John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Had a phone call recently from former top jockey Gordon Spinks to tell me that Bruce Compton was in retirement with wife Marina on a Moreton Bay island in Queensland. A quick phone call and we had Bruce locked in for a chat. We check out where he’s living and what he’s doing in retirement.
Bruce begins by talking about the final years of his riding career in northern NSW, and a couple of business ventures he and Marina operated when he quit the saddle.
He highlights a few smart bush gallopers he got to ride at the end of his career, and talks of the health scare that ended it all.
Bruce talks of his exploits as a wine grower and as a waiter in a small restaurant he and Marina opened on their South Kempsey property.
The former ace jockey takes us back to early days in Hastings NZ and his apprenticeship to George Cameron at Takanini. He relives the thrill of his very first race win.
Bruce talks of three apprentice’s premiership wins and a trip to Sydney for a short stint with the legendary Theo Green.
He looks back on a surprise invitation to represent NZ in a jockey’s challenge in India. He got the call when no senior rider volunteered for the role.
The hard working jockey takes us through a whirlwind twelve years in which he rode successfully in many different venues.
Compton loved Australian racing and only needed a decent offer to make the move. He talks of his four years as Sydney stable jockey for the late Paul Sutherland.
He pays tribute to several favourite horses during his Sydney stay with special mention of the budding champion Red Anchor.
Bruce recalls one memorable season in NSW which would have been even better had he not been suspended several times. He reflects on a couple of visits to Hong Kong which didn’t work out as he’d hoped.
He looks back on another trip to Sydney with the good horse Castletown and the lucky pick up ride which would bring him Gr 1 glory on the best horse he ever rode!
The talented horseman reflects on a second invitation from Paul Sutherland- this time to become stable jockey for the veteran trainer on the Sunshine Coast. This led him to the NSW mid north coast and his twilight years as a jockey.
Bruce looks back on his amazing resemblance to another Sydney jockey Ken Russell who lost his life in a race fall in 1993. Bruce shares a couple of funny stories inspired by his likeness to Ken.
It was a delight to catch up with a bloke who made a million friends during his stellar riding career.
Tuesday Nov 23, 2021
Tuesday Nov 23, 2021
This is the first podcast we’ve conducted with a non racing participant, but the man in question rates among Australia’s best horsemen. Scott Brodie begins by explaining his role as manager of the Prestige Equestrian Training Centre at Helensburgh. He outlines the facilities available on the property.
Scott talks of the riding instruction component of the operation, and the therapy he supervises for Australian Defence Force personnel whose involvement in war zones has left them with emotional problems.
He has no doubt some kind of therapeutic benefit evolves when a person suffering from stress or depression has contact with horses. Scott gives his interpretation of the reasons why.
Scott talks about the wonderful results he’s had with inmates of correctional institutions who are struggling with life.
He reflects on his early connection with horses.
Scott looks back on his many years as an active member of the NSW Mounted Police. He talks of the unique Redfern stables where the unit has been based since 1907.
He pays tribute to the remarkable horses who earn their place in the unit. He talks of the discipline of the horses involved in street demonstrations.
Scott responds humbly to mention of the awards he was accorded during his years as a “mountie” in Sydney streets. He’s still called upon for assistance from the Mounted Police Unit.
He says he’s never had time to consider a racehorse training role, but has had an involvement in the breaking process from time to time.
The master horseman says he gets to work early enough to work a few special horses before he begins his tutorial role at Helensburgh.
For a man who’s spent a lifetime around horses, it’s surprising to learn his most serious injuries were sustained in a boating accident.
Scott talks of his recent experience as co-author and co-publisher of an enthralling booklet called “Conflict To Hope”- a chronicle of the history of the horse and a look at the help these “four legged equine therapists” are providing for people with a broad range of emotional difficulties.
He pays a special tribute to his co-author Dr. Mel Baker who speaks from personal experience when she outlines the wonders of equine therapy. The book features quotes from several people who’ve benefited from Scott’s programmes.
Scott acknowledges a former racehorse of very limited ability who is now the Phar Lap of the therapeutic team. He has never forgotten the first time he mounted Bazaconi. It was one helluva ride!
This is a lovely yarn with a gifted horseman who spends much of his life helping to make people feel better about themselves. Nobody does it better than Scott Brodie.
Tuesday Nov 23, 2021
Tuesday Nov 23, 2021
The CEO of the state’s controlling body talks about the 2021 edition of the Interdominion series, to be held over four exciting nights at three top class racetracks. He answers criticism of the decision to conduct two rounds of heats on regional tracks.
John talks of his upbringing in a legendary western districts trotting family. He talks of Ruby Vale Stud at Alectown, a famous breeding farm established by his grandfather William in 1943.
The administrator remembers his early experience with horses and his transition to the race driving ranks. He drove five winners in a brief career. John also looks back on his love of Rugby League and a fleeting Involvement as a player.
John looks back on some of the successful stallions to stand at Ruby Vale Stud.
He remembers his first administrative role as a committee member of the Parkes Harness Racing Club. He later spent two years as President.
John pays tribute to his late father Stan who died very recently and was farewelled by a huge congregation of mourners.
He looks back on his 1988 appointment as administrator and racing manager for the NSWHRC who were then based at Harold Park. He began his new role just two weeks after Peter V/Landys joined the club as CEO. John says Peter’s unique style of management was evident from the beginning.
Dumesny reviews several major events which took place during his time at Harold Park.
He remembers the landmark High Court decision which would bring huge revenue to the racing industry. Race Fields Legislation changed the landscape for the three racing codes.
John remembers the massive refurbishment of the Harold Park precinct which brought a new and lavish grandstand, and a total reconstruction of the iconic Glebe circuit.
He looks back on the financial stress which ultimately brought about the sale of the valuable piece of real estate to development giant Mirvac.
It’s a laid back chat with a man who’s spent his entire adult life in harness racing.
Tuesday Nov 16, 2021
Tuesday Nov 16, 2021
It’s always a delight to chat with Darren Gauci who won a million friends during his magnificent riding career. He begins by looking back on his twilight years in the saddle when opportunities were diminishing.
Darren will long remember the send off he was accorded at Caulfield in Feb 2017. He responded in the best possible way by riding a winner. Emotions ran high through the day.
He talks of his current routine as a jockey mentor for Racing Victoria, and the services available to up and coming young riders.
Darren talks of the natural instinct some hopefuls have for riding. He mentions one modern day champion who didn’t have that instinct.
The former champion rider looks back on early wins and his first Group 1 at eighteen years of age. He rated the horse very highly.
Darren remembers the surprise he got when an enthusiastic fan club started to appear at Melbourne race meetings. He reflects on the wisdom of his master Frank King who devised a simple way to keep his feet on the ground.
Darren looks back on his invitation to appear on the top rating television show Young Talent Time. He actually sat on a horse in the Ch 10 studio. He also met his future wife Karen who was a regular on the famous programme.
He talks of Karen’s journey in the racing world, and their wonderful family of four.
Darren looks back on two separate stints in Hong Kong, one brief the other long term. He formed happy associations with two champion trainers.
He talks of his disappointment in failing to ride a Melbourne Cup winner and looks back on three seconds in the great race.
“The Gauch” pays tribute to a select group of champions he got to ride including Super Impose, Lohnro, Octagonal, El Segundo and Shaftesbury Avenue. He makes a surprise admission about his association with Octagonal.
He may surprise you when he acknowledges the best two year old he ever rode.
Darren makes mention of his biography “The Gauch” lovingly crafted by Kristen Manning three years ago. There are still copies available. It’s a wonderful record of an amazing career.
We could have talked about many more career highlights but time caught up. Darren closes with news of an impending event in the Gauci family.
Tuesday Nov 09, 2021
Tuesday Nov 09, 2021
Great to catch up with a 31 year old jockey who’s nudging 1000 career wins. Ben was sitting in his car at the Armidale racecourse when we tracked him down for this interview. He begins by singing the praises of a promising mare he rode at Grafton recently.
He makes mention of a recent addition to the Port Macquarie training ranks. He’s already forged an association with Paul Shailer, a former Chris Waller Gold Coast stable manager.
Ben pays tribute to the riding talents of his wife Priscilla who quit the saddle to become a Sky Racing host.
He talks about the Wauchope horse property managed by Priscilla and her sister Cassandra. Ben rides frequently for his father-in-law, Grafton trainer Dwayne Schmidt.
Ben looks back on his apprenticeship to Grafton trainer John Shelton, and his first day as a professional jockey.
He reflects on a brief stint with Gai Waterhouse at Randwick. He rode several winners and got to handle some great gallopers in trackwork.
The jockey remembers his hero worship of rising star Zac Purton. They still keep in touch.
Ben speaks glowingly of the brilliant Victorem. He won six races on the Jenny Graham trained flyer including a Country Championship final.
He tells the story of his lucky “pick up” ride on Sacred Day in the Grafton Cup. A hometown win gave him an enormous thrill.
Ben also heaps praise on Kosciuszko winner Belflyer. He had a lot to do with the horse.
He couldn’t be more honest as he looks back on a bout of depression,and the professional help that got him back on track.
Ben reminisces about his most successful days in the saddle.
The young father makes special mention of 11 months old son Ollie who keeps him on his toes.
Tuesday Nov 09, 2021
Tuesday Nov 09, 2021
Great to catch up with a doyen of western districts racing! Gayna recalls the thrill of her first training win with Scarlet Vixen at Orange in 1985. She paid $1400 for the filly at an Inglis sale.
She talks of her marriage to Frank Williams and a sudden move to Grafton in 2010. She may still be there had Frank not been offered a job at Gulgong.
Gayna talks about seven successful years of training at Mudgee, and a return to Bathurst as recently as 2020.
The talented horsewoman rode trackwork for thirty years but knee problems now keep her on the ground.
Gayna says she was relatively injury free during her many years on the training tracks.
She acknowledges the special horses who’ve helped to keep her at or near the top of the trainer’s ladder for many years.
Gayna makes special mention of recent winners like From The Bush, Zoo Station and Tags who are chasing more wins.
The trainer expounds on the benefits the TAB Highways have brought to country owners and trainers.
Gayna pays tribute to her elderly parents, now in retirement at Port Macquarie.
She’s reluctant to name favourites when it comes to the jockeys who’ve helped her along the way. She had to be coaxed. It’s a laid back chat with an outstanding horse trainer.
Tuesday Nov 02, 2021
Tuesday Nov 02, 2021
Great to chat with a man who co-founded Hyperion Thoroughbreds, one of the very earliest racehorse syndication companies in Australia. We find out what Allan’s been doing since a crippling recession brought Hyperion’s operation to a halt in 1990.
Allan takes us back to his childhood in Gravesend near Warialda when radio was a way of life to country people. He fell in love with the theatre of racing, the day he listened to the broadcast of the 1956 Melbourne Cup.
He talks of school days in Inverell and his first job at the Valuer General’s Department in Sydney. A job transfer to Moree led him to a friendship with Terry Mulhall, destined to become his business partner in later years.
Allan reflects on the creation of Hyperion Thoroughbreds and the concept of forming larger syndicates than those offered by predecessors.
He recalls the creation of the famous black and pink silks which signalled the emerging popularity of syndication.
He reflects on the tough guidelines introduced by the Corporate Affairs Commission in the 1970’s.
Allan looks back on the extensive methods of communication necessary to keep hundreds of owners informed about their horses.
He acknowledges some of the better horses to keep the Hyperion banner flying, beginning with the cheap Dubbo sale graduate Prince Clarendon.
Allan pays a special tribute to the evergreen Targlish, almost certainly the best horse to represent the company. The remarkable gelding raced 109 times for 17 wins and 31 placings.
He reflects on the ground breaking idea of purchasing a horse to race in America for Australian owners. He pays tribute to So Vague who won 5 races in the USA before being brought to Australia. He later won stakes races in Melbourne for Colin Hayes.
Allan acknowledges the devotion of some special trainers who gave great service to Hyperion Thoroughbreds.
He pays a special tribute to the veteran jockey who rode many winners in the Hyperion colours and frequently helped out behind the scenes.
Allan reflects on the inevitable winding down of the 16 year old company when the recession started to bite. Hyperion was one of hundreds of businesses to be brought to their knees. The last of the horses were placed according the wishes of their owners, and a great era had come to an end. It was a tough day for old mates Gainey and Mulhall.
Tuesday Oct 26, 2021
Tuesday Oct 26, 2021
Delighted to catch up with a bloke who boasts a racing pedigree to match that of any thoroughbred blueblood. Alan Gollogly is the son of the former successful Queensland jockey of the same name, and the grandson of Fred Best who won 17 Brisbane trainer’s premierships. Throw in his uncle, champion jockey Noel Best for good measure.
“Jock” talks of his current role as official track clocker for top Newcastle trainer Kris Lees.
He talks of the few hectic hours six mornings a week when he has to identify and clock a large number of horses.
“Jock” explains that he was engaged by Kris Lees after being made redundant by the famous form newspaper “Sportsman”.
He talks about his education in the 1960’s at Brisbane’s Nudgee College. His grandfather wasn’t keen for the youngster to work in racing and actually paid his school fees.
“Jock” describes the talents of the late Fred Best who is still talked about by veteran Queensland racing men. He remembers the deeds of his uncle Noel Best whose career was hindered by weight battles.
He pays tribute to his late father who passed away in 1992.
“Jock” looks back on his association with classy sprinter Bengalla Lad. He rode the horse into second place in the 1972 Stradbroke, but thought he’d lose the ride in the Doomben $10,000. A loyal owner made the difference.
The Newcastle clocker recalls an exciting day in 1974 when he rode five winners. He had to go to a couple of racetracks to make it happen.
He reflects on an unlikely win in a Port Moresby Cup. You’ll love the story about the offer he had to ride in an earlier race. He respectfully declined.
“Jock” looks back on a stint in the Queensland outback when he established an extraordinary strike rate. While living in Cunnamulla he received a shock phone call from a racing icon.
He talks of eight months in Hong Kong where he was usually on the longer priced stable runner.
Alan remembers a wonderful sequence of wins at a Grafton July carnival.
He agrees his life changed forever when invited to try his luck at Newcastle by a local trainer. He enjoyed wonderful support from trainers and won a Newcastle jockeys premiership.
The former jockey pays tribute to his greatest fan, 92 year old mother Joyce who’s a fixture at the local TAB.
“Jock” looks back on the shock discovery of a dangerous melanoma which brought the curtain down on his riding career.
He didn’t let the grass grow under his feet. Before long he was working in a leading Newcastle Menswear store and enjoying every minute of it.
He remembers his fleeting comeback two years later. He rode numerous winners but couldn’t regenerate the enthusiasm of old.
“Jock” talks of the opportunities that came his way over the next few years- lengthy stints with the Newcastle Herald, Prime TV, and Sky Racing Radio.
He looks back on a fun day at Randwick in 1994 when the AJC put on a race called “Golden Oldies” for former jockeys who could still do the job. He got himself on a smart one.
“Jock” talks of the two legendary gallopers he got to ride in trackwork.
Finally he pays tribute to long time partner Lindsay who left Brisbane to join him in Newcastle almost four decades ago.
It’s a laid back yarn with a good teller of tales.
Tuesday Oct 26, 2021
Tuesday Oct 26, 2021
Thanks to a devoted Melbourne racing historian we were able to access fifty year old recordings of race wins by Dual Choice. Listening to the calls I was reminded of the talents of this flying daughter of Showdown.
A quick spot of research, a scripting of the Dual Choice story and some good work from Supernova Sound and we had ourselves a podcast- a podcast for old timers like me, and those who like to hear about a good horse from any era.
My thanks to Dennis Najim, Bert Bryant and John Russell. Let’s head down memory lane.
Tuesday Oct 19, 2021
Tuesday Oct 19, 2021
Keagan is counting down the minutes to a specialist appointment on November 10th when he hopes to gain a clearance to ride again. He talks about the seemingly harmless tumble at Hawkesbury that left him with multiple injuries.
He reflects on a wonderful season that brought him more than a century of winners and a provincial premiership.
Keagan talks of his South African childhood and induction into the famed Durban Jockeys Academy.
He reminisces about his very first winning ride for his master Duncan Howells on the Scottsville track and his transfer to the legendary trainer Mike De Kock.
Keagan looks back on the surprise offer from the United Arab Emirates. De Kock encouraged him to grab the opportunity. He actually won a different kind of Gr 1 race in Dubai.
He talks of the chance meeting with a famous jockey which led to a riding stint in Ireland. He had four good seasons there.
Keagan reflects on a flying visit to England which brought him a Gr 2 win.
The much travelled jockey looks back on a short stint in Mauritius.
He talks of a return to the UK and a relationship with a young lady who worked for a prominent trainer. That lady is now Mrs Keagan Latham.
The story of his move to Australia and his first morning at Randwick trackwork makes for interesting listening.
Keagan talks of his first winning ride in Australia and a hurried trip back to England for his marriage to Nancy.
He reflects on his gradual rise through the ranks in NSW and his decision to concentrate on the provincial and near country circuit.
Keagan talks about his trackwork involvement. He attends when not travelling a long distance to a race meeting.
He acknowledges the trainers who’ve given him continued support and talks about a Scone Cup win for Maher/Eustace.
The jockey talks about the major Queensland win which eventuated when the winner of the race returned a positive swab.
Keagan talks about his unusual recreation away from racing- a different kind of horsepower.