John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Jan 03, 2023
Tuesday Jan 03, 2023
She’s disappointed, frustrated and very bored. Anna Roper still can’t believe a freak accident at Muswellbrook in November has halted an amazing trot that brought her 56 wins in seven months.
She talks of the accident that stirred up an old injury.
Like most horse people, Anna couldn’t believe that a horse would buck after having galloped 1450m.
The young jockey reflects on the soccer injury that damaged her right knee in the first place.
She says she became a couch potato during a long recovery.
Anna talks of her earliest involvement with horses following in the footsteps of two older sisters.
She looks back on some satisfying achievements in the dressage and eventing pursuits.
Anna admits she muddled her way through early schooling but got serious when the HSC approached.
She says her early intentions were to seek a career as a veterinary nurse, but all of that changed when she started riding trackwork for Gosford trainer Greg McFarlane.
Later she sought and was given an apprenticeship by Wyong trainer Tracey Bartley.
Anna looks back on the life changing day when trainer Tony Newing invited her to ride a horse at Gundagai. The horse won, and the national Sky Racing audience saw her infectious smile for the first time.
She takes us through the events of her special day.
Few junior riding careers have “taken off” as quickly. She talks of the amazing support she’s received from a wide range of trainers and some of her favourite horses so far.
Anna says her boss Tracey Bartley is keeping her away from the city lest she burn up her allowance too quickly.
The young jockey talks of her reaction to being in front of James McDonald on the NSW premiership early in the season.
Anna acknowledges some of the assistance she’s received from other female jockeys.
She closes with a comment on the tedious months ahead.
Tuesday Dec 27, 2022
Tuesday Dec 27, 2022
I’m delighted to welcome Danielle Seib as the subject of our 400th episode since the website was launched in May of 2018. This interview was recorded before Danielle won her first race for new clients Champion Thoroughbreds at Wagga on Dec 23rd. The horse in question was Smokeshow who put a Class 3 field away in impressive fashion.
Danielle begins by talking about a brief stint as a Science teacher before going full time as a trainer.
She pays tribute to Assault’n’Bathory, the horse who kick started her training career. Danielle explains the unusual circumstances under which the gelding was purchased.
The trainer looks back on two TAB Highway wins with the slow maturing Assault’n’Bathory. She also gives Tudor Prince an honourable mention.
Danielle talks of a bargain basement buy from the popular Inglis Digital Online Auction.
She pays tribute to her partner Aaron, a member of a legendary harness racing family. Aaron also happens to be an outstanding farrier.
Danielle talks of her long time love of riding trackwork. She believes it helps her to monitor the characteristics of horses in her care. She acknowledges the efforts of her co trackwork riders.
She speaks highly of apprentice Hannah Williams who only recently relocated to Goulburn, accompanied by her partner Nick Heywood. Nick is a highly regarded jockey who’s currently getting over a leg injury.
Danielle speaks of the E-Tracker device she uses on many of her horses during trackwork. The trainer explains how it works.
She talks affectionately of her late father and valued mentor Lewis, who had an interesting background in the industry. She recalls her early aspirations to become a jockey.
Danielle recalls with great sadness the sudden passing of her father who died just one month following the diagnosis of a brain tumor.
She pays tribute to mother Julie who still lives in the Hunter Valley but contributes significantly to the administration of her daughter’s training operation.
Danielle made a pledge to her father that she’d attain a qualification in a field of her choice in case a training career didn’t eventuate. She explains how she gained a valuable degree and put it to use as a Science teacher.
The trainer talks of the three yearlings she was commissioned to buy for a Hong Kong based owner. One of them has won five races in Hong Kong but recently returned to her stable.
Danielle gives punters a good pointer for the future prospects of Associate, a Star Witness 3YO who shows plenty of promise.
This is a laid back chat with a young lady who’s rapidly making her presence felt in the NSW training ranks.
Monday Dec 19, 2022
Monday Dec 19, 2022
Allan Denham’s intention to quit the training ranks was known only to family and a handful of close friends. Fittingly he went out on a winning note when Adios Steve won a BM 64 at Hawkesbury on June 30th 2022. The former champion apprentice jockey and distinguished trainer certainly isn’t looking for accolades, but I can’t possibly let him retire without presenting the tribute he so richly deserves. This week we replay a podcast recorded with Allan in 2019, in which he says the rumour mill had him pensioned off as far back as 2012.
He talks of his daily commute from Wyong to Rosehill for several years before the passing of his father Jack Denham.
Allan looks back on a decade of training from a Wyong base.
He takes us back to the days when his father trained with great success at Canterbury.
Allan talks of Jack’s training technique.
He pays tribute to the top horse Ricochet, arguably the best horse Jack trained from his Canterbury stables.
Allan recalls Jack’s move to Rosehill and the beginning of his short career as an apprentice jockey. Many said he wouldn’t last twelve months.
The multiple Gr 1 winning trainer remembers his very first race ride at Randwick. Somehow he claimed his full 7lbs allowance, and ran second.
Allan had to wait 17 rides for his first win. He vividly recalls the big day at Newcastle.
Surprisingly his first city winner was provided by an outside stable. He remembers it well.
Allan explains how he managed to stay in the saddle for seven years. The sacrifices were many.
He talks of his father’s appointment as private trainer for coal and trucking magnate Stan Fox.
Allan pays tribute to the best horse he ever rode. Purple Patch, owned by Stan Fox and trained by Jack Denham possessed a dynamic finishing run.
He pays tribute to a couple of outstanding mares he got to ride in the Fox colours.
Allan talks of the riders with whom he shared stable duties in those heady days.
He looks back on his association with Jack during his riding days.
The former talented jockey/trainer talks of his memorable apprentice’s premiership win, and the surprise invitation it brought him.
Allan looks back on the shock disqualification he and Jack incurred over the running of a horse called Bold Akkadian.
Following Stan Fox’s death in 1974, his widow Millie appointed Ken Ennever to manage the entire racing operation. Allan remembers Jack’s reaction when asked to train exclusively for the company, and terminate his association with outside owners.
Allan says Jack’s decision to freelance was the best thing he ever did. He recalls an influx of new owners and some of the best horses his father ever trained.
Allan’s solo training career began during his days as Jack’s stable foreman. He pays tribute to horses like Eremein, Spark Of Life, Heavenly Glow, Euclase, and Yippyio.
The devoted family man talks of wife Michelle and their combined family of six.
Allan’s many friends in racing congratulate him on a distinguished career and extend best wishes to he and Michelle for a happy and healthy retirement in sunny Queensland.
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
Many people in racing are curious about the roles of modern day jockey agents. To do the job properly, busy managers have to be on call 24/7. One unanswered phone call could mean the loss of a big race opportunity. Mathew Alesci has managed only 8 jockeys in 14 years, including multiple Gr 1 winner Ben Melham. He’s currently regenerating his career after a year off. During that hiatus he spent time with his father Charlie who’s dealing with health issues.
Mathew talks of Charlie Alesci’s emigration from Sicily in 1969 and a long career as a bricklayer in his adopted country.
During his time off, Mathew was lucky enough to be given a spot as a contestant on the high rating Nine Network programme “Millionaire Hot Seat”. He talks about an exciting experience.
Mathew talks about the inspiration he gained when brother Fabian started to ride in races. He was always there to cheer him on.
His jockey management skills were evident early. He was chasing rides for his brother at age 10.
Mathew reviews Fabian’s riding career and highlights some of the outstanding horses his brother got to ride.
He talks of his early work experience with John Meagher, and the invaluable riding instruction he received from a master horseman.
Mathew talks of his initial apprenticeship to Mike Moroney and the unforgettable experience of winning his first race.
He recalls the transfer of his indentures to Dean Lawson with whom he spent the last year of his apprenticeship.
Mathew began his career as a jockey agent with brother Fabian and Daniel Moor on the books. He pays tribute to later clients James Winks, Ben Melham, Ryan Maloney, Danny Brereton, Katelyn Mallyon, and Billy Egan. He says Billy Egan’s work ethic is astounding.
The former jockey takes us through the routine observed by most successful jockey agents. He says it’s necessary to work two weeks ahead in booking rides for his clients.
Mathew says the suspension of any of his riders causes massive inconvenience.
He talks of the grind of managing jockeys in today’s racing environment.
It’s a bright and breezy chat with a young bloke who was always going to become a jockey agent.
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
If there’s a single positive about Nick Heywood’s current injury layoff, it’s the fact that we were able to pin him down for an interview. He talks about the inevitability of accidents and the fact that jockeys have to come to terms with it.
Nick talks about the vagaries of racing luck and his early winning double on the day of his Wagga race fall.
He looks back on the unusual nature of the fall that left him with a fracture to the tibia.
Nick looks back on two good seasons, and his resolve not to waste an opportunity.
He takes us through the pristine eating measures he has to endure to stay in the saddle.
The jockey talks about his marathon runs around the streets of Wagga, and his heavy trackwork schedule.
Nick gives us one prime example of the mileage he travels to bolster race day opportunities.
Heywood talks of his initial apprenticeship to Peter Clancy at Leeton and a transfer to the Wagga stables of his father Chris Heywood.
He looks back on the thrill of his first winning ride at Deniliquin, on a mare trained by his dad. He also has vivid recollections of his initial city win at Warwick Farm in 2016.
Nick looks back with delight on a twelve month stint with Team Snowden at Randwick- the best horse he’s ever ridden and a magical Saturday win at headquarters. That win came on a special occasion in the young jockey’s life.
The Wagga jockey pays tribute to the most significant horse in his life so far. He recalls Another One’s second placing in his first crack at the Country Championship.
Nick talks of the confidence he had in Another One coming into this year’s Country Championship Final. He takes us through the race.
The jockey talks of the gelding’s failure in the Kosciuszko and his current return to form.
He speaks affectionately of his unbeaten record on top galloper Handle The Truth- two rides for two wins, one of them at Rosehill.
It’s interesting to hear Nick’s assessment of a handful of jockeys for whom he has special admiration.
He looks back on a string of wins in country feature races.
Nick pays tribute to partner and fellow Riverina jockey Hannah Williams.
He looks at where he’s likely to be when his riding career comes to an end.
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Sky Racing presenters do a great job in trying to identify winners for the army of punters who subscribe to the service around Australia. One of them is affable Glenn Munsie who is a regular on Sky Thoroughbred Central programmes like News Central and Formline. His up to the minute race day market moves are greatly appreciated by punters. We begin by talking to Glenn about his early life as the son of respected jockey Norm Munsie.
He talks of his late father’s association with Sir Frank Packer whose horses were trained by Norm’s master Bill Childs at Moorefield.
Glenn recalls his dad’s decision to base himself at Canterbury after completing his apprenticeship. Norm’s association with the smaller trainers became one of racing’s most endearing stories.
The Sky Racing presenter remembers some of the battling Canterbury trainers who relied heavily on Norm’s assessment of their horses. He talks about a couple of successful betting plunges on horses which had been readied by the talented Norm Munsie- one of them was Airfield who won 11 races for Norm and trainer Ron McDonald.
Glenn says his father’s dedication to country and provincial trainers kept him out of the city and precluded him from Gr 1 opportunities.
He reflects on his University Business Studies Course and the part time job as a bookie’s clerk which helped him to cover expenses.
Glenn talks of that first job with bookmaker Kevin Leighton. He went on to work for some of Sydney’s most high profile bookies.
The popular presenter has always enjoyed a flutter, and like all punters delights in finding a longshot. He looks back on a modest investment on a 200/1 winner at Randwick in 1994. His boss accepted the bet.
Glenn worked hard to establish his own little business in the pre-post markets field. He quickly gained support from bookies around Australia and in PNG. He says the business introduced him to radio.
He says his life changed in 1999 when he was lucky enough to land the job as media manager for the NSW TAB. Before accepting the role he consulted a great friend.
Glenn talks of his professional association and friendship with some of his Sky colleagues.
He says his wife Denise has given up trying to get him to switch off during down time.
Glenn talks of his own family and those of sisters Michelle and Justine.
He looks at the massive growth of sports betting since its inception in the late 90’s.
Glenn looks back on the fateful day in 2004 when Norm Munsie lost his life in a freak rock fishing accident at La Perouse. Glenn was at the centre of police investigations.
He pays tribute to his mother Anne who hasn’t wasted a minute since Norm’s passing in 2004.
Glenn talks of his love of golf. It’s a friendly chat with a very friendly bloke.
Monday Nov 21, 2022
Monday Nov 21, 2022
It was around 2008 when Grant Williams started to tinker with the odd thoroughbred. Prior to that he’d enjoyed a distinguished 20 year career in harness racing as a trainer and driver. His association with leviathan owner/breeder Bob Peters began in 2012. When that partnership terminated early this year, they’d shared success in 15 Gr 1’s and countless stakes races. Grant begins by talking about the end of his association with the huge Bob Peters operation.
When Bob first offered Grant some horses to train, he thought someone was having a joke with him.
Grant explains that he had other loyal owners to consider at the time of the surprise offer.
He says that his principal owner had a major contribution to the programming of his horses.
Grant pays tribute to his remarkable wife Alana, who as Alana Sansom attained dizzy heights as a jockey in WA.
He says Alana continues to ride much of the stable trackwork, and insists on having input where quirky horses are concerned.
Grant talks of the communication between he and his wife regarding horses in the stable.
The trainer looks back on the trying four months when pandemic regulations kept them apart for four long months. He was campaigning horses in Melbourne. Alana was ‘holding the fort” in WA.
He delights in talking about daughter Tahni who not surprisingly has an inborn affinity with horses.
Grant acknowledges his favourites among the cavalcade of talented horses to carry the Bob Peters colours.
The dual code trainer describes the facilities available at his Karnup operation, and the positives about the nearby Lark Hill training facility.
Grant talks of his friendship and fabulously successful professional association with champion jockey Willie Pike.
He pays tribute to a couple of riders who filled the void while Willie was campaigning in the east this year.
Grant reflects on twenty happy years in harness racing, much of it under the tutelage of his trainer/dad Ray.
He talks of Ray’s involvement in a number of his gallopers.
Grant looks back on his high points in harness racing and pays tribute to a couple of his best pacers.
He admits he’s expecting a loss of momentum before his stable is up and running again.
Grant tries to forecast his likely future in the WA training ranks.
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
We’re delighted to present a podcast with a young Welshman who took NSW racing by the seat of its pants last season and turned it upside down. Ashley Morgan arrived in a strange country unheralded and unsung in 2018 and with the help of a prominent Scone trainer began to ply his trade. Last season he was crowned NSW champion jockey. We begin by talking to Ashley about his quick return to the UK recently for the christening of his young daughter.
The Welsh born jockey talks of the trackwork he rode while overseas to ensure his weight remained in check. He was thrilled to be given a few race rides in England and the USA.
Ashley takes us back to childhood days in Wales and his early riding experience on his grandfather’s hunters and point to point horses.
He talks of work experience in Somerset and his apprenticeship to Mark Tompkins at Newmarket. He later transferred to Ed Dunlop, a trainer well known in Australia.
After riding around 70 winners he lost his focus on race riding and sought employment in London. In fact he tried two jobs.
When Ashley contemplated a return to the saddle he was horrified to discover his weight had soared to 68kgs. He talks of his dedication to losing enough weight to resume race riding.
The premiership winning jockey reflects on the twelve emails he sent off to Australian trainers. To his amazement a well known Scone trainer asked him to call.
Ashley says local trainers were very wary of this Welsh jockey for the first couple of months. He looks back on a disastrous introduction to Australian racing and the unexpected thrill of his first winner on Aussie soil.
He fondly revisits his first ever winning treble at Muswellbrook. He says this was the day he arrived in Australian racing.
Ashley talks of a bush trainer who gave him a big helping hand, and a gradual turnaround from Hunter Valley stables.
He remembers the moment when he sensed a premiership win was on the cards. He gives great credit to his manager.
Ashley says his loyalty to country clients keeps him away from the city. He recalls his first metro win on Pandora Blue at Randwick.
He runs through a few feature races he’s been able to win since arriving in NSW.
The jockey reflects on his chance meeting with partner Kara who was working on a Hunter Valley Stud. He tells us more about his little “Aussie” daughter River.
Ashley looks back on the heartache he suffered when covid travel restrictions kept him away from the funerals of three loved ones back home.
He acknowledges a very nice mare he got to ride during the season.
Ashley outlines his trackwork schedules.
He reveals there was an offer from a Newmarket trainer should he wish to return to the UK.
It’s a laid back chat with a hard working Welshman who has no intention of regenerating his career as a real estate salesman.
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
We catch up with the founder and CEO of the respected racehorse syndication company Proven Thoroughbreds. This interview was recorded before Private Eye’s unplaced effort in the Champions Mile. Jamie Walter recalls the heart stopping moments when Private Eye hit the front a few strides from home in The Everest. He relives the excitement of the occasion.
Jamie pays tribute to a very special horse and to Joe Pride, the trainer who has taken Private Eye to ten wins and $6 million.
Jamie Walter talks about his childhood at Mudgee and an early association with horses.
He talks of his fascination with radio and early announcing jobs on western districts stations.
Jamie remembers a surprise offer from 2UW, at the time a very popular Sydney station.
He talks of an overseas adventure which saw him work in racing stables in the USA and England. There were a few unlikely jobs in between.
On returning to Sydney he assisted brother Guy who’d set up shop at Warwick Farm. At the same time Jamie picked up freelance work as a “voice over” talent on radio commercials.
He talks of a complete change of direction- a move to the Sydney Futures Exchange. He spent ten years in the industry.
Jamie looks back on a brief gig with 2GB which had been purchased by John Singleton. His versatility again shone through, as he tried his hand as an NRL commentator.
He looks back on the creation of Proven Thoroughbreds and the spare job he tried as he waited for accreditation.
Jamie talks of the early days of Proven Thoroughbreds when he concentrated on the purchase and syndication of tried racehorses. Hence the company name.
He pays tribute to the two trainers who operate his Queensland stable. Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted have done an outstanding job for the operation.
Jamie acknowledges some of the talented horses who’ve helped establish Proven Thoroughbreds.
This podcast would not be complete without Jamie’s tribute to his late brother Guy who died suddenly in 2014.
He pays tribute to sons Tom, Sam and Harry.
It’s a good yarn with a bloke who has crammed two lifetimes into one.
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Who better to join us at Melbourne Cup time than former jockey Larry Olsen who joined the chosen few when he won the 1987 Cup on Kensei. A couple of years earlier Larry was dairy farming at Kyogle and his weight had soared to 80kgs.
The popular jockey’s spectacular comeback made headlines around the world. He looks back on a life changing win.
Larry remembers how his association with Kensei began.
He takes us through the races leading up to the Cup triumph including a win in the Grafton Cup- one of the jockey’s favourite races.
He relives the dream run that helped Kensei to snatch victory from a Cummings duo.
Larry recalls that Kensei never won another race.
He talks of his bittersweet memories of the day. Stewards grilled him over another ride on the programme which landed him in the worst kind of trouble.
Larry takes us back to the days of his apprenticeship to Mal Barnes in Queensland. He explains that his very first race ride was in Sydney.
In 1972 a horse called Triton came into his life at a time when his career was flagging. He looks back on two elite wins aboard the horse with “shelly feet”.
Many racing men have forgotten that Larry Olsen won six races on Gunsynd before the horse went to Tommy Smith. Larry remembers the budding champion who later thrilled Australian racing fans under the popular nickname of the “Goondiwindi Grey”.
The former talented jockey joined an elite group of riders to win a Melbourne Cup and a Golden Slipper in the same season. He looks back on his one and only ride on Star Watch.
Larry talks of the “flat spot” he hit in 1981 when the rigours of the sweat box were getting him down. Along came one of the best horses he ever got to ride. He pays tribute to Best Western.
He recalls a brief association with the marvellous veteran Battle Heights- a second in the Caulfield Cup and a freakish mishap in the Melbourne Cup.
Larry clearly recalls the exact moment when he knew his life as a jockey was over.
The popular horseman talks of his happy 16 years as a Sky Racing presenter. He became one of the voices of Queensland racing.
There’s little doubt a lighter Larry Olsen would have reached dizzy heights in the Australian riding ranks. Still 1000 wins and 24 Gr 1’s ain’t bad. He shares some special memories with us, thirty five years after his Cup triumph.