John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Monday Feb 28, 2022
Monday Feb 28, 2022
We present a replay of one of our favourite interviews from the early days of the website. Our guest is that great raconteur Johnny Letts whose stellar riding career brought him 2300 wins including two Melbourne Cups. John talks of his recovery from some serious health issues.
John reminisces about his twenty one years as post race interviewer for two networks over the four days of the Melbourne Cup carnival.
He talks of the jockeys who showed the most emotion in the wake of their Cup victories with special mention of Damien Oliver, Kerrin McEvoy, and Glen Boss.
John has very funny recollections of his struggle to interview Yasanari Iwata, the non English speaking Japanese jockey who won the Cup on Delta Blues.
You’ll enjoy John’s tribute to “Banjo”, the lovable stock horse who became almost as well known as the Melbourne Cup winner.
The former champion jockey goes back to school days when he struggled through the grades. He shares one hilarious story about a certain classroom examination.
John remembers the day one of his teachers suggested he should consider a future as an apprentice jockey.
He pays tribute to Port Adelaide trainer Jack Canavan who signed him up.
John has vivid memories of his first winning ride at Snowtown. Despite being all at sea during the race, the tiny apprentice was able to win from his longtime idol Jim Johnson.
It’s a delight to hear the jockey’s recollections of his Melbourne Cup wins on Piping Lane and Beldale Ball. John has turned these stories into racing folklore. Great listening.
The lowest point in his amazing career came when a race fall left him with dangerous neck fractures. It was initially feared he would be paraplegic. Six long months later John was discharged from hospital wearing a surgical collar, and still unable to turn his head in either direction. He relates the incredible story of the freak racecourse incident which would solve his dilemma.
He talks of his unforgettable return to race riding- a winner at his first ride back. He’s still moved by the memory of the crowd reaction.
The remarkable horseman talks of his love of the harness racing sport. For several years he held a dual licence, and drove 40 winners at the trots. He recalls one amazing riding and driving double in Melbourne.
John remembers his Epsom Hcp win at Randwick on the beautiful grey Raffindale.
I enjoyed every minute of my conversation with a true Australian racing icon. Nobody tells a story better than Johnny Letts.
Monday Feb 21, 2022
Monday Feb 21, 2022
This is a podcast for older racing enthusiasts and for younger fans who are simply curious about the deeds of previous generations. I’ve always been aware that a man called Lou Robertson was one helluva horse trainer, but I really didn’t know why history has treated him so kindly. Lou’s grandson David Robertson knows the story better than anyone and is happy to share it with us. David explains his position in the family lineage.
He talks about his upcoming book on the legend of Lou Robertson, and explains the meaning of its unusual title.
He reflects on the illness which would claim Lou Robertson’s life in 1955, and the remarkable compliment paid to the legendary trainer by the Victoria Racing Club.
David looks back on his grandfather’s early life in NZ and an involvement with harness horses which would eventually bring him great acclaim.
He talks of Lou’s relocation to Victoria in the early 1900’s with a team of trotters and pacers. The Kiwi horseman quickly made his mark as a trainer and driver. David highlights Robertson’s quick trip back to Christchurch to win the NZ Cup in 1905.
David acknowledges the influence of Andrew Robertson on his brother’s life. This astute horseman had an extraordinary knowledge of thoroughbred and standardbred pedigrees, and was instrumental in sourcing many horses locally and overseas. Under Lou’s guidance many of those horses performed with distinction.
David Robertson talks of Lou’s transition to the thoroughbred training ranks and the many wonderful gallopers whose talents he developed over four decades.
He looks at some of his grandfather’s achievements on the turf from an Adelaide Cup win with Hamburg Belle in 1914 to Lincoln’s Caulfield Cup win in 1949. In between those years Lou won many other major races with a succession of top flight horses. He also trained a frustrating number of minor placegetters in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
David talks of Keith Voitre, the expatriate NZ jockey with whom Lou enjoyed some of his most important wins. The trainer was shattered when Voitre died in hospital following a four horse crash at Moonee Valley.
Modern day trainers will be interested to learn of the magnificent stabling complex Lou constructed at Mordialloc. He left no stone unturned.
David talks of his grandfather’s amazing knowledge of the anatomy of the horse, and his talents as a farrier. He explains that Lou could always create the right potion for cuts, scratches or minor injuries. Other trainers often sought his advice.
Lou Robertson’s love of a bet was well known in Melbourne racing circles during his glory days on the turf. He told friends late in life that gambling had robbed him of much greater wealth. David adds that the same man could be extremely generous.
He talks of the high profile people with whom his grandfather rubbed shoulders during his years in racing.
David says Lou focused on his horses to the extent that his family was pushed into the background. His three sons had little connection with their father’s racing life.
He speaks of the quotes he’s garnered from high profile racing people over the years about the talents of Lou Robertson. A handful of racing legends were in awe of the great horseman. One of them followed him around like a faithful puppy.
David closes with a final mention of the two books he’s been working on- “The Oyster And The Wizard” and “Amounis and Phar Lap”. Both chronicle many of the events of perhaps the most romantic period in Australian racing. Both have been researched and written with great passion.
If you have even a smidgeon of interest in Australian racing history you’ll appreciate David Robertson’s recollections of the life and times of his famous grandfather. First there’s the podcast. Not too far down the track, copies of “The Oyster And The Wizard” will appear in book stores.
Monday Feb 21, 2022
Monday Feb 21, 2022
Maddie Raymond has been training in her own right for just two years but has already given notice that she has arrived in the Victorian training ranks. A Gr 3 with Earlswood, a Gr 2 with Turaath and a sequence of country Cups with Wentwood have brought her under notice in recent months. Maddie joins us on the podcast to talk about her journey with horses, from Warrnambool pony club to racing’s big stage. She talks firstly of her acquisition of Earlswood and the way she got him fit enough to win first up after such a long absence.
She discusses the hot form of another import Turaath who’s won four consecutive races for the Raymond stable. She highlights the mare’s stunning win in the Gr 2 Let’s Elope Stakes.
Maddie talks of Wentwood, a two time winner for Dermot Weld before joining her stable. The gelding took a while to get going but has now won five races in Australia.
The twenty eight year old takes us back to pony club days in Warrnambool and the aged thoroughbred mare who got her hooked on racehorses.
Maddie acknowledges the tuition she gained from several high profile Victorian trainers, and a six month stint with an Irish training legend.
She was working for Darren Weir when she met Prince Of Penzance, and instantly fell in love with the horse who would win a Melbourne Cup and inspire the making of a popular movie. Maddie actually appeared in “Ride Like A Girl.”
Maddie talks of her ten months helping to establish Linsey Smith’s Warrnambool stable. During this time she forged a special relationship with Black Heart Bart.
The talented trainer looks back on a dream trip to Dubai on the invitation of Kris Lees. She looked after Brave Smash in the lead up to his unsuccessful tilt at the Alquoz Sprint. During her time in the UAE Maddie met a young man who was destined to become her partner.
She acknowledges the talents of Paddy Bell, a former jockey who went on to work for leading stables in Australia. During his time with Peter Moody, Paddy got to ride Black Caviar in most of her trackwork and accompanied the champion mare to the UK.
Maddie talks of her frequent trips to Lady Bay Beach where her horses are swum and allowed to stretch their legs under saddle on a beautiful strip of beach.
She acknowledges the efforts of her father Eddie who excels in his role with the oars.
The popular trainer outlines the facilities available at Roseneath Lodge- the property owned by her parents where she grew up and began her life with horses. Today Roseneath is home base for Raymond Racing.
On the downside Maddie talks of a distressing social media attack when one of her horses appeared on the Inglis Digital Auction. She explains how it happened.
The trainer pays tribute to a group of gifted jockeys who share her stable riding duties.
She talks of the way in which she manages the stress of her role as a professional trainer. She’s not one to explode on race days.
Maddie is perhaps best known for her success with mature imported horses, but she also enjoys training two year olds. She talks of a couple of promising youngsters she has in the stable currently.
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
We catch up with Bryan Guy who called time on his training career recently when Gold Coast developers secured his training property at Bundall. Bryan explains his decision to retire earlier than expected.
He talks of his twenty two year training partnership with son Daniel.
Should Daniel not proceed Bryan is acutely aware that the Guy training dynasty will evaporate.
The 67 year old goes back to early days when he was riding trackwork at Rosehill for his father Ray. He talks of Ray’s battle to get off the ground as a professional trainer in the early 60’s.
Bryan says Ray Guy never enjoyed the luxury of spending power at the yearling sales but maintained a great strike rate with inexpensive horses.
He acknowledges the talents of his uncle Max Guy.
Bryan reflects on some of the best horses trained by his father, and the stable’s association with pioneer syndicators Hyperion Thoroughbreds.
The trainer fondly remembers Ravarda, the $10000 purchase who went on to win $1 million and two Gr 1’s.
He talks of several talented apprentices to come through the Guy stable.
Bryan is still impacted by the sudden death of his father in 1992. He says he encouraged Max Guy to apply for a trainer’s licence.
He looks back on his first win with All Our Mob, the horse destined to take him to the Gr 1 stage. He lost All Our Mob under sad circumstances.
Bryan talks of his decision to leave Rosehill when building development engulfed the old racing precinct. He sent son Daniel and staff member Russell Booth to open a satellite stable on the Gold Coast.
He acknowledges the talents of Andrew Gibbons who began his riding career in the Guy stable, and Michael Rodd who was just getting started when the operation moved to Queensland.
The stable has produced 1200 winners since moving north. Bryan pays tribute to his favourite horses with special mention of Derby winner Eagle Way.
He marvels at the fact that he’s still training for a handful of owners who had horses with his father more than thirty years ago.
Bryan talks of daughter Katie and her husband Barry Bowditch CEO of the Magic Millions sales company.
The veteran horseman closes with a special tribute to wife Kerry who’ll be seeing more of him than ever before.
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Great to catch up with the young jockey who’s been breaking records since his career began in NZ in 2007. James begins by assessing the merits of Coolangatta’s win in the recent Magic Millions. He says he hasn’t yet committed to the Golden Slipper ride.
He talks of the enviable choice of rides he has in the Gr 1 Lightning Stakes between Nature Strip and Home Affairs.
James explains that Nature Strip has transformed from an uncontrollable “bolter” to a very tractable horse. He reviews the gelding’s Everest win.
It’s obvious the champion jockey has great affection for Verry Elleegant. He talks of her memorable Melbourne Cup win and her proposed visit to Paris for the Prix de L’ Arc De Triomphe in October.
James speaks glowingly of Zaaki- purchased at an English tried horse sale and now one of Australia’s glamour horses.
The jockey takes us back to his NZ childhood and admits that racing wasn’t on his radar early in life. It took some encouragement from a champion NZ jockey to change his thinking.
James recalls the special day when he met his Australian racing idol.
He looks back on an early stint in Ireland and the NZ Gr 1 wins to give him most pleasure.
James talks about his transfer to Sydney trainer John O’Shea for the latter stages of his apprenticeship.
He pays tribute to It’s A Dundeel, the pony sized Kiwi colt who got him on his way in Australia.
James talks of his time as head rider for Godolphin, and his association with the much loved Hartnell.
The jockey recalls the shock disqualification he incurred in 2016 over his involvement in betting activities. He says a couple of positives came out of his 18 month ban.
He looks back on The Autumn Sun’s spectacular Caulfield Guineas win- his first Gr 1 on returning from disqualification.
James looks back on his one and only race ride on champion Winx.
He talks about his association with Chris Waller and the way riding engagements are locked in by the big stables nowadays.
McDonald responds to recent opinions expressed by legends Glen Boss and Malcolm Johnston about his standing among the all time great jockeys.
He remembers Anamoe’s Sires Produce win last year- the race that gave him 50 Gr 1 wins.
Of all the good horses James will ride over the upcoming Autumn carnival, three year old filly Espiona is the most talked about. She’s the winner of only two races so far, but the world appears to be her oyster.
The same can be said for our special podcast guest.
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
Nobody was happier than Jean Van Overmeire when the NSW adult population hit the 80% double vaccinated mark last October. It meant the hard working jockey was able to get out of Sydney and ride wherever he wanted. Jean talks of a rapid increase in his workload.
He talks of his busy trackwork schedule at Randwick and other city tracks.
The expat South African looks back on the shock offer he received to ride in last year’s TAB Everest. He reviews his two rides in the Golden Slipper.
Jean looks back on childhood days in South Africa and his earliest association with horses.
The respected jockey remembers his move to England with his family and an apprenticeship with trainer Roger Varian.
Jean has vivid memories of his first winning ride in pouring rain at Wolverhampton.
He explains that Mike De Kock suggested he should go to Dubai and do nothing but ride trackwork with some elite jockeys.
Jean looks back on a Hong Kong assignment entrusted to him by training wizard Mike de Kock.
He tells the story of his arrival in Australia and the lucky break he got with Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker,.
Van Overmeire looks back on the struggle he had to get the compulsory number of trial rides and his early race rides. His initial win is one of his fondest memories.
Jean looks back on early city winners including a Randwick treble for three different trainers. He says his desperation to succeed resulted in many suspensions.
The jockey looks back on a horror run he had with injury in 2018 and 2019. Two of his accidents were not related to race falls.
Jean looks back on a country double that reignited his career following a long absence.
He acknowledges a few special horses who’ve helped him along the way. It’s a nice yarn with a likeable young Sydney jockey.
Tuesday Jan 25, 2022
Tuesday Jan 25, 2022
Regular Sky Racing watchers are familiar with the striking cerise and white racing colours of legendary WA owner/breeder Bob Peters. Those colours are seen in the winner’s circle at Ascot and Belmont on a regular basis. Bob’s strike rate in major WA races has been extraordinary. He shares with us his journey from the tiny wheatbelt town of Dalwallinu to his current ranking as the world’s 4th most successful racehorse owner. In the podcast Bob gets all of his bad news out of the way first.
He talks of his early education and the expectations of a strict dad. Horses were in his thoughts from an early age. During a University stint he drove a horse drawn milk cart at night.
Bob talks of his eagerness to “earn” a quid from an early age. He looks back on a job installing bores in the wheatbelt region.
He looks back on his fascination with the “car game” and a friendship with David Golding who recognized potential in young Peters. Golding made Bob a tempting offer but the young man was keen to go it alone.
Bob remembers his involvement with the WA Hunt Club. It’s a thing of the past now, but he’s never forgotten his journey in the old world sport.
The legendary racing man reflects on 18 years in racing administration. He wore many hats during his time with the WA Turf Club.
Bob talks of his first foray into racehorse ownership and remembers the famous names who were dominating the local racing scene at the time.
He talks of several properties he developed for horse breeding in the early years and his acquisition of “Yalebra”. Today this 650 acre ‘horse heaven” at Keysbrook is Bob’s chief interest.
Bob admits his horse numbers grow too high on occasions. Just last year he put two prized mares on the market.
The maestro pays tribute to the racehorses, stallions and broodmares who’ve shaped his destiny on the turf.
He acknowledges the trainers who’ve helped him to dizzy heights as an owner/breeder, and the remarkable jockey who has worn the cerise and white silks more than any other.
Bob tells the wonderful story of wife Sandra talking him into running a three year old in the Perth Cup some years ago. Sandra had the last laugh.
The veteran racing aficionado pays tribute to daughters Robyn and Melissa, to three grandchildren and one great grandson.
It’s a laid back yarn with a man who has reaped the benefits of hard work, professionalism and a wonderful instinct for making the correct call more often than not.
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Great to catch up with Bathurst based harness horseman Mat Rue who at age 32 is already nearing 1000 career driving wins. He begins by acknowledging the brilliant win by his favourite Fouroeight in the recent Shirley Turnbull Memorial.
Mat talks of his admiration for Fouroeight who shattered his pelvis as a 3YO. Mat says the gelding’s attitude to racing is astonishing.
He talks of a handful of special horses who saved his sanity during Fouroeight’s long absence.
Mat looks back on his early life at Canowindra and his obsession with standardbreds from an early age. He pays tribute to his father Ken and uncle Greg Rue- both top horsemen.
The young trainer remembers the horse who triggered his driving career.
Mat looks back on his early education with top trainer Bernie Hewitt, and the support he received from the Kevin Hurst stable.
He reflects on the job offer from Luke McCarthy which would lead him to undreamed of success including a Miracle Mile triumph.
Mat looks back on a quick trip to America with his partner Gemma Hewitt. He landed a job with expat Aussie Noel Daly which led him to 29 race drives- no winners but tremendous experience.
Back in Australia Mat returned to the Bernie Hewitt stable. This time he was permitted to train a small team of his own.
He reflects on his marriage to Gemma who became the stable trainer while Mat enjoyed great success as a freelance driver.
Rue pays tribute to two people whose expertise and loyalty enables him to run a successful training operation from the Bathurst Showground.
Mat talks of partner Madi Young who works another job, but helps out when time permits.
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Great to catch up with top Victorian lightweight jockey Dean Yendall who’s feeling a little sorry for himself at the moment. Dean talks about the frustrations of endless weeks in a neck brace. He’s grateful no surgery was required.
Dean reflects on the Terang fall that put him out of business just before Xmas. He says his mount Saintly Rose had the race won when she went sideways.
He talks of his choice of lifestyle at rural Horsham in Victoria’s Wimmera district.
Dean looks back on his apprenticeship to Ken Sweeney at historic Jerilderie in the Riverina.
He’s never forgotten his first win on Leinster at Narrandera more than 30 years ago. He recalls his transfer to Kilmore trainer Peter Gray.
Dean reflects on his first city win at Oakbank in 1994.
He looks back on early years when he tried to carve a niche for himself in many different parts of the country. He speaks fondly of a man who became his mentor and best friend.
The lightweight jockey pays tribute to several trainers who gave him valuable support.
Dean still can’t believe he rode his first Gr 1 winner in Sydney. He fondly remembers Yankee Rose.
Just three weeks after his Randwick triumph Dean struck again at Gr 1 level during the Melbourne Cup carnival. He pays tribute to I Am A Star.
The popular jockey remembers his two rides on crack sprinter Santa Ana Lane. One of them gave him another Gr 1!
Dean acknowledges two other Gr 1 triumphs- his second Myer Classic and an Oakleigh Plate.
The jockey talks of his Gr 1 Memsie Stakes win on Scales Of Justice for astute trainer Lindsey Smith.
Yendall’s ability to ride light has earned him several Melbourne Cup rides. He talks of his closest finisher.
Dean pays tribute to his wife jockey Christine Puls and his 8 year old daughter Mia.
He talks of Christine’s best win to date -a Gr 3 Hobart Cup on Our Dashing Dane.
He reflects on the wonderful tribute paid to Christine by the Victorian racing industry in 2019.
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
Ian begins by looking back on his emotion- charged final day of calling at Gosford in 2009.
He recalls his final metropolitan race call at Randwick just five days earlier.
The former ace broadcaster talks about the post racing life of retired callers like Bryan Martin and Greg Miles.
Ian talks of school days at Sydney Grammar, and the difficulties associated with having the same name as a previous Australian cricket captain.
He looks back on his introduction to race broadcasts when laid up with rheumatic fever as a child.
When the time came to enter the workforce, most expected young Ian to join his father’s tailoring business. Instead he started off with the Stamina Clothing Company.
Ian remembers a Richmond Greyhound Racing Club advertisement which led him into the race calling field.
He looks back on the days of the huge Granville Showground trotting gymkhanas where several callers gained their starts. Ian kicked off in the bushes at the back of the track.
He’s never forgotten his very first paid job as a race caller.
Ian speaks fondly of his radio years at Harold Park Paceway, and the wonderful horsemen who dominated in the era.
He reflects on 2KY’s entry into the Sydney race broadcasting market. He went to work for the station when they were in opposition to 2GB, 2UE and the ABC. Six years later the TAB bought the station outright. Things moved quickly thereafter.
Ian remembers his entry into Sydney television through a very popular Sunday racing segment called “Punters Post Mortem”.
He takes us through the great horses he got to call, with special mention of Kingston Town.
Ian recollects the drama of the colossal Getting Closer betting plunge at Canterbury in 1982.
He reviews famous racing incidents like the races won by 500/1 “pops” in the 1980’s. Both horses were ridden by the same jockey.
This is a lovely stroll down memory lane with one of the best race broadcasters to grace the airwaves in Australia.