John Tapp Racing

Episode 536: Alf Matthews

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 great talent as their official coach and adviser. Delighted to have Alf on this week’s podcast edition.

Episode 535: Luke Currie

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. 

Episode 534: Jeff Lloyd

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 to return to Australia Jeff and NIckola plumped for the Gold Coast as their preferred location.

He talks openly about the lowest point in his life. He had a minor tumble at a Doomben midweek meeting and felt unwell on arriving home. He tried to honour commitments at the Sunny Coast the following day, but had to stand himself down. Tests over the next few days revealed a very serious medical situation.

Jeff says the enforced break enabled him to completely get over an old back injury.

He still marvels at the fact that he was able to win four Brisbane premierships after such a debilitating illness.

Jeff rates his 2017 Magic Millions win on Houtzen as a career highlight.

He says the luxury of being a natural lightweight enabled him to ride into his  mid fifties.

A forty year career and 27000 race rides wasn’t devoid of accidents. At the time he left South Africa Jeff had been involved in 14 race falls. A few more followed in Australia. He admits to having caused a handful of those falls himself. 

The veteran says he’s still very conscious of fitness levels in retirement.

This podcast was recorded soon after Jeff’s retirement from race riding. Nowadays he’s enjoying his role as manager to sons Zac and Jaden and to promising apprentice Zac Wadick. The Jeff Lloyd story is one of racing’s most fascinating. He’s a great listen.

Episode 533: Tony McMahon

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 kept him in the training spotlight- Mamselle Corday, Paradis Imperial and Cindy Kate. 

Queensland racing’s “Mr. Versatile” relates some humorous stories from his days as a stipendiary steward. 

Tony pays tribute to daughter Elizabeth, son Chris and granddaughter Arabella.

He speaks affectionately of his receipt of the Pat Duff Trainer’s Association Award for long time services to Queensland racing.

Great to finally catch up with the amazingly versatile Tony McMahon, a true Queensland racing legend.

Episode 532: Royce Simmons - Panthers legend still charging up the middle raising funds for dementia research

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, children Kirk, Britt, Carly and Demi and special mention of seven grandchildren.

Royce acknowledges the administrative talents of Brian Fletcher who recently announced impending retirement from his role as Panthers Group CEO. 

I’ve never forgotten the Network Ten coverage of the 1991 Winfield Cup Grand Final. It was Penrith’s first premiership, and an unforgettable swansong for one of the club’s greatest sons.

Royce Simmons remembers the greatest day of his playing career on this week’s podcast.

Episode 531: Donna Scott

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.

Episode 530: Anthony Cavallo

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.

Episode 529: Damien Oliver

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 1 winner Anamoe. He picked up the ride on the emerging superstar when Covid restrictions prevented James McDonald from commuting to Melbourne.

He was chuffed to finally snare a Golden Slipper win on Sydney filly Forensics in 2007. He had a beautiful run from the inside gate but had a fight on his hands to stave off Zizou.

Damien was happy to talk about one career low point- an eight month disqualification after being found guilty of a betting offence. He explains how it took two years before he was actually charged. 

He looks back on the worst of the many injuries he sustained in 35 years of race riding- a spinal fusion enabled him to keep going for another 18 years.

Damien talks of the reaction of wife Trish to his retirement announcement in 2023, and the current activities of daughters Niali and Zara and son Luke.

It’s a laid back chat with a jockey regarded by many racing students as one of the greatest in Australian racing history.

Episode 528: Luke Marlow

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.

Episode 527: Richard Bensley

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.