John Tapp Racing

Episode 358: John Muir

With the 2022 Inglis Easter Sale upon us we thought it timely to chat with long time vendor John Muir. The former high profile car dealer runs Milburn Creek, a boutique breeding farm at Wildes Meadow on the Southern Highlands. John begins by talking about the 2018 sale of the landmark Muir’s Motors  dealership on Parramatta Rd. Ashfield. 

John reveals that his late father Les Muir had predicted the intrusion of an underground road link. 

He talks of his father’s early connection with General Motors Holden which in the 1950’s commanded a major percentage of the Sydney car market. 

John looks back on childhood days in a house situated right on the car yard.

He recalls teaching himself to ride on an uncle’s pony. Later he got to ride a pony owned by a Randwick horse trainer who didn’t think much of his style in the saddle. He talks of an early work experience stint with a legendary horse trainer.

John predictably joined Muir’s Motors but got no favours. He remembers some of the thankless jobs his father gave him to do.

He was 18 when Les Muir helped him to launch his own dealership just up the road at Fivedock. Looking for a different niche in the Sydney market, John dealt in imported American cars only. 

He eventually made a modest entry into the horse breeding business. He talks of the very first broodmare he ever purchased.

John clearly remembers his second mare purchase under very unusual circumstances. He bought a pregnant mare called Safest whose filly foal would become one of his foundation matrons. He later sold a colt from Safest destined to become his first Randwick winner as a breeder. That colt later came back into his life.

He talks of his first breeding farm situated on Milburn Creek near Cowra. His commercial thoroughbred enterprise has carried the name of that creek ever since.

John talks of his move closer to Sydney in 1986. He transformed a run down Grose Vale dairy farm into a state of the art horse breeding property. It was around this time he bought a well bred filly as a potential broodmare. He decided to race Chez Paree for a couple of years with great results.

He recalls his purchase Old Fernbrook Farm at Wildes Meadow in 2000 as the site of his new breeding base. He  later added two adjacent properties  which have enabled him to expand the operation.

John acknowledges a number of Milburn Creek graduates who’ve gone on to notable racetrack achievements.

The respected breeder relates the fascinating story of the weanling filly he bought with the intention of reselling her the following year. He got “left” with the daughter of Dubawi. John raced Secret Admirer himself with stunning results.

He talks of the Dundeel colt out of Secret Admirer who’ll be one of his nine horse draft at the Inglis Easter sale.

John makes mention of another eight yearlings to be offered for sale under the Milburn Creek banner.

He talks of a long and happy association with Inglis. He regards this year’s catalogue as one of the best he’s seen.

John closes with tributes to wife Trish, son Matthew, daughters Meredith and Amelia and seven grandchildren. A laid back chat with one of racing’s good guys.

Episode 357: Robert Morris

Great to catch up with Robert Morris, one of Australia’s busiest harness racing drivers. The thirty year old has driven 100 winners or more on NSW tracks for the past ten seasons.

Rob’s wife Kerry Ann trains a 50 horse team at Menangle, and is already a two time premiership winner. She takes her horses where they have the best chance of earning prize money. Robert talks of his role as Kerry Ann’s stable driver.

He explains his duties in the day to day running of the successful stable.

Rob’s been around the money many times on the premiership ladder. He believes his time will come.

He pays tribute to the training and driving talents of his wife.

The young reinsman looks back on his upbringing in the harness racing sport, and the influence of his father Peter Morris. He says he was intimidated by Peter’s reputation as one of the best drivers of his generation.

Rob’s mother Margaret gets the acknowledgement she so richly deserves.

Young Morris speaks glowingly of son Archie (6) and daughter Stella (11 months). He says Archie is already obsessed with horses.

Rob has never forgotten his first winning drive at Penrith in 2008. He says his mother was very vocal in the grandstand.

Early in his career Rob received great support from Menangle trainers. He pays a special tribute to David Wilkins who got him up and going with a cranky filly called Bonnie Mahoney.

He’s never forgotten his first Harold Park win on the Wilkins trained Virage. He says a Harold Park win meant the world to up and coming young drivers.

Rob looks back on a memorable day at Menangle when he was just 18 years old. He drove four winners including two Gr 1’s.

He reflects on another Gr 1 win on Blissfull Guy at Menangle in 2012. He lost this one in the steward’s room.

Predictably he sings the praises of the evergreen Karloo Mick, the horse he rates as the best he’s driven. He drove the veteran into second place in a Miracle Mile. Rob says he had a few quirks but was competitive in the best company.

Rob looks back on the serious ankle injury sustained in a Penrith fall. He was on the sidelines for many months.

A nice yarn with a young bloke who’s going to be among Sydney’s best drivers for a long time to come.

Episode 356: Colin Little

When Colin Little walked away from his Caulfield training base late last year, he knew that retirement wasn’t too far away. He intended to keep training at Pakenham in the immediate future, but an ironic twist of fate intervened. Early in March he made the snap decision to relinquish his licence. He joins us on the podcast to explain the reason for his hasty departure. 

Colin talks of his attachment to Caulfield where he was born, and would spend his entire racing life.

He reflects on the riding career of his jockey father Bill Little, who was one of many Australian jockeys to ride in India in the 1930’s and 40’s.

He looks back on his own original apprenticeship to Rod Turvey and a subsequent transfer to a former champion jockey who was getting his training career under way in Melbourne.

Col admits his riding career was brief and unspectacular.

He pays tribute to the legendary Caulfield trained racehorse Lord who dominated weight for age racing in Melbourne in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Caulfield track regulars were in awe of him.

 

Col’s training career started on a hobby basis. He would work a horse or two at first light before dashing off to his day job.

He vividly remembers the thrill of training his first winner at Traralgon. It was a mare with a masculine name. In winning his first metropolitan race, he helped a famous jockey to win a premiership.

You can hear the admiration in Col’s voice when he talks of Testimony- the horse who launched his training career. Testimony won an amazing 13 city races.The horse was part owned by Joan Herman who became a very valued client for the Little stable.

Colin pays tribute to his late wife Jacqui who died much too soon. He says Jacqui’s artistic touch enabled them to renovate an old Caulfield home which nowadays has heritage listing. 

The retired trainer pays a fitting tribute to his once in a lifetime horse El Segundo. He takes us through the ups and downs in the career of a horse whose four Gr 1 wins includes a W.S. Cox Plate in 2007.

Col reflects on the veteran stayer who arrived at his place from Adelaide. Ista Kareem raced on for another two and a half years in Colin’s care winning 6 races including a Sydney Cup.

He talks of Blutigeroo, another second hand horse with whom he’d win the Gr 1 BMW at Rosehill. He picked up a Hobart Cup along the way.

Colin pays tribute to some of the brilliant jockeys who rode for the stable over the years.

He says he’ll be closely monitoring the career of one of his favourites Vassilator. Col won five races with the chestnut, all at Flemington. He sent the horse to Lisa Jones at Somerville when he made the call to retire.

It’s a farewell chat with the man they once called “Mr Caulfield.”

 

Episode 355: Bob Lapointe

Bob Lapointe was just 26 years old and didn’t know a soul when he arrived in Australia in 1967. Within a few years he’d become the king of fast food dining in this country. He ventured into varied business interests including horse racing. It wasn’t long before he was leaving his mark on the turf. We caught up with Bob at his beloved Muskoka Farm which he established more than fifty years ago. With a tinge of sadness Bob reveals that he and his wife Wendy will soon be moving on.

Bob takes us back to his early life in Canada and an enrolment in a Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Administration course at Ryerson Uni. He talks of his early interest in the hospitality industry.

He has never forgotten his first meeting with Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Sanders. He says the colourful character had a huge impact on his life.

Bob says he owned eight KFC stores at home before he left for Australia with a brief to launch the concept here. He recalls feeling very intimidated when he stepped off the plane in Sydney.

Bob’s first job was to lock in a regular supply of chickens. He’s never forgotten his first meeting with Jack and Bob Ingham who were still operating from their original office at Casula.

The entrepreneurial Canadian looks back on a succession of alternative dining concepts around Australia- Pizza Hut, Sizzler and Lone Star Steakhouses. 

Bob looks back on his early involvement in the racing industry. He founded Doncaster Bloodstock and appointed the late Les Young to run the business. It was Les who became his chief adviser in the buying and selling of thoroughbreds. Doncaster Bloodstock started with a bang at the Adelaide sales. 

A major investment for Bob was the purchase of the state of the art Nebo Lodge training complex at Rosehill. The now defunct establishment was created by Stan Fox. Bob talks of his approach to one of the world’s biggest racehorse owners Robert Sangster. He persuaded Sangster to join him in the Nebo Lodge venture.

He recalls the appointment of young Queenslander Brian Mayfield-Smith as Nebo lodge trainer. The arrival of the new conglomerate shook Sydney racing to its foundations. In his very first season, Mayfield-Smith deposed Tommy Smith after a 33 year reign as Sydney’s champion trainer.

Bob looks back on the unique fundraising concept he created in conjunction with Lone Star Restaurants. The Variety Club of Australia benefited greatly in a five year period.

He remembers Iron Horse, the best to carry the Lone Star colours. He reveals that the great old gelding is still hale and hearty in his 30th year.

Bob pays tribute to an elite group of horses he had the good fortune to race with friends and associates.

He acknowledges the talents of his wife Wendy who is a skilled veterinarian and a successful horse trainer. Wendy has also played a major role in the management of Muskoka’s well known training tracks.

This is a wonderful trip down memory lane with a remarkable 80 year old who applied his innate business skills to horse racing with spectacular results. 

Episode 354: Gary Kliese

Gary Kliese has been a fixture on the Skychannel service from NSW northern tracks for 23 years. He was appointed and tutored by Graham McNeice who remains his greatest supporter. Gary begins by sharing his sadness about the recent flooding which has seriously impacted his hometown of Ballina.

He remembers the fateful phone call to Graham McNeice which resulted in a career after race riding. 

He talks of the many tracks to which he travels to present Sky’s race day service, and the time he spends on form analysis between race meetings.

Gary’s travel schedule is punishing. He usually returns home to Ballina when his Sky commitments are completed.

He pays tribute to the participants who are happy to join him on air to discuss the prospects of their horses.

He pays a special tribute to regular co-host Priscilla Looker. Gary also acknowledges the contribution of Melinda Graham who filled in during Priscilla’s absence on maternity leave.

Back to his riding days, and Gary talks of his apprenticeship to the late Bruce McLachlan.

He shares the story of McLachlan’s plan to give his apprentice a first up win. Torrential rain on the Gold Coast brought the plan undone, but the story had a happy ending.

Gary looks back with dismay on a twelve months disqualification which continues to be a thorn in his side.

His first day back in the saddle had a fairy tale ending.

The former talented jockey expresses his admiration for the skills of Henry Davis- the man he regards as the best trainer he ever knew. He looks back on a winner he rode for Davis at Eagle Farm.

Gary reflects on his marriage to Jenny Powell in 1981 and a move to Ballina to escape Brisbane’s powerful riding ranks.

He talks of sons Luke and Brad who were always too big to be jockeys but made their marks as horsemen in other pursuits.

Gary talks of his flying start on the northern rivers and the Murwillumbah race fall which should never have happened. A knee injury put him on the sidelines for twelve months.

When he resumed, the new season was already two months in. He looks back on the sensational winning run which saw him get up to win his first NRRA premiership.

He started the next season with a flurry of winners but then lady luck turned her back again. Gary graphically describes the most freakish of accidents which put him out for another twelve months. He talks of a chance meeting with an eminent orthopaedic surgeon.

You’ll love Gary’s story about the show horse he rode every day to strengthen his leg before a return to race riding. The horse happened to be a thoroughbred but had never raced. Mr. Kliese changed all of that.

He talks of another two NRRA premierships, and pays tribute to his two favourite northern rivers trainers. He also acknowledges the jockeys for whom he had special admiration.

We take Gary back to his early days in Brisbane when he got to ride some very smart horses. He rates his favourites.

The sixty one year old reflects with sadness on the loss of sister Lorraine and brother Raymond in 1992. The siblings died only six months apart.

Gary sends a cheerio to sister Narelle in Maroochydore and brother Graham who’s still booting home the winners in north Queensland.

Gary Kliese was still riding regular winners in 1996 when another bizarre accident brought down the curtain on a career he loved. His mount Lukawae snapped a foreleg in the straight at Coffs Harbour and speared his jockey to the track. Another runner crashed over the top of Lukawae and landed on top of the hapless Kliese. He was left with no feeling from the neck down. His account of the aftermath is pretty distressing.

Gary finishes on a bright note as he reflects on eleven years as a Ballina Jockey Club Committeeman, three of those years as Chairman.

This is a laid back chat with one of Sky Racing’s most respected presenters and a former jockey of considerable talent.

Episode 353: Kerry Parker

Great to catch up with the popular Kembla Grange trainer who is enjoying a magical ride with Think It Over, the horse rated by many as Australia’s most improved galloper. He begins by heaping praise on Kembla Grange as a training centre, but doesn’t dismiss the possibility of a move to town if the right opportunity comes along.

Kerry talks of Think It Over’s first win for the stable in a Cl 2 at Hawkesbury. The horse was unimpressive in winning and had to be spelled immediately.

He reviews Think It Over’s second preparation in which he won a BM88 at Randwick and ran respectable races in strong grade.

Kerry talks of the gelding’s quirky habits at that stage of his career.

The trainer looks back on the first of Think It Over’s two Craven Plate wins and his tremendous run in The Gong on his hometrack.

Kerry delights in looking at the gelding’s stunning winning sequence in the Autumn of 2021 highlighted by the Gr 1 George Ryder Stakes.

He expresses his shock and disappointment when veterinary surgeons ordered the horse’s withdrawal from the Doncaster. He’d sustained the most minor of abrasions on the trip to Randwick. Kerry is still in disbelief a year on.

The trainer then concentrated on the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in which Think It Over ran a cracking fourth in elite company.

Kerry discusses his reasons for passing up the Sydney Carnival to run in the Australian Cup.  

He talks of Think It Over’s first two runs back from a spell which includes an Apollo Stakes win.

Kerry takes us back to early days when he learned about horses at his father’s Kangaroo Valley trail riding property. He reminisces about his days as a trackwork rider for several stables including one in Adelaide.

The trainer looks back on a wonderful five year stint with master trainer Les Bridge who sent him to Melbourne with Drawn for a couple of important assignments. He’s never forgotten the trip.

Kerry talks about his return to the South Coast and a job with David Vandyke. Not long after he applied for his own trainer’s licence.

He acknowledges a few special horses who helped to get him up and running in his solo career. He makes special mention of his Queensland Derby winner Dark Dream. He was devastated when the horse was sold to Hong Kong. 

Kerry talks of the bread and butter horses who’ve kept the stable ticking over. 

He highlights a three year old filly for whom he’s predicting a bright future.

Episode 352: Brian Forrester

Great to catch up with 88 year old Brian Forrester, one of the elite harness drivers of his generation. NZ born Forrester learned his craft from master Christchurch trainer George Noble before going on to work for several leading horsemen. He fondly remembers his first winning drive at Blenheim, and his initial metro win at Addington.

Brian pays tribute to two close relatives who emerged from World War 2 with distinction.

He’s never forgotten a frightening trip to Sydney in mountainous seas on the cargo ship Wanganella. He had six horses to look after on the Tasman crossing.

Brian recalls his first meeting with trainer Max Truer, a man who would have a tremendous influence on his career.

He looks back on an A.G. Hunter Cup win on the Truer trained Stormy Bruce.

Brian recalls the circumstances under which the Tasmanian pacer Chamfer Star found his way into the Truer stable at Bankstown.

The champion reinsman looks back on his unforgettable clean sweep of the 1966 Inter Dominion at Sydney’s Harold Park with the nine year old Chamfer Star. The weather was atrocious.

Brian acknowledges several special horses he got to drive during his stellar career. One of them was the legendary mare Robin Dundee. 

He looks back on a wonderful association with Fran Donohue, the only female trainer to win a Harold Park premiership. Brian was Fran’s stable driver throughout that season.

Brian reflects on a NSW driver’s title which he says he won by default.

He pays tribute to the drivers he most admired during his career.

Although best known as a top freelance driver, Brian enjoyed a great deal of success as a trainer in his own right. He talks of some special horses who helped him along the way.

He enjoyed a stint in the great trotting town of Leeton in the late 1970’s. He recalls the experience.

The champion reinsman talks of the vision impairment which ended his race driving career in the mid nineties.

After quitting the sulky Brian worked for several Warwick Farm gallops trainers. He remained active for another twenty five years. He acknowledges those trainers and talks about a frightening kick to the head he received from a thoroughbred mare.

Brian and his wife Coral are the parents of six children. He brings us up to date with the whereabouts of the Forrester clan.

The typically humble Forrester says he never regarded himself as an elite driver. Those who competed with him, and thousands of trot fans vehemently disagreed. Great to yarn with a legendary trotting horseman.

 

Episode 351: John Letts

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. 

Episode 350: David Robertson

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.

Episode 349: Maddie Raymond

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.