John Tapp Racing

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.

Episode 511: Gary Willetts- Former Star Jockey Pays Tribute To Some of The Great Horses of his Era

Received a couple of emails lately requesting information on two former elite racehorses. My correspondents are two younger racing enthusiasts curious about the deeds of Battle Heights and Manikato- the former a dour New Zealand stayer, the latter a dynamic Australian sprinter of the late 70’s and early 80’s. By coincidence both horses were ridden many times in races by Gary Willetts, an expatriate Kiwi jockey who settled in Australia in late 1975 destined for undreamed of success. Who better to reflect on the talents of both horses? My emailers are probably unaware of a 2021 podcast we posted with Gary Willetts right at the height of the covid lockdowns. In this interview the former champion jockey comprehensively reviews the careers of Battle Heights, Manikato and several other wonderful horses he got to ride.  Let’s give it another run this week. Gary admits he didn’t want to come to Australia to ride Battle Heights in 1974. He says the NZ jockey’s premiership was his primary focus.

The former ace jockey talks of his move into the hotel business after a career ending race fall. He looks back on the injury toll from that fateful fall at Yarra Glen.

Gary takes us back to childhood days in Auckland when he frequently attended race meetings with his parents.

He reflects on work experience in the stables of leading trainer Fred Smith who later indentured him.

Gary looks back on his first winner Silver Lad who started at massive odds.

He remembers his chance meeting at the races with the young lady from Matamata destined to become his wife. The Willetts are closing in on 60 years of marriage.

The former ace jockey has never forgotten the horse who changed his life. He takes us through the remarkable career of iron gelding Battle Heights.

Gary was stable jockey for Bon Hoysted when a precocious, chestnut son of Manihi arrived in the stables. He remembers Manikato’s quirky early habits and takes us through the highlights of the powerhouse sprinter’s amazing career.

He reflects on the training genius of  Bob Hoysted who took over the training of Manikato following the sudden death of his brother Bon.

Willetts pays tribute to several other topliners he got to ride beginning with Rose Of Kingston who in 1982 became the first filly in 38 years to win the AJC Derby.

This was my first interview with Gary Willetts in many years. It was a delight to catch up with a true gentleman of the turf, and the rider of some of the best horses of his era.  

Episode 510: Vlad Duric

Following in the footsteps of jockeys like Jeff Lloyd, Robbie Fradd and Larry Cassidy, Vlad Duric has chosen Brisbane as home base for the latter years of his riding career. Vlad arrived in Queensland early last year after a wonderfully successful six years in Singapore where he won four local jockey’s premierships and a host of feature races. A Doomben treble got him away to a flying start and the winners have continued to flow. The veteran rider says his passion for race riding hasn’t diminished.

Vlad talks about the great support he’s received from Brisbane trainers since arriving in Queensland.

He talks about a quartet of stakes wins to come his way including the Gr 2 Victory Stakes on talented galloper Antino.

Vlad says he decided on a brief stint in his native Victoria last August  to coincide with the beginning of daughter Sage’s riding career.

The jockey was surprised and delighted to pick up rides from old friends. To ride a couple of Gippsland winners was a bonus.

Vlad acknowledges the talents of his 22 year old daughter, and brings us up to date on the career direction taken by Sage’s sisters Lily and Audrey.

He pays tribute to his wife Storm, herself a former jockey who rode ten winners in a brief career.

Vlad reveals the European origins of his first and second names and reflects on the support he was given by hard working parents Steve And Elina when he opted for a riding career. 

He looks back on his apprenticeship to Cranbourne trainer Alan Williams and the enduring friendship he formed with Alan’s son Craig.

The forty seven year old looks back on the milestone achievements of his early career- first winner, first city winner and initial Gr 1 success.

Vlad fondly remembers Gr 1 winner Bon Hoffa as the first high quality horse he got to ride. He sings the praises of Bon Hoffa’s trainer Wendy Kelly.

Appropriately Vlad Duric pays a lengthy tribute to Master O’Reilly, a horse he rode in 30 races and the horse to take him to racing’s biggest stage with a Caulfield Cup win in 2007. There are some interesting sidelights to the Master O’Reilly story, especially the drama in the barriers before the running of the Caulfield Cup.

 

Vlad remembers his first trip to Singapore in 2009 and the flying start he gained on brilliant three year old Gingerbread Man. He won 51 races in his first season. 

 

He looks back on a return to Victoria and his association with the very talented horse Mourinho. He won the Gr 1 Underwood Stakes on Mourinho plus three other Gr 2 races.

 

Vlad comprehensively covers his return to Singapore and a six year stay that brought him  four jockeys premierships and many feature races. He looks back on the outstanding horses and horsemen who made it all possible.

 

There were a handful of health related low points in the latter stages of his time in Singapore. He says he was stopped in his tracks on three occasions.

 

Vlad Duric has been a popular and well respected jockey for more than three decades. He shares his story with us in a most entertaining way.

Episode 509: Luke Nolen

When Luke Nolen’s in full swing it’s difficult to get him to sit still long enough to conduct an interview. Currently he’s on the sidelines indefinitely following a freakish fall at Geelong early in December. Although frustrated and in some discomfort, the champion jockey gave us all the time we needed to get a podcast “in the can”. What a career it’s been for the Victorian born horseman whose riding record is one of Australian racing’s most enviable. Almost 2000 wins, 40 Gr 1’s, three Melbourne jockey’s premierships and two Scobie Breasley medals. There was an awful lot to talk about. Luke begins by taking us through the horror Geelong fall which was attributable to a broken stirrup leather.

He talks of surgery already completed and what lies ahead. 

Luke reflects on early days when his dad Tal took the family all over Australia looking for suitable job opportunities. The jockey talks of school days and an aversion to study.

He pays tribute to Tal, to his late mother Margaret and brother Shaun.

Luke looks back on a move back to Victoria when Tal was able to arrange an apprenticeship with master mentor Gerald Egan.

Like most apprentices he hasn’t forgotten the buzz around his very first win at Albury in 1998.

Luke talks of the reputation he quickly earned as an unflappable young rider. He remembers two nicknames he picked up in his youth, and the circumstances behind their creation.

He looks back on time spent with former champion trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith at Flemington.

Luke was thrilled beyond belief to win his first Gr 1 race for the maestro Bart Cummings.

He clearly remembered the first ride he ever had for Peter Moody.

The jockey talks of his enduring relationship with Moody and gives the reasons that partnership has stood the test of time.

By his own admission Luke says he never tires of talking about Black Caviar.   

He won 22 of 25 on the champion mare. He agrees Jarrod Noske and Ben Melham who rode her in the other three wins will have something to tell their grandchildren.

Luke says Black Caviar was an uncomplicated race mare.

He pinpoints the best of her 25 wins.

Looks back on her near defeat at Royal Ascot in 2012. He says she was battling niggling muscle issues on the day.

He talks of Black Caviar’s tendency to “come back underneath him” in the closing stages. He also heaps praise on runner up Moonlight Cloud who went within a head of destroying the great mare’s iconic record.

Luke talks of the champion’s debilitating fight with laminitis and subsequent euthanisation. To add to the tragedy Black Caviar’s Snitzel colt also died.

The star jockey highlights a few personal favourites from the long list of outstanding horses he’s ridden beginning with Typhoon Tracey. He looks back on Peter Moody’s decision to walk away from racing following his suspension on cobalt charges.

Luke acknowledges the deeds of elite gallops I Wish I Win, and El Segundo.

He pays tribute to Alicia his wife of 17 years, and children Dane and Kailey. 

Luke says he’s grateful to have three Melbourne jockey’s premierships and two Scobie Breasley medals on his CV.

We close the podcast by referring to a quote from Gerard Whateley’s 2012 biography on Black Caviar. Gerard goes behind the public persona in identifying the real Luke Nolen.