win at Cootamundra. Richard says it took him a long time to ride a city winner. He acknowledges his successful association with trainer Nick Olive for whom he rode more than one hundred winners. Richard looks back on some of the nice horses he got to ride for the Olive stable. The jockey looks back with delight on a Black Opal Stakes win for old friend trainer Gratz Vella. He takes us through his win on You’re Canny. Richard expresses his appreciation of the staunch support he had from the Vella stable. He looks back on a winning association with Loved Up, a talented mare from the Brett Cavanough yard.  Richard remembers a black type win on Loved Up in the Scone Guineas and the unlikely circumstances that brought him a second stakes win on the same day. The forty two year old speaks highly of The Monstar, another talented horse from the Brett Cavanough stable. He got to ride the sprinter in a couple of high quality races in Melbourne. Richard names a handful of outstanding country jockeys for whom he’s had high regard throughout his career. He looks back on a second placing in a Rosehill TAB Highway destined to be promoted by default. Richard confirms that retirement is not yet on the radar. That applies to race riding and carriage driving.

Brilliant apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald was shattered recently when a sudden bout of appendicitis interrupted her march towards a possible NSW jockey’s premiership win in just her second season of race riding. The twenty two year old daughter of former successful jockey Malcolm Fitzgerald, had ridden 123 winners in just twenty one months leading up to her recent setback. Only a handful of wins separated Mollie, Aaron Bullock and Jean Van Overmeire at the time of her diagnosis.  Her amazing win rate on northern rivers tracks attracted the attention of the Neasham/Alexander stable who invited her to join the team last October. After five weeks on the sidelines Mollie returned to trackwork duties on Thursday May 1st, and is champing at the bit to resume her premiership chase. She talks about her general malaise leading up to the discovery of appendicitis.  Mollie says she hasn’t given up on catching  Bullock and Van Overmeire but realises she now has a tough task. She talks of the fairy tale start to her riding career.  Mollie has only heard about her father’s riding days but is well aware of his talents and constant battle with weight. She’s grateful to have his guidance and wise counsel in the early stages of her career. The apprentice brings us up to date with the progress of her two siblings, sister Lacey and brother Cameron. Mollie talks of her early involvement with the Bellingen Pony Club. She looks back on a move to Camden Haven when her father was a jockey mentor for Racing NSW. Mollie remembers Malcolm’s switch of direction when Racing NSW developed a rehoming property on Oxley Island near Taree. While awaiting new ownership the former racehorses had to be exercised on a nearby beach. This was where young Fitzgerald was first bitten by the thoroughbred bug. She talks about her first job in a racing stable which she juggled with her schooling. Mollie looks back on a pleasing result in the Higher School Certificate. The young jockey says she put horses aside for a full year while gaining work experience in a local real estate business. Finally an apprenticeship opportunity came up with Taree trainer Tony Ball. Mollie jumped at the chance and the rest is history. She talks about the magical day at Bowraville when her first winner came along. Before the day was over, she’d won another race. Mollie says her dad became her regular chauffeur to many northern meetings. He was the perfect sounding board on the return journey to Taree. She’s adamant a couple of troublesome wisdom teeth prevented her winning fifty races in her first season. Mollie acknowledges the great support of Grafton trainer John Shelton who made her the regular rider of Cassia Lane. She won three straight on the genuine mare including the 2024 Inverell Cup. She won the feature sprint on the same day. She looks back on a special day at Inverell last year when she was one of five female jockeys to make a clean sweep of the programme. It was another all girls affair at Moree on Sept 1st last year. She was thrilled to win two races including the Moree Cup. Mollie talks about her day of days so far- four wins and a second from seven rides at an Armidale meeting. She relives the thrill of winning the Rising Stars Apprentices Series this season. Mollie talks about the offer from Anabel Neasham and the nice horses she’s already ridden for the stable. Highlight was a treble at Kembla in January. One of the winners has become her stable favourite. Great to catch up with an intelligent young lady who’s been the talk of racing in the last year or so. It was only a matter of time before she was approached by a Sydney stable. You won’t see her in town for a while yet, but she’s certain to be a favourite with provincial punters while her claim lasts.

For many decades the NSW Riverina has produced an endless list of outstanding trainers and jockeys. One of the latest recruits to hit the headlines on the big stage is young jockey Tyler Schiller who reeled off a couple of Gr 1 wins during the recent Championships. One man to leave his mark as a jockey and trainer is Dave Heywood who retired in 2020 after six decades in the racing industry. As a jockey he rode exclusively in the Riverina and Victoria. Surprisingly he never once got to ride on a Sydney track but he trained numerous winners in the harbour city. Dave Heywood earned the respect of all sections of the industry during 12 years in the saddle and another 48 years as a trainer. The rising 80 year old is in reminiscent mood as he joins us on the podcast. Dave says he’s blessed with good health. Right off the top he answers the commonly asked question about his relationship if any to ace jockey Nick Heywood. Dave says his primary sporting interests these days revolve around the dart board and the pool room. Few realise Dave was Victorian born. He explains how the family got to settle in the Riverina. The veteran horseman remembers riding trackwork at age 11 for legendary trainer Bert Honeychurch who became his master. Dave hasn’t forgotten his very first day as a professional jockey. He greeted the judge twice. He talks about the horses involved. He still remembers the thrill of riding a winner first up on the historic Flemington course. Dave looks back on the transfer of his indentures to top Melbourne trainer Brian Courtney. He realises how lucky he was to pick up a ride in the Melbourne Cup at just 15 years of age. He talks of the horse he rode for an iconic trainer and takes us through the running of the Centenary Melbourne Cup of 1960. One of the runners was Dave’s favourite horse. He looks back on his association with the man who took Phar Lap to America in 1932. Dave got to ride the talented Webster in an unsuitable race at Werribee. Although unplaced he still regards the horse as the best he ever rode in a race. He acknowledges several other talented horses he got to ride during his time in Melbourne. One of them was owned by a Hollywood movie legend. Dave was back in the Riverina in 1969. His weight was on the rise but he managed to ride for another few years with great success. He’s especially proud of a winning sequence over two days at Benalla. He explains that he was actually talked into applying for a trainer’s licence. Dave looks back on his “Indies trilogy”- Prince Of Indies, Pride Of Indies and King Of Indies, three talented horses who won more than 60 races between them. He pays tribute to his late brother-in-law Russ Milne who owned the Indies trio. He also loved a punt whenever his horses were racing. Dave is adamant the unsound Shadameneo was the best horse he trained. The former outstanding horseman pays tribute to the indestructible Green Ridge, veteran of 200 race starts. He looks back on prolific winners like Vain Alert, Hillston Exchange, Man Of Peace and Living On A Prayer. This is a long overdue chat with a great competitor and a gentleman of Riverina racing.

When Michael Beattie became Deputy Chairman of Stewards for the Hunter And North Western Racing Association in 1985 he wasn’t made welcome by all of his new colleagues. In fact one senior member of staff was clearly unhappy about the appointment of the bloke he called  “the brash young steward from Grafton”. Beattie’s lifelong tendency to call a spade a spade has earned him a reputation as a tough, hard operator- some have branded him a “bully”. Others have testified to his fairness and his insistence on listening to every shred of available evidence  Few have ever left a Beattie inquiry without knowing exactly where they stood. The sixty six year old has swapped stewarding for racing administration on a couple of occasions over more than fifty years in the industry. This is a podcast with a straight shooter who tells his life story with candour, humour and a touch of showmanship. Michael talks about his good fortune in landing back in his beloved hometown of Grafton as CEO of the Clarence River Jockey Club.  He talks of the dozen Grafton Cups he’s overseen since returning to the northern rivers. He’s a great admirer of the 2022 Cup winner Arapaho. Michael talks of early days in Grafton when his favourite entertainment was the Friday night ABC television coverage of the Harold Park trots. He couldn’t wait for Fridays to come. He revisits the 1971 Miracle Mile win by freakish Western Australian pacer Mount Eden. The performance made a lasting impression on the budding racing aficionado. He takes us back to the heady days when he’d climb a Jacaranda tree outside the Grafton racecourse to watch the horses come down the straight. Finally his father Les agreed to take him to the races as a paying customer. Michael’s a good storyteller and regales us with some entertaining yarns- like the one about his offer to a prominent trainer who always seemed to be short on helpers. He’s always been able to open doors. At just fourteen years of age in 1973, he put a proposal to the four race clubs who used the Grafton racecourse. We’re talking about 37 race meetings a year. Next thing young Beattie was writing all of the racebook form for those four clubs.  Michael tells the story of a winner on Ramornie day 1973 owned by a respected Doctor who wanted him to strap the horse no matter what. You’ll enjoy the rest of the story. He takes us through the rigorous procedure he had to follow in quest of a job with NSW Government Railways. It was worth the trouble. The former international steward looks back on his appointment as a cadet with the Northern Rivers Racing Association (NRRA), and an introduction to the tough task of handicapping. Michael’s desire to spread his wings saw him apply for an important new job in 1985. He was 26 when appointed Deputy Chairman of Stewards with the Hunter and North Western Racing Association. He remains grateful for the enormous experience he gained over fourteen years. His first stint as a racing administrator came in 1999 when he successfully applied for the CEO’s role with the Gosford Race Club. He gained invaluable experience over almost seven years. Michael reflects on a conversation with trainer Joe Janiak who’d indicated he might set rising sprint star Takeover Target for the 2004 Pacesetter Stakes. That conversation took a few twists and turns. Michael looks back on Gosford Committee meetings when he persuaded board members to consider purchasing more real estate around the racecourse. He remains gratified that there’s now sufficient space for Racing NSW to develop a huge training complex in the future. He reflects on the surprise phone call from former high profile steward John Schreck advising him of an upcoming position with the Macau jockey Club. Michael took the job but opted out of his contract less than a year later. The reason for his change of mind is perfectly understandable. It was back to Sydney and a new role as Chairman Of Stewards for Harness Racing NSW at precisely the time the

Racing has seen few more distinguished careers than the one enjoyed by Ron Quinton over six rewarding decades. His stellar riding career spanned almost thirty years. His successful training career is now in its thirty second year and counting. Ron’s an inductee of the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame and the recipient of a Medal Of The Order Of Australia, fitting acknowledgements of his contribution to Australian racing.  I’ve conducted interviews with Ron Quinton many times over sixty years and there was a comprehensive podcast in 2018, but several recent email requests for an updated version have got us on the job. It’s a pleasure to revisit the career of an iconic Australian horseman. His passion for the game is unwavering. His recall of horses, horsemen and events will take you on a nostalgic journey. Ron admits he’s a disciplined trainer who never takes his eye off the ball. The seventy seven year old acknowledges the support of long time client Ray Gall who’s rarely without a horse or two in the stable. Ron remembers the first yearling Ray gave him to train. That filly was Mamzelle Pedrille who remains the trainer’s all time favourite. Ron pays tribute to his first Gr 1 winner.  His magic moment came on the opening day of the famous Melbourne Cup carnival in the year 2000. He looks back on another unforgettable day at Flemington when he won the historic Victoria Oaks with Bulla Borghese- his second Gr 1 as a trainer. Ron has had a commanding presence in the history of the Coolmore Classic run at Rosehill during the Golden Slipper carnival. He won it twice as a jockey and four times as trainer. He looks back on his quartet of training wins beginning with classy mare Ofcourseican. He remembers Peeping, Daysee Doom and Dixie Blossoms who all won the high profile race. The veteran horseman looks back on his association with the respected owner Millie Fox. He was recommended for the job by Brian Mayfield-Smith who’d decided to explore the possibility of becoming a conservationist in South Africa. Ron looks back on the best of the 95 winners he trained in four years for the universally popular Mrs.Millie Fox. He pays tribute to the lengthy list of talented junior riders who spent all or part of their apprenticeships under his wing. Ron looks back on his twenty years as stable jockey for legendary trainer Neville Begg. He speaks of Begg’s affinity with fillies and mares. He goes back to childhood days at Mendooran in the Central West and early days in the saddle. Ron pays tribute to his master and mentor Theo Green. He looks back on a rewarding apprenticeship and the wonderful opportunities afforded him by leading stables.  Ron takes us on a nostalgic journey as he revisits his association with horses like Analie, Bletchingly, Emancipation, Dalmacia, Marscay, Sir Dapper, Rory’s Jester, Marauding, Kingston Town, and Baguette- a true galaxy of stars. The former great jockey was involved in twelve race falls during three decades in the saddle. When it comes to injury he regards himself as one of the lucky ones. From the outset of his riding career Ron harboured an ambition to ride overseas. He looks back on three memorable stints with champion Irish trainer John Oxx.  Ron talks of the devastating loss in 2017 of Margaret, his wife of 45 years. His horses helped him through a difficult time. He talks of children Shawn, Trent and Annabel and of his four grandchildren. Ron looks at his future direction.  This is a wonderful trip down memory lane with a giant of Australian racing.

There’s no busier jockey in northern NSW than Wauchope based Luke Rolls. The expat Kiwi drives huge mileage to honour commitments at northern rivers and tablelands tracks. Born and reared in Fielding on New Zealand’s North Island, Luke was initially apprenticed to Bruce Marsh at Foxton. He transferred to a Victorian stable in the early 2000’s and his subsequent journey has produced an impressive tally of more than 760 winners. Luke begins our chat by talking about his move to the NSW mid north coast with Cassie Schmidt, the lady destined to become his wife. He says hard work was the only way to go in the first few years. The jockey takes us through a normal day in his life. Few jockeys ride more trackwork than Luke Rolls. Luke says he has to keep an eye on the clock when he has commitments at a faraway meeting. The constant travelling is the toughest part of his job. He acknowledges the ongoing support of a special group of northern trainers. Luke takes us back to early days on the farm at Fielding NZ. Horse racing wasn’t on his radar. He admits he was more intent on becoming an All Black than a professional jockey. Luke looks back on his initial apprenticeship to top trainer Bruce Marsh. He’d never been on a horse. He looks back on his first race ride. He finished second but says the horse should have won. Luke hasn’t forgotten his first winning ride. It turned out to be his one and only NZ winner. He talks of a transfer to a Victorian stable when Bruce Marsh landed a contract to train in Singapore. The jockey remembers a happy 18 months with Terry O’Sullivan at Stawell and the handful of winners he rode on country tracks. Luke admits he suddenly lost interest in racing after the Victorian stint. He went to Sydney with mates and landed a job as a welder. He looks back on a return to NZ and a job with Affco Abbatoirs. That job generated an opportunity to work in rural Queensland which didn’t work out. Next step was another meatworks job on the Gold Coast. Finally the lure of the thoroughbred prompted him to give riding another crack. A newspaper advertisement led him to a job with a Gold Coast trainer. Luke was thrilled to win a race at Ballina soon after returning to race riding. He talks of a tremendous winning run on the Gold Coast which yielded a local apprentices premiership. Luke remembers a growing interest in his services from Brisbane stables. He’s never forgotten his first trip to the metropolitan winner’s circle. In fact it happened twice on the day. He talks of the jockey who became a formidable rival on the Gold Coast and of the day he rode the first four winners on the programme. Luke looks back on his only ride in a Gr 1 race. He was flown to Sydney by Queensland owners to handle a lightweight in The Galaxy of 2009. For one thrilling moment at the 200m he thought the race was in his keeping. He talks of an Eagle Farm win on a horse destined to win a Gr 1 down the track. Luke acknowledges the successful riding career of wife Cassie despite a torturous battle with weight. When she opted to relocate from the Gold Coast to her native Wauchope he elected to go with her. Cassie’s “dream job” came along soon after. He says nobody was surprised when Cassie decided on a training career. Her first win came not long after gaining her licence and Luke Rolls was the jockey. Luke talks of his marriage to Cassie and the successful trainer/jockey combination they’ve developed. It’s a nice chat with a Kiwi born jockey who preferred motor bikes to horses in his early days at Fielding.

We’re approaching the fifth anniversary of one of the most unique race days ever seen in Sydney. Drastic covid protocols saw only jockeys, trainers and a handful of stable staff in attendance to watch the running of the Derby, Doncaster, T.J Smith and Sires Produce Stakes on day 1 of The Championships.. The day belonged to that pizza eating, beer swilling, arrogant mare Nettoyer who came from near last to win the Doncaster for trainer Wendy Roche and jockey James Innes Jnr. Jimmy joins us on the podcast to reminisce about an experience he still describes as surreal. James talks about his recent move to Canberra and a whole new phase in his career. It’s not the first time he’s had a Canberra connection. He says the eerie emptiness of Randwick on Doncaster day 2020 didn’t detract from the thrill of winning his first Gr 1. James credits a well known Sydney trainer for getting him the ride on Nettoyer. He confirms the many stories that were doing the rounds about the mare’s vile temperament. The jockey says it took him forever to get her to the mile starting point. A friend who worked on the barriers saved the day. James takes us through the running of the 2020 Doncaster. He says the mare went from a bolter’s chance at the 800m to a realistic chance on top of the rise. He says he tried hard to control his emotions on returning to scale, but lost it completely. The jockey relates a humorous story about father James and mother Julie who watched the race at home. James Jnr pays a heartfelt tribute to his dad who rode many winners before his retirement in 2007. He talks about several trainers who contributed to his education along the way. James reflects on a serious fall at Bathurst which put him out for an extended period. He says it took a long time to get over the accident. He regards a stint with Keith Dryden during his apprenticeship as a life changer.   James looks back on a bout of depression during his time with the Godolphin operation. He was on the brink of quitting the saddle when he received a timely phone call from Gerald Ryan. He acknowledges the best horses he got to ride for the Ryan stable. One of them remains his all time favourite. The jockey has vivid memories of a stakes win for Waterhouse/Bott at Rosehill. He was pleasantly surprised. James talks affectionately of his young sons Carter and Asher who live in Victoria with their mother Aimee. He says Canberra is the perfect base for his regular day trips to country venues.  Innes says he’s not as light as he used to be, but lighter than many of his fellow jockeys. James acknowledges the talents of partner Teaghan Martin who’s had her share of injury in recent times. It’s an enjoyable chat with a personable young man who’s very good at what he does.

The famous Hoysted racing dynasty had its origins in Victoria early in the twentieth century and has produced generations of successful horse trainers. The most celebrated was Fred Hoysted who won 17 Melbourne premierships from his Mentone base. Like most of his predecessors 33 year old Matthew Hoysted began his journey in Wangaratta, before working under the wing of some top Melbourne horsemen. In 2014 he decided on a move to Queensland when a job came up with Tony Gollan after which he spent eight years in partnership with recently retired Steve O’Dea. Matt went solo just over a year ago, and is already making his presence felt in the Brisbane training ranks. He begins the podcast by talking about his on course stabling at Eagle Farm and the close proximity of his home. Matt talks about the success he enjoyed on Saturday March 15th- a quinella in the last race at Eagle Farm and a Gold Coast double which included a win with Hearts Are Better in the 3YO Jewel. He looks back on eighteen rewarding months with Tony Gollan whose star was rising rapidly. Matt says the offer he received from Steve O’Dea was too good to refuse. He spent four years as O’Dea’s assistant trainer before being promoted to training partner. He formed an association with Jamie Walter’s Proven Thoroughbreds during his time with Steve O’Dea and was delighted when Walter agreed to continue that support following O’Dea’s retirement. One of the best horses Hoysted got to co-train with O’Dea was Scallopini  who won 13 races and was placed 14 times. He acknowledges the talents of the genuine galloper. Matt says he and Steve O’Dea were usually on the same wavelength when it  came to planning the campaigns of horses in their care. He pays a fitting tribute to Uncommon James, the best horse he got to co-train with O’Dea. He looks back on the gelding’s Oakleigh Plate win in 2023 as an almost surreal experience.  Matt says he wasn’t surprised when Steve announced his retirement from the Brisbane training ranks. The young trainer looks back on early days with the O’Dea stable where he met the girl destined to become his wife and the mother of his two young daughters. He talks about Caitlin’s pride and joy Pickabee, a daughter of Jet Spur with whom she won five races. Coincidentally, Pickabee would become the dam of Uncommon James. Matt looks back on his formative years in Wangaratta and early tuition from his father Greg. He also spent some time with another training relative Roger Hoysted. He puts the spotlight on grandfather Ron (call me Mick) who trained a Gr 1 sprinter in the 1980’s. Another member of the clan to get a mention is Hal Hoysted winner of 25 premierships in north eastern Victoria. Matt relates the stories he’s heard from family members about Fred “Father” Hoysted, winner of 17 Melbourne premierships between 1933 and 1958.  He talks of the racing blood on the distaff side of his family. His mother Ronda is the daughter of John Hickmott and sister to Robert and Michael- all successful trainers.  Matt takes us back to the early years of his racing education and valuable time spent at Flemington and Macedon Lodge.  He talks of his association with some high profile horses during his time under the Lloyd Williams banner. He treasures the memory of five years with the late Michael Moroney at Flemington. Matt adds his personal tribute to the many already circulated for the great New Zealand born horseman. For punters listening to the podcast, Matt pointers a couple of promising horses currently in the stable. It’s a laid back chat with a young man who has the right pedigree and the right temperament to make it to the top in a very demanding profession.

When Rod Quinn won on Merlin Mustang at Rosehill in 2013 he had no idea it was fated to be his last ride in a race. When he and wife Alannah departed on a European holiday, Rod fully intended to resume riding on returning to Australia. Why that didn’t happen is a story in itself. Rod takes us through a stellar career that began at Nyngan in the far west of NSW destined to take him to the top of his profession. Rod begins by reminiscing about that final ride at Rosehill in 2013. He explains why he was known as R.M Quinn throughout his forty year career. Rod talks about his weight gain during the European holiday with wife Alannah. He’d had the problem many times before but on this occasion he couldn’t face the horrors of the sauna. He remembers the moment when he informed the family of his decision to call time on his riding career. The former outstanding jockey talks about the home sauna just outside the back door of his Chipping Norton home. He says most people expected him to gain weight rapidly after retirement. That’s not the way it turned out. Rod says he received a timely phone call from Maurice Logue on behalf of Racing NSW soon after his retirement. He takes us through a normal day at the races in his role as mentor of apprentices. He takes us back to early days at Nyngan in western NSW. He remembers grandfather Cy and father Kevin Quinn who had both been jockeys.  Rod talks about his master Ray Burton and fondly recalls his first winning ride way out west at Enngonia. He looks back on a difficult situation involving his father’s role as a stipendiary steward at western districts meetings. Rod was not allowed to ride at meetings where Kevin Quinn was the sole steward officiating. The 65 year old says the problem was solved when his master decided to move his team of horses to Warwick Farm. That move turned out to be a life changer for the talented apprentice. Rod looks back on the huge grey mare who launched his metropolitan career and his near miss in a Sydney apprentice’s premiership. The former jockey remembers his decision to concentrate on outside Saturday meetings. He soon earned the nickname ‘King of Kembla’. Rod still can’t believe he rode his first Gr 1 winner at just 48kgs. That luxury didn’t last long. He looks back on a twenty year association with Ingham’s Crown Lodge empire. He was never the number one stable jockey, but that suited the quiet man of Sydney racing. Rodney remembers three stakes wins on the quirky Viscount. He clearly remembers a freakish incident towards the finish of the 2001 Champagne Stakes that could have ended in disaster. He looks back on a quartet of wins on Align for trainer John Hawkes, and an agonisingly close second in a Golden Slipper. Rod says his George Ryder win on Lord Essex wasn’t a complete surprise, but his Mercedes Classic victory on Curata Storm was the least expected win of his career. He looks back on the thrill of winning 6 races on champion Lonhro and the disappointment of losing the ride after having been booked for a stakes race. Rod has fond memories of a BMW win on Grand Zulu for the late Gwenda Markwell. He humbly regards it as perhaps his best Gr 1 ride. He still marvels at the bizarre circumstances that led him to a winning ride in a Sydney Cup for the Waller stable. Rod looks back on his final Gr 1 win in 2011. He talks about a horse who would have risen to much greater heights had he not had an aversion to eating. Rod says the best thing about retirement is the fact that many niggling aches and pains have disappeared. He proudly summarises his new role as a grandfather of four.  It’s a lovely trip down memory lane with one of the best riders of his generation.

We’ve had a number of syndication company founders on the podcast over recent years, all sharing stories about their childhood passion for racing. James Moss is no different. His interest in the sport was  ignited by trips to the track with his father and grandfather. Further motivated by the deeds of champion mare Sunline, James was completely “hooked” by the time he reached early twenties. Family and friends were not surprised when he launched Tricolours Racing and Syndications in 2016. We talk to James about his subsequent journey. He responds  to a high compliment afforded him by one of the company’s trainers. He talks of a return to equities trading once the company was up and running. James talks of the family who’ve supported him every step of the way. The syndicator remembers his late father Jack whose love of the Roosters NRL team inspired the company name and racing colours. James remembers early days at the track and his fascination with the mighty Kiwi mare Sunline. He pays tribute to a  couple of his favourite jockeys from the era. James agrees the choice of his second favourite horse might raise an eyebrow or two. The forty six year old talks about his career in the field of equities trading. He acknowledges the input of his business partner Paul King and communications and administration assistant Maryanne Sayers. James remembers the purchase of his very first yearling, an Uncle Mo filly for $50,000 at the 2017 Karaka Sales. Trainer John Sargent was there with him. The Tricolours founder summarises the purchase and subsequent deeds of the company’s best performers to date. James says he doesn’t set out to buy fillies but agrees it probably looks that way.  He talks about recent winners Manuscript, The Novelist and The Playwright two geldings and one filly all sired by Written By. James elaborates on the potential of promising two year olds Autumn Blonde and Artistic Venture. He talks about his determination to buy at the right price. Syndication has become a very important component in the burgeoning Australian racing industry. Great to chat with one of its most professional operators.

Zac Lloyd’s day of days at Rosehill on February 22nd was soured by a five meeting suspension incurred on the third of his five winners on the programme. This remarkable quintet came just nine months after his previous best, a four win haul at Randwick. The Zac Lloyd story is well documented. He’s the son of former champion jockey Jeff Lloyd who today acts as his son’s manager and adviser. Zac’s career began modestly with a win at Dalby in 2020. Just over four years later the 21 year old is sitting on 385 winners, two apprentice’s titles and a couple of Gr 1’s. Young Zac begins by looking back on his bittersweet day at Rosehill recently. He talks of his first ever race ride on the exciting three year old Broadsiding. The young jockey fully realises he won’t be riding the colt on a regular basis. Zac talks of brother Jaden who rode a Gold Coast winner on the same day. He talks about a glut of suspensions he’s had since relocating to Sydney, and emphasises his resolve to keep out of trouble. He says he was just four years old when his dad Jeff Lloyd decided to try his luck in Australia. He was just beginning to realise that his father was a very famous jockey. Zac clearly remembers another move when his father landed a Hong Kong contract. The young jockey looks back on the family’s relocation back to Australia and the decision to settle on the Gold Coast. He’s delighted to have Jeff Lloyd as his official manager. His father watches every move he makes in races. Zac says he regularly communicates with his mother Nicola, herself a member of a successful South African racing family. He talks about his initial apprenticeship to the Edmonds stable on the Gold Coast. His father was still riding trackwork at the time. The twenty one year old won’t forget his first day at the races in November 2020. He got his first taste of the highs and lows of racing. Zac looks back on a brief transfer of his indentures to a Brisbane stable. He confirms that Darren Beadman played a role in his  apprenticeship to the Godolphin racing machine in Sydney. Zac talks about his first Sydney apprentice’s title and a ding dong battle with good mate Dylan Gibbons. He was grateful to win a second junior title, a feat achieved with no allowance. Zac highlights some of the best horses he’s ridden in the world famous royal blue silks of the Godolphin operation. The young jockey’s capability to ride at a featherweight earned him the Stradbroke ride on Stefi Magnetica last year. He looks back on the dream run that carried him to victory, and to his first Gr 1 success. Zac looks back on his first Sydney Gr 1- the Flight Stakes on star filly Lady Shenandoah.  He talks about his current trackwork routine. Zac talks of his close friendship with fellow jockey and first cousin Chad Schofield. He talks about the luxury provided by his ability to ride so light, and the contrast of styles between himself and father Jeff. Zac looks at future aspirations and his appreciation of being a part of the vibrant Australian racing industry.

Allan Kehoe has had some handy horses through his hands in twelve years as a professional trainer, but until recently a horse with that elusive X factor had never walked into his Wyong stables. Fate played a hand just over a year ago when a colt he was chasing at the Inglis Classic Sale was suddenly withdrawn by the vendor. That vendor knew of Allan’s interest and called him unexpectedly a few days later.  That phone call triggered a deal which saw the Wyong horseman actually take out a three year lease on the son of freshman sire Sandbar. That colt now bearing the curious name of Shaggy is unbeaten in three starts, culminating in a dashing defeat of some hot opposition at Randwick on Feb 15th. Shaggy has lifted the profile of his hard working trainer literally overnight. I joined the media scrum last week in getting Allan to join me on the podcast just 48 hours after the talented horseman had “ bitten the dust” in a nasty spill on his private training track. He explains how the tumble happened and describes the extent of his injuries. Allan says Shaggy spent a few quiet days after the Randwick win in a spacious paddock on his Gorokan property near Wyong. He takes us back to last year’s Inglis Classic Sale where he made a close inspection of the Sandbar colt, and expressed his interest to the vendor. Allan talks of the sire Sandbar who’s had a flying start to his stud career thanks to the emergence of a very talented two year old in his first crop. The trainer has opted to run Shaggy in the Skyline Stakes on March 1st which leaves a three week corridor into the Golden Slipper. Allan explains how the youngster was given his curious name. He looks back on two brilliant wins at Coffs Harbour and on the Sunny Coast, and says he was quietly confident going into the Pierro Plate. The versatile horseman explains the reason why Aaron Bullock had to be replaced last minute by Adam Hyeronimus. Allan describes the facilities at his disposal on a twenty five acre property a stone’s throw from Wyong racecourse where he also has 10 permanent boxes. He talks about his personal involvement in trackwork and explains that other Wyong trainers sometimes use his services. The 41 year old talks about the breaking-in and pre-training arm of his business.  He talks about his siblings and early life in Newcastle, Scone and Narromine. He looks back with gratitude on his first job and the opportunity to work with a great horseman. Allan says his four years with the late John Lundholm at Coonamble provided a great learning curve in his life. He looks back on time spent with other top horsemen in his formative years. Kehoe says his brief stint as a picnic jockey provided some of the happiest years of his racing life. Allan is proud to be a father of four. He and first wife Kelly are the parents of daughter Mikayla and son Beau who follow his progress as a trainer. He and partner Kim have a pigeon pair Mia and Jack. 14 year old Mia is displaying definite signs of considering a future as a jockey Allan looks back on the thrill of saddling up his first winner as a solo trainer in 2012, and pays tribute to some of the horses who’ve subsequently shaped his career. He mentions a couple who are currently in work.  Allan’s been around for a long time and his reputation in the industry is a sound one. Shaggy has propelled him into new found prominence on the eve of the autumn carnival.

We’ve had several emails lately enquiring about Jim Byrne’s future plans. He was missing in action for the latter half of 2024 and has been relatively quiet since returning to the saddle. We haven’t had Jim on the podcast for close to five years. The time is right to catch up with one of Queensland’s best ever jockeys. Jim begins by talking about Michael Cahill’s recent farewell meeting on the Gold Coast, but makes it clear he’s not yet ready to follow suit. He talks of his departure from the riding ranks in late 2023, a break he was badly needing. Jim says he was relatively injury free for the first half of his long riding career. He says most of his troubles began in 2019 when he was dislodged from a young horse after a track gallop.  He says he was unaware of the extent of the damage. It was two weeks later when he virtually lost the use of his right arm during a two year old race at Eagle Farm. Jim admits to being a very bad patient during long injury layoffs. The champion jockey recalls the wonderful trot he was enjoying in late 2019 when involved in a freakish fall after passing the post at Doomben. More surgery followed. He was barely back in the saddle when he came down with a golden staph infection in one elbow. He also needed minor surgery when one of the screws holding a knee plate suddenly slipped out of alignment. Jim finally got on a trouble free run and the winners were flowing again. He was lucky enough to form an association with the brilliant Rothfire. His five wins on the horse included the Gr 1 J.J Atkins. Around the same time Byrne teamed up with the brilliant Apache Chase. One of his six wins on the horse came in the Gr 1 Kingsford Smith Cup. The jockey was especially thrilled to win the feature race for longtime supporter Desleigh Forster. The veteran jockey talks of his apprenticeship to the highly respected Pat Duff whose recent passing saddened the Queensland racing industry. Jim hasn’t forgotten the name of his first winner at Beaudesert but the trainer’s name has slipped his memory. He talks of his first ever metropolitan win on the Noel Doyle trained White Hope. Jim has no doubt a win in the Gr 3 Lightning Hcp at Eagle Farm was the one to bring him under notice as an emerging talent. He delights in reflecting on his 13 rides on the Newcastle trained Adam, the first of them resulting in a narrow defeat in the Doomben $10,000. He looks back on his homestretch duel with Michael Pelling on Laurie’s Lottery. He even threw in a protest. The jockey pays tribute to Adam’s trainer Ray Brock. Jim then looks back on his first Gr 1 win- a thrilling Stradbroke victory on Adam. He remembers a Sydney Gr 2 win on the genuine stallion and several placings in elite company. Jim looks back on a brief association with brilliant grey filly Gold Edition. The daughter of Lion Hunter gave the jockey two wins at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week in 2006.  He looks back on a surprise “pick up” ride in 2008 which gave him an unexpected win in the time honoured Queensland Derby. Jim was often a “go-to” jockey for interstate trainers taking horses to the Brisbane winter carnival. He remembers with affection a brief but exciting partnership with Redzel which produced an all the way win in the Doomben $10,000. He talks of a Ramornie Hcp win at Grafton for the Snowden stable.  Jim has fond memories of a Gr 2 Hill Stakes win on Desert War for the Waterhouse stable. The ace rider reflects on his association with the dynamic sprinter General Nediym. He says the horse was probably past his best, but still very effective at the top level. Jim has been quietly planning his life after racing for several years. He and wife Rhamie are developing a very workable saddlery shop in the basement of their Brisbane home. Rhamie is emerging as a Group 1 seamstress. The veteran jockey pays a much deserved tribute to his wife of 30 years.  Jim brings us up to date with the  current progress of his four kids, Corey, Georgia, Madison a

Angela Jones has ridden another two winners since our podcast was recorded on Friday Feb 7th. She won the last at Doomben on Master Showman for Stuart Kendrick and scored on Wanganeen for Tony Gollan at Caloundra on Sunday. That makes it 65 in the state and 38 in town for the current season. Angela’s backstory makes for an interesting podcast. She grew up on a sprawling cattle farm 300 kms south west of Mackay where she and four sisters were schooled at home. She could ride a horse at age 3, but had no idea a racing industry existed, until she went to boarding school. Angela begins by confirming that she and partner Kyle Wilson-Taylor talk of little else but racing. She acknowledges how lucky she is to have no weight issues. Angela explains that she rode with no allowance towards the end of her apprenticeship. She was pleasantly surprised when race rides kept coming her way. The twenty three year old takes us back to childhood days on the farm. She says a 20,000 acre spread isn’t all that uncommon in rural Queensland. She remembers early times on horseback including long days with her dad out on the muster. Angela talks more of father Jason, mum Julie and her four sisters. The young jockey explains that Julie and all four sisters live in Toowoomba nowadays. She takes us back to boarding school days in Charters Towers. She chose that particular school only because it provided accommodation for one of her horses. Angela remembers a day at  Charters Towers races where Racing Queensland had installed an information booth. That booth was manned by former champion jockey Shane Scriven. Angela bombarded him with questions about the racing game. She looks back on a happy apprenticeship to Lindsay Hatch and an exciting first day as a professional jockey. She takes us through her Dalby treble. Angela says Lindsay Hatch restricted her to non TAB meetings early days. The trainer didn’t put a race ride her way for quite some time. She looks back on her transition to the provincial circuit and finally a transfer to top Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan. Angela hasn’t forgotten her first meeting with future partner Kyle Wilson-Taylor. The young jockey explains that Tony Gollan arranged extra tuition from retired jockey Robbie Fradd whose stellar international career is well documented. Angela takes us through the horses who’ve impacted her career thus far with special mention of the talented Zarastro. She says wins in the Ipswich and Caloundra Cups have been career highlights. Angela outlines the ambitions she harbours going forward. This is an insight into the life of a very grounded country girl who followed a dream and hasn’t wasted an opportunity.

At the time this podcast was recorded on Thursday January 30th, Jamie Mott had ridden 71 Victorian winners for the current season, with only Blake Shinn ahead of him on the premiership ladder. A few hours later he booted home two winners at the Pakenham twilight meeting taking him to 73. On Friday evening he was at the Moonee Valley night meeting where after three early placings he won the final race on Excess for great supporter Julius Sandhu. His seven rides at Sandown on Saturday yielded a win on Russian Meteor and one placegetter. Winner tally was now 75. Jamie talks about his current run of success for a wide range of stables. He talks about the never ending task of keeping his weight where it needs to be. The in- form jockey speaks glowingly of My Gladiola and Royal Insignia, two young horses who could provide him with stakes success over the autumn carnival. He also reflects on the Blue Diamond that slipped through his fingers in 2022. Jamie pays tribute to Royal Insignia’s dam Yau Chin who had to be euthanised the day before his Manfred Stakes win. The jockey talks of his family background and agrees he was destined to be a jockey. Jamie talks of his early apprenticeship to his late grandmother Janet and a transfer to the Flemington stables of Leon Corstens. He’s still embarrassed about his very first race ride at Cranbourne on a Corstens trained mare.  Jamie hasn’t forgotten about his first win on a horse trained by his grandmother. He led all the way. He looks back on a short stint with Danny O’Brien during which time he received a suspension. He was stunned when his weight suddenly soared to 62kgs. Disillusioned, he quit his apprenticeship and returned home to Geelong. When the bug bit again, Jamie based himself at Cranbourne and began riding work for a wide range of trainers. His weight came down and he was able to return to race riding. He talks about another setback in 2009 when he failed a jockey’s room drug test. Outed for six months he made up his mind to keep his weight in check. Jamie looks back on the freak winning run he enjoyed on the comeback trail- something like 24 winners in the first month. Lady luck hadn’t quite finished with young Mott. He went through a trifecta of trauma all in the space of a week- a race fall, a trackwork fall and an unexpected assault at a Melbourne nightclub. Doctors sidelined him for many months. Jamie’s life took a turn for the better when he returned to trackwork next time around. He was a massive 71kgs when he linked up with the late Russell Cameron at Flemington- a man destined to become his mentor, his best mate and his salvation. The jockey endorses the sentiments of Victorian participants who were deeply saddened  by Russell Cameron’s premature passing. Jamie talks of his good fortune in meeting his future wife at the Cameron stables. Carol Ann was a member of the team and it wasn’t long before she and Jamie became partners. He looks back on the fairytale wedding he and Carol Ann were able to enjoy in a 13th century Irish village. He talks of the wonderful family life he and Carol Ann share with their sons Henry (7) and Charlie (4). Jamie looks back on his brief but successful stint as a jumps jockey. He had the time of his life.  The 178cm jockey talks of the bizarre fall in 2019 which left him with two broken legs. He was off the scene for six long months. Jamie was hungry for winners when he returned to the saddle and he didn’t have to wait long. At his very first ride back he stormed home on Rock the Ring to win a maiden at Sale, and the winners continued to flow. Jamie’s maiden Gr 1 win was on Callsign Mav in the Rupert Clarke Stakes for Danny O’Brien. He says he was worried on the turn. The jockey talks about his second win at the elite level. A lucky late ride paved the way for a thrilling win in the Champion’s Sprint at Flemington on expat Kiwi mare Roch ‘N’ Horse who made a habit of upsetting high profile opposition. This is a laid back interview w

The legendary jockey’s sudden retirement announcement in December caught the NZ racing industry by surprise.  Opie says he’d been contemplating retirement for six months but it took a simple experience on Xmas Day to convince him the time was right. The champion jockey was out jogging on Xmas morning, wearing his mandatory heavy sweat gear when he was suddenly conscious of passers by in high spirits, out enjoying life on such a special day. Opie was unplaced on 3 rides at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Driving home to Matamata after the races he made the massive decision to call time on his stellar 30 year career. He says the withdrawal symptoms have been manageable so far. Opie says he was a little hesitant as he sat down to type out his retirement announcement for release on social media. The jockey says weight issues have plagued him for many years. He explains just how tough it’s been over time. He reminds us that he walked away from racing more than twenty years ago when wasting got the better of him. He spent eighteen months out of the industry during which time he gave the rugby code some serious attention. Kiwis and Australians alike have been curious about the champion jockey’s unusual christian name. He puts forward a simple explanation. Opie talks about an apprenticeship to his godfather Steve Autridge, at the time head trainer for the Te Akau machine. He says Autridge has been an important influence in his life. He talks about the TeAkau training operation at Matamata, and the  breathtaking environment of Te Akau Stud in the Waikato, where it all begins for the David Ellis homebreds. Opie was happy to wander down memory lane. He’s never forgotten his very first day as a professional jockey. His first winning ride in 1995 left an indelible memory.   The brilliant jockey announced his arrival in a big way. He was only 17 when he won his first Gr 1, the 1998 Auckland Cup on Jezabeel. Opie wasn’t retained on Jezabeel in the Melbourne Cup of the same year but was lucky enough to get on a wonderful NZ staying filly during the same carnival. He won the historic Victoria Oaks on Grand Archway. Shortly before that Melbourne carnival he made a quick trip to NSW as a favour to a young Kiwi friend who was just getting started as a trainer in Sydney. He happened to ride the trainer’s first Australian winner in an obscure maiden at Wyong. Opie looks back on some stunning NZ career statistics. He makes no secret of the fact that the brilliant sprinting mare Imperatriz was his all time favourite. He talks about the brilliant mare’s best performances. Second only to Imperatriz on Bosson’s list of favourites is the dynamic Melody Belle. He looks back on 6 Gr 1 wins on the wonderful mare. He was delighted to partner Melody Belle in her only Australian Gr 1 victory. He speaks with great admiration of another top tier Te Akau mare, the talented Avantage. He rode her in eight of sixteen wins which included five Gr 1’s.  Opie looks back on his association with several other exciting horses he got to ride in the famous tangerine and royal blue Te Akau colours. He makes special mention of the lightly raced Te Akau Shark. He says we never saw the best of this exciting Rip Van Winkle gelding. The 99 time Gr 1 winning rider devotes extra time to his memories of Mongolian Khan, the top class stayer who gave him victory in two of Australia’s most famous races.  Opie came back to ride him in three Sydney races the following autumn, but says he wasn’t the same horse. The jockey pays a warm tribute to Mongolian Khan’s trainer Murray Baker. The newly inducted retiree speaks of his three children. He and first wife Samantha Spratt are the parents of 19 year old Cody who shares his father’s love of hunting and fishing.  Opie talks of the two younger children he shares with second wife Emily- Max who’s six,  and daughter Honour who’s nearing three years of age. The Auckland Racing Club acknowledged Opie’s impact on NZ racing when they released a

Received a couple of emails lately requesting information on two former elite racehorses. My correspondents are two younger racing enthusiasts curious about the deeds of Battle Heights and Manikato- the former a dour New Zealand stayer, the latter a dynamic Australian sprinter of the late 70’s and early 80’s. By coincidence both horses were ridden many times in races by Gary Willetts, an expatriate Kiwi jockey who settled in Australia in late 1975 destined for undreamed of success. Who better to reflect on the talents of both horses? My emailers are probably unaware of a 2021 podcast we posted with Gary Willetts right at the height of the covid lockdowns. In this interview the former champion jockey comprehensively reviews the careers of Battle Heights, Manikato and several other wonderful horses he got to ride.  Let’s give it another run this week. Gary admits he didn’t want to come to Australia to ride Battle Heights in 1974. He says the NZ jockey’s premiership was his primary focus. The former ace jockey talks of his move into the hotel business after a career ending race fall. He looks back on the injury toll from that fateful fall at Yarra Glen. Gary takes us back to childhood days in Auckland when he frequently attended race meetings with his parents. He reflects on work experience in the stables of leading trainer Fred Smith who later indentured him. Gary looks back on his first winner Silver Lad who started at massive odds. He remembers his chance meeting at the races with the young lady from Matamata destined to become his wife. The Willetts are closing in on 60 years of marriage. The former ace jockey has never forgotten the horse who changed his life. He takes us through the remarkable career of iron gelding Battle Heights. Gary was stable jockey for Bon Hoysted when a precocious, chestnut son of Manihi arrived in the stables. He remembers Manikato’s quirky early habits and takes us through the highlights of the powerhouse sprinter’s amazing career. He reflects on the training genius of  Bob Hoysted who took over the training of Manikato following the sudden death of his brother Bon. Willetts pays tribute to several other topliners he got to ride beginning with Rose Of Kingston who in 1982 became the first filly in 38 years to win the AJC Derby. This was my first interview with Gary Willetts in many years. It was a delight to catch up with a true gentleman of the turf, and the rider of some of the best horses of his era.

Following in the footsteps of jockeys like Jeff Lloyd, Robbie Fradd and Larry Cassidy, Vlad Duric has chosen Brisbane as home base for the latter years of his riding career. Vlad arrived in Queensland early last year after a wonderfully successful six years in Singapore where he won four local jockey’s premierships and a host of feature races. A Doomben treble got him away to a flying start and the winners have continued to flow. The veteran rider says his passion for race riding hasn’t diminished. Vlad talks about the great support he’s received from Brisbane trainers since arriving in Queensland. He talks about a quartet of stakes wins to come his way including the Gr 2 Victory Stakes on talented galloper Antino. Vlad says he decided on a brief stint in his native Victoria last August  to coincide with the beginning of daughter Sage’s riding career. The jockey was surprised and delighted to pick up rides from old friends. To ride a couple of Gippsland winners was a bonus. Vlad acknowledges the talents of his 22 year old daughter, and brings us up to date on the career direction taken by Sage’s sisters Lily and Audrey. He pays tribute to his wife Storm, herself a former jockey who rode ten winners in a brief career. Vlad reveals the European origins of his first and second names and reflects on the support he was given by hard working parents Steve And Elina when he opted for a riding career.  He looks back on his apprenticeship to Cranbourne trainer Alan Williams and the enduring friendship he formed with Alan’s son Craig. The forty seven year old looks back on the milestone achievements of his early career- first winner, first city winner and initial Gr 1 success. Vlad fondly remembers Gr 1 winner Bon Hoffa as the first high quality horse he got to ride. He sings the praises of Bon Hoffa’s trainer Wendy Kelly. Appropriately Vlad Duric pays a lengthy tribute to Master O’Reilly, a horse he rode in 30 races and the horse to take him to racing’s biggest stage with a Caulfield Cup win in 2007. There are some interesting sidelights to the Master O’Reilly story, especially the drama in the barriers before the running of the Caulfield Cup.   Vlad remembers his first trip to Singapore in 2009 and the flying start he gained on brilliant three year old Gingerbread Man. He won 51 races in his first season.    He looks back on a return to Victoria and his association with the very talented horse Mourinho. He won the Gr 1 Underwood Stakes on Mourinho plus three other Gr 2 races.   Vlad comprehensively covers his return to Singapore and a six year stay that brought him  four jockeys premierships and many feature races. He looks back on the outstanding horses and horsemen who made it all possible.   There were a handful of health related low points in the latter stages of his time in Singapore. He says he was stopped in his tracks on three occasions.   Vlad Duric has been a popular and well respected jockey for more than three decades. He shares his story with us in a most entertaining way.

When Luke Nolen’s in full swing it’s difficult to get him to sit still long enough to conduct an interview. Currently he’s on the sidelines indefinitely following a freakish fall at Geelong early in December. Although frustrated and in some discomfort, the champion jockey gave us all the time we needed to get a podcast “in the can”. What a career it’s been for the Victorian born horseman whose riding record is one of Australian racing’s most enviable. Almost 2000 wins, 40 Gr 1’s, three Melbourne jockey’s premierships and two Scobie Breasley medals. There was an awful lot to talk about. Luke begins by taking us through the horror Geelong fall which was attributable to a broken stirrup leather. He talks of surgery already completed and what lies ahead.  Luke reflects on early days when his dad Tal took the family all over Australia looking for suitable job opportunities. The jockey talks of school days and an aversion to study. He pays tribute to Tal, to his late mother Margaret and brother Shaun. Luke looks back on a move back to Victoria when Tal was able to arrange an apprenticeship with master mentor Gerald Egan. Like most apprentices he hasn’t forgotten the buzz around his very first win at Albury in 1998. Luke talks of the reputation he quickly earned as an unflappable young rider. He remembers two nicknames he picked up in his youth, and the circumstances behind their creation. He looks back on time spent with former champion trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith at Flemington. Luke was thrilled beyond belief to win his first Gr 1 race for the maestro Bart Cummings. He clearly remembered the first ride he ever had for Peter Moody. The jockey talks of his enduring relationship with Moody and gives the reasons that partnership has stood the test of time. By his own admission Luke says he never tires of talking about Black Caviar.    He won 22 of 25 on the champion mare. He agrees Jarrod Noske and Ben Melham who rode her in the other three wins will have something to tell their grandchildren. Luke says Black Caviar was an uncomplicated race mare. He pinpoints the best of her 25 wins. Looks back on her near defeat at Royal Ascot in 2012. He says she was battling niggling muscle issues on the day. He talks of Black Caviar’s tendency to “come back underneath him” in the closing stages. He also heaps praise on runner up Moonlight Cloud who went within a head of destroying the great mare’s iconic record. Luke talks of the champion’s debilitating fight with laminitis and subsequent euthanisation. To add to the tragedy Black Caviar’s Snitzel colt also died. The star jockey highlights a few personal favourites from the long list of outstanding horses he’s ridden beginning with Typhoon Tracey. He looks back on Peter Moody’s decision to walk away from racing following his suspension on cobalt charges. Luke acknowledges the deeds of elite gallops I Wish I Win, and El Segundo. He pays tribute to Alicia his wife of 17 years, and children Dane and Kailey.  Luke says he’s grateful to have three Melbourne jockey’s premierships and two Scobie Breasley medals on his CV. We close the podcast by referring to a quote from Gerard Whateley’s 2012 biography on Black Caviar. Gerard goes behind the public persona in identifying the real Luke Nolen.

There was one common thread among the hundreds of tributes paid to Ross Stitt after his recent retirement. Unequivocally, friends and fellow horsemen agreed that the 83 year old had been an ornament to his profession as a man and a professional horse trainer. I’d like to add my sentiments by plucking from the archives an interview we recorded with Ross almost six years ago. He was in reminiscent mood on the day, and took us on a nostalgic journey through his life with horses. Ross began by reflecting on childhood days on the family dairy farm in the Manning Valley. He was milking the cows from age 9 before going to school. He says showjumping was his first equine passion, and it appears he was pretty adept at the sport. Ross recalls that his first thoroughbred idol was the legendary broodmare Dark Jewel. He formed the attachment simply because he had a show jumper called “Jewel” at the time. It’s not widely known that Ross Stitt could easily have pursued a career in harness racing. His earliest tutor was trots trainer Ned Coleman. He says he was very close to acquiring his licence to drive in races. Ross says he was 24 years old when he bought his first galloper Bold Pirate from an Inglis Mixed Sale. He initially gave the maiden performer to a local trainer, but later took over the training himself. He remembers ex Sydney gallopers Gold Optic and Royal Kirk as the horses to get him up and running on north coast tracks. The retired trainer rates Critic’s Pride as his first headline horse. That’s no surprise when you consider Critic’s Pride won a whopping 29 races for his up and coming trainer. Ross Stitt had the amazing ability to keep horses up for lengthy periods and to keep them winning. Half brothers Our Ambition and Gilded Blue are two prime examples. They won 48 races between them. He acknowledges the support of owner Ron Shaw, a former accountant who settled in nearby Old Bar following his retirement. He and Ross enjoyed a great association. Ross talks about his infatuation with Sir Dapper, a brilliant racehorse who later became a successful sire. The trainer won multiple races in the late 90’s and early 2000’s with Dapper Spirit, Just Dapper and Chilli Dapper. He pays a heartfelt tribute to former record breaking jockey Robert Thompson who retired just under three years after our podcast was recorded. Thompson rode more winners for the Stitt stable than any other rider.   Ross looks back on his pleasing record in NSW Country Cups. Surprisingly it took him 35 years to win a Kempsey Cup.   The veteran trainer was fairly emphatic in declaring Precise Timing to be the best horse he ever trained. An inveterate trier, Precise Timing won a total of 18 races including the 2006 Launceston Cup. Ross explains what prompted him to venture all the way to Tasmania.   He delights in telling the story of Heavenly Glow, the $10,000 Gold Coast purchase destined to win two Gr 1 races. When he realised the filly was good enough to run at the elite level, Ross had no hesitation in sending her to a Sydney trainer.   Ross tells the story of Youthful Jack, the unfashionably bred gelding who would win 18 races and $1.15 million in prize money. He placed him with other trainers at varying stages with great results- Rex Lipp at Toowoomba, Allan Denham in Sydney and Adam Trinder in Tasmania. Ross himself won 7 races with Youthful Jack including the Grafton Ramornie Hcp.   The recently retired trainer pays tribute to some of the talented riders with whom he was associated over the years.   This podcast has been in the archives for quite some time but remains relevant  by way of our tribute to a country training marvel.

It came as a surprise recently to learn that I hadn’t interviewed Scott Seamer since 2003 when he flew from Ballina to be a guest on Sky’s Inside Racing programme. At the time of the interview the former northern rivers jockey had posted an amazing 15 Gr wins in two years following on from a Queensland Oaks victory on Ethereal in 2001. A few months later Scott landed the coveted Caulfield and Melbourne double on the same wonderful staying mare. Since quitting the saddle in 2011 the former ace jockey has joined the ranks of Australia’s commercial breeders. I was delighted he was able to find the time to join us on our regular racing podcast and equally delighted  to find him in reminiscent mood.  Scott was thrilled to see Ethereal’s trainer Sheila Laxon win her second Melbourne Cup with Knight’s Choice in November. He talks about the transformation of his Fernleigh property from a macadamia farm to commercial breeding enterprise. Scott says his first duty as a breeder was to find the right foundation mare. He’s now breeding from four of her daughters. He talks of his breeding share in a high profile Queensland stallion. The multiple Gr 1 winning jockey previews his four horse draft being prepared for the Inglis Classic Sale in February. Scott remembers his unhappy departure from race riding at Doomben in late 2011. He takes us back to his first time on a racecourse in the late 1970’s. He tagged along with his mother and stepfather to a Bowraville meeting, and was instantly hooked. Scott looks back on a stablehand’s job with Coffs Harbour trainer John Hennessy, and the offer of an apprenticeship from Grafton trainer Ron Gosling. Very clear in his memory is the occasion of his first race ride at Lismore. He tipped the scales at 32 kgs. Scott talks of his thrilling first win at Casino and the transition to a metropolitan win at Eagle Farm in 1987. He pays tribute to Protester,  the genuine bush galloper who gave him an amazing twenty wins. The former ace jockey looks back on his relocation from the northern rivers to Glen Innes. He enjoyed a very successful five years from his tablelands base, and forged an association with a champion country trainer. Scott talks of his decision to give Brisbane racing a serious shot. He was encouraged to make the move by outstanding jockey manager Trevor Lansky who brought him unexpected opportunities.  Seamer talks of Ethereal’s outstanding win in the Queensland Oaks. She came with the barnstorming finish destined to become her trademark. He admits to chasing the ride on the bonny mare when she resumed in NZ in the spring of 2001. He offered to pay his own way across the ditch. Scott recalls his tense battle with Sky Heights in the Caulfield Cup, and the wet weather leading up to the Melbourne Cup. He takes us through Ethereal’s brilliant Cup win. He talks about a McKinnon Stakes win on Derby day. Thanks to his new NZ connections Scott was able to land some plum rides over the 2001 Auckland summer carnival. He looks back on a memorable Derby/Oaks double at Ellerslie.  The former jockey started the new year with a bang winning the Magic Millions on Lovely Jubly. He recalls the race. Scott remembers a successful autumn carnival in Melbourne highlighted by wins in the C.F Orr and Australian Guineas. The former talented horseman still shakes his head when he thinks about a four win haul on Golden Slipper day 2002- two Gr 2’s and two Gr 1’s. He remembers the wins by Ethereal and Calaway Gal. Seamer’s dazzling autumn win sequence earned him a short term contract in Hong Kong. He later wished that invitation hadn’t arrived. He fractured two vertebrae in a nasty fall and was out of action for several months. Up to this point in time, Scott had been treated very kindly by the racing media. That changed when he was beaten on Bel Esprit in the Manikato Stakes. He handled it philosophically. He says he felt the need to make a statement when the 2003 autumn carnival got under way in Sydney. He ma

I’d lost count of the number of country racing fans who’d requested a podcast with retired jockey Graham Power. Whenever the subject of top Riverina jockeys had come up over the years, Graham’s name was always on the list. A phone call to check his availability and some quick research followed, and we were good to go. Great to present a podcast with a horseman who never rode a winner as an apprentice, but sure as hell made up for it later. Graham begins by looking back on his final day as a jockey at Wagga in 2000. He says he was delighted to ride a winner on a very emotional day. Graham talks about the way in which he handled the withdrawal symptoms. He talks about his current involvement with the famous St. Vincents De Paul charity organisation in Wagga. The former ace jockey refutes the theory that he’s a native of the Riverina.  Graham talks about his childhood in Tamworth. He says there was no racing in his family background, but reveals that his grandfather Tom worked as a street sweeper in the 1920’s using horse and dray. He remembers his first job on the ground in a Newcastle stable before a return to Tamworth and a short lived first apprenticeship. Injuries sustained in a race fall saw him walk away from racing and find a job at the local abbatoirs. Graham recalls the chance conversation at a Tamworth race meeting that led to the renewal of his jockey’s licence. He looks back on his friendship with trainer Bede Delaney whose move to Gundagai would change his life.   Power reflects on the deeds of one of the best horses he rode for the Delaney stable, prolific winner Aurilandy.  He talks of Aurilandy’s two wins down the famous Flemington straight and the opportunity to ride the horse in the famous Epsom Hcp. Nothing went right at his only Gr 1 ride. Graham talks about his move to Wagga. He acknowledges some of the handy horses he got to ride over the next few years.  Graham looks back on a Cootamundra Cup win on a future Melbourne Cup winner. He thought very little of the horse at the time. He remembers with affection wins in the Albury and Wagga Cups. Graham remembers the Richard Freyer trained Prince Tone, a talented horse provided he didn’t have to travel too far to race meetings. He pays tribute to several other bush Cup winners. Graham delights in telling the story about his two rides on champion Kingston Town. The former outstanding rider looks back on some special race days when he rode multiple winners on the programme. He reels off some of the many jobs he’s had away from racing. He talks of some of his favourite Riverina trainers and delights in the fact that he rode the first winner ever trained by Gary Portelli, now entrenched in the top bracket of Sydney’s trainers. Graham pays tribute to a select group of his favourite country jockeys. He looks back on some serious race falls including one in which he appeared to suffer no injuries.  By the time he got home the situation had changed dramatically. The 79 year old talks of past involvement in racing administration and a current “on call” role for Racing NSW. The versatile veteran talks back on his experience driving harness horses and a stint as a newspaper columnist. He looks back on one of his proudest moments as a jockey-the occasion of his 1000th win on SDRA tracks. Graham looks back on his two marriages and a double tragedy in his life. He pays tribute to daughter Tracey, and sons Steven and Ben. A nostalgic  trip down memory lane with a man dubbed “the George Moore of Riverina racing” in his era by Sky Thoroughbred Central host Graeme White.

We catch up with Wagga based trainer Gary Colvin who added to his metropolitan record when Cambar scored a tradesmanlike win in the TAB Highway on Nov. 30th. Gary’s hoping Cambar will emulate the deeds of stable favourite Another One who won a Championship Final  in 2022 after having finished second the year before. Gary begins our podcast by talking about Cambar’s two early wins at Wagga when ridden by stable apprentice Holly Durnan. He looks back on his purchase of the little colt at the Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne. He got a second opinion from Warwick Farm trainer Greg Hickman who’d trained the colt’s sire Pierata. Gary says Cambar has been a thorough professional from the day he was broken in. The trainer retained a part ownership of the horse while the remaining shares were snapped up by old friends. He says one of the quartet is a first time participant. Gary looks back on childhood days growing up with his six siblings on the family farm at Tullibigeal. He says his father was never without a horse or two on the property. He pays tribute to uncles John and Noel Colvin, both very successful jockeys. Gary says he was 17 when he joined three of his siblings in Wagga. He pleased his parents greatly when he registered for an apprenticeship in joinery. He talks of his progress in the old world trade. He talks of his passion for Australian Rules Football, and reflects on his involvement with the Wagga Tigers and the Collingully side. He plays down reports that he was a very accomplished player. Gary remembers his short stint in a coaching role. He looks back on Fred Colvin’s move to Wagga and a renewal of his trainer’s licence. He assisted his father for eleven years while training a small team of his own. When Fred retired in 1997, he was ready to train in his own right. Gary hasn’t forgotten the mare who provided the first win of his full time training career. He acknowledges the special horses to get him up and running as a commercial trainer with special mention of Baltra and Lock the Key. The accomplished trainer takes us through the circumstances leading up to his purchase of Another One at an Inglis Classic Sale. He’s never forgotten the instant he first saw the chestnut colt.  Gary talks of Another One’s pedigree and the 15 strong syndicate who got together to race the horse. The trainer recalls setting the talented horse for a maiden 2YO at Wagga. He and the owners were stunned when a Randwick trained youngster from the John O’Shea yard turned up for the same race. He takes us through Another One’s progression to his first tilt at the Country Championship. Gary followed a similar path the following year and the gelding again made the final at Randwick. This time he prevailed in the highly prized event.  He pays tribute to Another One’s regular rider Nick Heywood who wages a fearsome battle with weight to stay in the saddle. Gary talks of Another One’s Kosciuszko failure and his most recent wins in the Riverina. The trainer speaks highly of Danny Beasley who rode the horse to victories in the Canberra National Sprint and the Wodonga Cup. Danny recently joined the Wagga training ranks and is situated right next door to the Colvin stables. Gary talks of wife Karen’s picture framing business in Wagga, and his willingness to lend a hand in the early days of the operation. He says his assistance was not needed.  Gary talks of daughter Gabby who’s currently a highly regarded member of the Melbourne Women’s AFL side. Her dad’s pretty chuffed. He makes mention of sons Brodie and Matthew. One prefers the thrill of trying to back a winner- the other enjoys being around the horses. Good to catch up with yet another talented member of the country training ranks.

Good to catch up with a young jockey who’s forged a prominent spot among the powerful Sydney riding ranks in recent years. The Waterhouse/Bott duo supply regular rides to Adam Hyeronimus  in recognition of his unrelenting work ethic. He currently has 4 Gr 1 winners on his CV along with numerous stakes wins. We were able to pin Adam down last week for a lengthy chat about the early days of his apprenticeship and the road he’s since travelled.  He begins by referencing the wonderful support he receives from Tulloch Lodge. Adam says he’s no natural lightweight and needs to watch his diet at all times. It’s well known that Adam descends from a family of jockeys on both sides of his pedigree. He pays tribute to those who’ve preceded him.  Adam makes special mention of his maternal grandfather the late Reg Paine, a former legend on western districts tracks. He also acknowledges the deeds of uncles Neil and Rodney Paine, both talented riders in their own right. He explains that two of his cousins are married to high profile jockeys. The popular jockey looks back on early days at Cowra when he gained expert riding tuition from a local trainer. He talks about a succession of trainers with whom he spent parts of his apprenticeship. Adam clearly recalls his first ever race ride at Bathurst in 2008. He looks back on his time with Grafton trainer John Shelton who supplied his first winning ride. Adam takes no credit for the win. With Shelton’s support Hyeronimus decided to finish his apprenticeship in Sydney. He had a short time with Jason Coyle before transferring to Gai Waterhouse. He says it was a long time before Gai found him a job. Adam received an immense thrill when he was able to win the inaugural Kosciuszko for his old boss John Shelton. He talks affectionately of the veteran bush gelding Belflyer. He’d been having back problems before he was dislodged from a horse at Randwick on Everest day 2019. The harmless tumble exacerbated his problems to the extent that he was sidelined for 3 months. Adam recalls how close he went to opening his Gr 1 account on outsider Prince Fawaz in the Rosehill Guineas. He gave Castelvecchio a big fright. He says he didn’t have to wait long to get the Gr 1 monkey off his back. Just one week later he led all the way to win the Vinery Stud Stakes for Waterhouse/Bott on Shout The Bar. Many people in racing address Adam by the nickname of “Hippo”. He explains how and when his well known sobriquet originated. The jockey looks back on the lowest point in his career- the prolonged investigation into his betting activities which would see him banned for two years and four months. He talks of the impact it had on his life and the time he spent in outside employment. Adam says his weight soared during the long layoff. He talks of his change in attitude after such a major disruption to his livelihood. Hyeronimus was chuffed to win his second Gr 1 on the gutsy filly Tropical Squall for his greatest supporters. The talented jockey was grateful to receive a top Gr 1 ride from the Godolphin organisation in the Spring Champion Stakes. He rode Tom Kitten perfectly to win the important three year old race.  Adam was thrilled to win another Gr 1 on the genuine filly Tropical Squall. He talks of his short but successful association with the imposing colt Storm Boy who’s now in training with Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle. A Magic Millions win was a huge thrill for the jockey. Adam talks of his near miss on Lady Of Camelot in the Blue Diamond Stakes. He thought he was home. A good chat with a young horseman whose future looks assured in the fiercely competitive Sydney jockey’s room.

We’ve had several requests for a podcast with former jockey and popular Sky Thoroughbred Central presenter Bernadette Cooper. The enquirers were unaware Bernie had already been one of our podcast guests, as far back as April of 2019.  Another email in the past week has settled the issue. We’re going to pluck the five and a half year old podcast from the archives and give it another run.  One of Bernie’s roles at the time was to interview winning jockeys immediately after major races had been run at the major Sydney carnivals. She conducted those interviews on horseback as Billy Slater did so smoothly at the recent Melbourne Cup carnival. The popular host was disappointed when contractual arrangements between Racing NSW and Channel 7 precluded her from being the first to interview Hugh Bowman after Winx’s swansong victory in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.  She talks of the emotions shown by winning riders after the Gr 1 races- some more expressive than others. Bernie looks back on her final riding stint in Macau where she was involved in the worst fall of her entire career. She talks of a winning treble on her first day back in the saddle, and the shock she received when stewards accused her of not allowing another horse to run on its merits.  The former jockey talks of her return to Australia and a whole new life beginning with a job behind the front desk at the Star Casino. Then came her lucky break in racing media, and she’s never looked back. A few little things have changed since the original podcast. For instance Bernie’s daughter Stella is now 17, still studying ballet but heavily involved in the furthering of her education. It’s always good to pluck a past gem from the archives. Bernadette Cooper is one of the warmest personalities in Australian racing media. She was at her best in this 2019 podcast.

Given the choice Peter Morgan would rather be spending time with his horses than standing around with a mobile phone. He very kindly made an exception for us last week, and we’ve been able to capture some of his recollections of a life with horses. Peter talks firstly about his talented galloper Burrandana whose first up win at Gundagai recently proved he’s on track for a TAB Highway mission. The veteran trainer talks of Burrandana’s troublesome feet. Peter says he actually bred the horse. He looks back on Burrandana’s form line with special mention of the Wagga win that was taken off him. A substance used on another horse in the stable showed up in Burrandana’s post race swab. Pete says a very hefty fine ensued. The trainer talks of Burrandana’s five TAB Highway attempts. He hasn’t been able to win one yet, but he’s knocking on the door. Peter speaks of Burrandana’s owners, long time clients David Lloyd and Geoff Miller. He mentions another recent winner from the stable in Unique Prince who’s due back in work following a break. Peter looks back on early days in Melbourne under the tutelage of his grandfather Frank Kernaghan. He says Frank was a skilful trainer who was rarely without a handy horse. He had one very talented hurdler. He says one piece of advice offered by his grandfather has remained with him over half a century. Peter was apprenticed to Frank Kernaghan and had a short stint as a jockey. He rates his talents in the saddle. He talks of the legendary jockeys he got to know in the 1960’s. He says one of them took an interest in his progress. During his apprenticeship at Flemington Peter got to know some famous trainers. He makes mention of a couple. Peter says he eventually borrowed boxes from his grandfather to get his own training career under way. He runs through a list of horses who helped to get him up and running as a professional trainer. Peter moved to Albury in 1974 and brought with him a promising apprentice jockey. The trainer acknowledges other talented jockeys who’ve given him good service since moving to the Riverina. Peter says the art of horse training has changed dramatically in recent times. He talks of the accessibility of racetracks from his Wagga base. Peter mentions some of the trainers he’s most admired. In naming the best horse he’s seen in six decades, the veteran plumps unequivocally for Tobin Bronze. We share a few memories of the great horse. The laconic trainer doesn’t waste words in taking us back over his journey in racing.

We had our podcast interview with Keith Ballard safely “in the can” before he reported for duty at Saturday’s Julia Creek Cup fixture at Mount Isa. It’s now history that the legendary jockey went out a winner on the final ride of his 55 year career. Keith was winless in the first four races, but turned it around in the last when he went straight to the lead on Metal Bar and romped home by more than five lengths in the Julia Creek Cup. The fairy tale was enhanced by the fact that Keith’s wife Denise trains the winner. Two days earlier we caught up with the 71 year old to reminisce a little about his remarkable career. He began by revealing that Denise had been trying to get him to retire for quite some time. He talks about a recent Cloncurry win on Capiteel for his trainer wife and acknowledges the support of trainer Tanya Parry. Keith talks about Denise’s former riding career in an era when female jockeys were battling for recognition. He says Denise isn’t too tough on him when his judgement is astray. The veteran says he was humbled in the extreme when the Ballards of Mount Isa were inducted into the Racing Queensland Hall Of Fame in 2021. Keith talks about the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms in the months ahead. The evergreen horseman says his nerve has remained intact.  He gives a few reasons for his longevity as a professional jockey. The Longreach born horseman says he was initially inspired by the riding success of his uncle Jim Ballard.  Keith pays tribute to his stoic and hard working mother, and speaks of his six brothers. He recalls his very first race ride, and an unforgettable first win on the very same horse.  Keith says he’s been relatively lucky when it comes to race falls, but he looks back on one bad buster at age 62- the worst fall in his long career. That fall occurred at remote McKinlay best known as the venue for many scenes in the famous Crocodile Dundee movies. Keith remembers some of the best horses he’s ridden over more than half a century. His number one vote goes to Mr Ziesel, big by stature and big on ability. He pays tribute to the consistent Kerr Street. He won nine races on the horse in one season including the 1983 Darwin Cup. Keith remembers King Wells. He won 17 races on the former Victorian. The veteran says his career wouldn’t have been complete without a Birdsville Cup win. He ticked that one off the bucket list in 2009. Keith talks about Sahara Canadian. He won 11 races on the grey, including one at faraway Ballina. He talks about another prolific winner in Be Somebody. He once drove 1000km to ride the horse at Darwin even though he knew the gelding couldn’t win. Keith pays tribute to a handful of jockeys for whom he had special admiration. He makes special mention of a talented bush trainer. Keith pays a heartfelt tribute to son Dan, a very talented jockey whose career has been terminated by weight problems. Ballard says his failure to ride a metropolitan winner doesn’t faze him too much. He talks about a handful of other jockeys who rode into advanced years. It was a great pleasure to talk to a genuine Queensland racing icon.

It was mid October when I invited Ray Hadley to be special guest on the occasion of our 500th podcast episode. Never once during the conversation did the legendary broadcaster so much as hint that he was contemplating calling time on his 2GB morning programme. We made arrangements to record the interview on the afternoon of Thursday November 5th. Like many of his listeners and colleagues I was stunned, when less than an hour into his programme on Thursday Ray made the shock announcement that December 13th is to be his final day in the 2GB studios. Television news crews were setting up in the building long before he finished his on air shift at midday. The broadcaster was inevitably “swamped” by media outlets for several hours. I wouldn’t have been one bit surprised had he requested a postponement of our podcast interview, but I should have known better. True to his word Ray was ready to go when I called him as arranged at 4.30pm. I reminded him  that nobody had seen this coming. He admitted it was a surreal experience to be announcing his own retirement from mainstream radio. I asked Ray to identify the likely reasons he was able to win 160 consecutive surveys. He nominated one particular story where his on air comments contributed to a better outcome. Ray made no secret of the fact that he won’t be lost to media, but says the days of 3.30am wake up calls are over.  He takes us back to childhood days as the son of hard working parents Morris and Elsie Hadley. Ray looks back on the massive impact of his father’s death at just 46 years of age. He shares some funny stories from his eight years with Steers Auctions at Parramatta. He believes his experience as an auctioneer helped to develop his commentary skills.  Ray says he was chuffed beyond belief in the early 80’s when offered the role of Harold Park course broadcaster following the retirement of Ray Conroy.  He takes us back to the days immediately after the Super League war when 2UE lost its Rugby League broadcast rights. 2UE’s Continuous Call team made history when it continued to win the ratings without broadcasting the game.  Ray pays a special tribute to the man they called “The Starmaker.” 2UE Programme Director the late John Brennan was lauded in the industry for his unique ability to spot potential talent from a mile off.  Ray Hadley’s career took a life changing turn in 2002 when John Singleton purchased 2GB. He initially poached Ray from 2UE to call Rugby League, but changed his mind soon after. The broadcaster was stunned when “Singo” asked him to take over the morning programme in opposition to 2UE’s John Laws. Ray shares the full story. The multiple award winning broadcaster says he has no regrets about missing the opportunity to call 100 State Of Origins. Ray was privileged to be a member of the commentary team for seven Olympic Games. He says Cathy Freeman’s unforgettable win in the 400m at the Sydney Olympics remains his fondest memory. He was agreeable to looking back on what he describes as the lowest point in his long career- the 2019 bullying allegations from a small group of staff members. He looks back with candour on a very unhappy time in his life. Ray talks with great affection of his children and grandchildren. Today he’s the quintessential doting grandfather. It’s a massive coincidence that Ray’s retirement announcement came just a few hours before this podcast was recorded. No wonder he was in the mood to reminisce. Great to have him on our 500th podcast episode.

The story of the Freedman era is one of racing’s all time best - four enthusiastic young brothers who made an amazing journey from the family stud farm at Yass to the establishment of a Victorian based training powerhouse. Lee held sway as trainer with Anthony, Richard and Michael handling crucial roles in the background. Together they had an enormous impact on Australian racing for three decades. Lee won seven Melbourne trainer’s premierships and was runner up six times. Today the boys are all training under their own banners with Lee opting for a much quieter life on the Gold Coast. The former leader of the FBI was very gracious with his time on this week’s podcast. He begins by berating his talents as a golfer. Lee talks about his current 31 horse team, a fraction of the number he trained in the busiest days of the FBI. He talks of the wide choice of race meetings he has from his Gold Coast base. Lee takes us back to early days at Hardwicke Stud near Yass, where he and his siblings gained sound education under the supervision of father Tony. He delights in telling the story of his first win as a trainer with a quirky but very talented grey called Sitting Bull. It was hard to keep news of the horse’s talent under wraps.  Lee says his training career actually began at Warwick Farm. He looks back on a relocation to Flemington and a mare called Sauna - the daughter of Loosen Up who put the Freedmans on the map. Lee hasn’t forgotten the thrill of a maiden Gr 1 win. He reflects on the rapid rise of the FBI and the simple theory he had about stress management. We needed to get started on Lee’s reminiscences of the many wonderful horses to come through the Freedman operation. Who better to begin with than the incomparable Makybe Diva. She arrived in the Freedman camp having won 8 races for David Hall including her first Melbourne Cup. Lee recalls his expectations.  He reflects on his first win with the mighty mare, the 2004 Melbourne Cup. The trainer recalls the mare’s dominance in the autumn and spring of 2005, and the memorable comments he made in a TV interview after her third Cup win- comments which have passed into folklore. Lee gives his view on why she was such an athlete. The great trainer looks back on wonderful journeys with crowd favourites Subzero and Doriemus, two more Melbourne Cup winners. It’s not hard to tell Super Impose was one of Lee’s great favourites. He shares some special memories. Lee puts into words his  enormous admiration for Naturalism.  The list of good horses to pass through the Freedman’s hands is seemingly endless. He sings the praises of Mahogany and Schillaci. The Golden Slipper was a mighty race for the Freedmans in the 1990’s. Lee talks about their four consecutive wins in the famous two year old race. Durbridge is another marvellous horse to get the thumbs up from his former trainer. The legendary trainer will surprise some when he says his greatest racetrack thrill came outside Australia. He looks back on his Royal Ascot journey with Miss Andretti. Lee used some of Australia’s greatest jockeys during the golden years of the Freedman reign. He’s prepared to single one of them out for special praise.  He speaks with pride of daughters Emma and Georgia. Lee pays tribute to his greatest ever supporter, late mother Del who passed just two years ago. He pays tribute to Anthony, Richard and Michael who have each forged great individual careers. A podcast with Lee Freedman is long overdue. We’re delighted to finally get it done.

A hat trick of recent country wins by improving gelding My Last Hooray rekindled memories of Frank Cleary’s glory days in Australian racing. The popular trainer wound down his training operation following two health scares in 2020, and has been training only a handful of horses in recent times. He even hinted that he may walk away from a business that took him to racing’s biggest stage. On learning that My Last Hooray isn’t the only horse on his books, we decided to investigate the immediate future of the Queanbeyan based trainer. He certainly doesn’t confirm likely retirement. Frank talks about two unraced young horses currently in his care. He reflects on the chest pains that sent him to hospital in 2020, and a second ailment that followed closely on his heart scare. Frank talks of the racing involvement in his family background. It’s well known that a young Frank Cleary showed great promise as a rugby league player in pivotal positions. He says he actually started in the Aussie Rules code. Switching to league in the late 60’s he quickly gained a spot in the Queanbeyan Blues Under 18’s side. He looks back on two encounters with a touring British test side. Frank says several niggling injuries eventually finished his football career and sent him in the direction of a new livelihood. You won’t believe some of the things he did for a living in his pre horse training days.   He says his life changed dramatically the day he attended an Inglis Tried Stock sale and came away with a $1400 unraced gelding. That horse shaped Frank’s destiny. The trainer says he had to wait a long time for his first Gr 1 win but it happened to be in one of the oldest classics on the AJC calendar. Select Prince was by Imperial prince as was another Cleary favourite Friend’s Venture. Frank says he was an amazing horse. The trainer thought someone was “pulling his leg” when he got a phone call from a man purporting to be an American owner asking him to train a horse. Frank remembers the late Ken T. Jones who continued to support his stable for several years. He remembers the unsound horse who motivated Jones’ original phone call. Cleary has never forgotten a day at the Gold Coast Sale when Ken Jones had to be talked into buying a Zoffany colt who was destined to become one of Australia’s best two year olds of 1992. Frank remembers Clan O’Sullivan’s impressive early form and his defeat in the 1992 Golden Slipper when he got no favours. Fast forward some six years and Frank recalls the purchase of a Danehill colt who would atone for Clan O’Sullivan’s Slipper defeat. Frank takes us back to the events of Slipper day 1999 when the hot pre post favourite was a late scratching from the famous two year old race. He pays tribute to jockey Mark de Montfort. He looks at a few other good money spinners to carry the Ken Jones colours. Frank looks back on a bold move he instigated in the late 1990’s. He decided to give training a try in the big smoke when stables became available in a new block at Rosehill. His neighbour was a young Kiwi trainer who was testing the water in Sydney. The veteran trainer says there were no stars in the stable during his Sydney stint, but a few handy horses kept him ticking over. He talks of a flying visit to Melbourne with a horse called Shot Of Comfort. It was a good result for the stable and for owner Dominic Beirne.  Frank was chuffed to win his only hometown Cup with Bomber Command in 2009. He reflects with delight with his all time top training effort- six wins  on the Forbes Cup programme in 1994. The trainer pays a heartfelt tribute to his wife Sue. Frank gives a shout out to his four sons with special mention of Joe who’s rapidly gaining recognition as a trainer in his own right. It’s a lovely trip down memory lane with one of the real characters of the Australian training ranks.