John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
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 dreaded EI virus made its presence felt in Sydney. Michael takes us through some highlights and lowlights of his time at the helm of harness racing.
He recalls another surprise approach from the Macau Jockey Club who were keen to get him back for another stint. The offer came shortly before the infamous “green light scandal” dealt the trotting industry a crushing blow.
Michael responds to the reputation he’s carried for years as a very tough man to deal with in the stewards room. He doesn’t deny the claims but believes his fairness more than counterbalances his stern disciplinary measures.
He talks about his current online involvement in the buying and selling of local thoroughbred bloodstock. To date he’s moved some 400 horses for northern rivers owners. He has the backing of the CRJC Committee who are delighted to see most of the money being recycled in the region.
This is the story of a country kid who made things happen from a very early age. It’s unlikely anybody could tell it better than the man himself. A very entertaining podcast from a true blue Aussie racing tragic who happened to be blessed with multiple talents.
He didn’t waste one of them.
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
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.
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
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.
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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.
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
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.
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
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.
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
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.
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
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.
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
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.
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
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 and Lachlan.
Jim Byrne has a legion of fans in the Sunshine State. They’ll be delighted to hear from the four time Brisbane premiership winner.