John Tapp Racing

Episode 521: James Innes Jnr - 5 years on from Nettoyer's Doncaster win at a deserted Randwick

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. 

Episode 520: Matthew Hoysted

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.

Episode 519: Rodney Quinn

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.

Episode 518: James Moss

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. 

Episode 517: Zac Lloyd

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.

Episode 516: Allan Kehoe - A Randwick Win And a Track Work Spill In The Space of 5 Days

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.

Episode 515: Jim Byrne

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. 

Episode 514: Angela Jones

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. 

Episode 513: Jamie Mott

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 with a gifted horseman who’s been able to overcome all sorts of adversity to join the ranks of Melbourne’s top tier jockeys.

Episode 512: Opie Bosson - ONZM

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 special audio presentation a few years ago. Whenever the jockey won a race at the Karaka Millions meeting the catchy chant of “There’s Only One Opie Bosson” resonated through the public address system, generating great crowd involvement. He talks of his reaction to a rare honour. 

Great to catch up with a jockey who was appointed an Officer Of The NZ Order OF Merit in 2023 for his services to racing.