John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
The moment news of Ray’s retirement hit the airwaves it became a priority to lock him in for a podcast. After all I have known the man for fifty four years, and we spent a lot of time together in his early days with the 2GB Macquarie team. His journey in Australian sports media has been a fascinating one- from a humble start as a harness racing commentator on Riverina tracks, to the upper echelon of Australian sports broadcasting.
He admits there was a major degree of sadness surrounding his decision to retire.
Ray says a century of State Of Origins would have been the perfect way to end his career, but he resisted the temptation.
He talks of wife Cher’s concerns about his increasing anxiety attacks.
Ray was happy to talk of his early family life in Junee. He was the youngest of seven born to parents Joe and Win. He pays tribute to his Mum and Dad.
He reminisces about a trip he and I made to Junee in the early 70’s. Our opportunity to call a race or two at the Junee trots was thwarted by a freak cloudburst.
Ray was gobsmacked to learn that a bronze likeness of himself was to be erected in his hometown. He shares the full story about an idea promulgated by his great friend Ray Hadley.
The recent retiree talks of his fascination with the legendary race caller Ken Howard. He was humbled to work with Ken for a short time after his move to Sydney in 1969.
Ray reviews some early events in his working life.
He talks of his elation when offered a full time job with prominent regional radio station 2LF, and the surprise telegram which conveyed an invitation to join 2GB.
Ray looks back on early days when he and I shared race calling duties at the provincial gallops and Harold Park trots.
He talks of his very first association with Channel 9- the opportunity to call live greyhound racing on a Saturday night programme called British Comedy Gone To The Dogs.
The ace sports commentator looks back on 2GB’s shock decision to become a full TAB station in 1972. The new format failed miserably. The punters loved it but there were not enough of them to keep the station afloat in the tough Sydney market.
Ray has never forgotten the day his boss Garth Cary sent him to the SCG when the resident football caller took ill. It was to change his life.
He looks back on the shock offer from the Ten Network to head up the commentary team on a new and exciting concept called the Amco Cup.
Ray was thrilled to return to race calling during his Ch 10 days. He got to call three Melbourne Cups. He was devastated in 1986 when Rex Mossop was brought over from Ch 7 to take over Rugby League duties. He explains how Skychannel kept him afloat during an unhappy time in his life.
He talks of the undreamed of opportunity to call the football for the Nine Network, unquestionably his golden years. Ray nominates his favourite Grand Final and nominates the players for whom he had the most respect and admiration.
Ray talks of the style he developed over the years with one surprise revelation.
He pays tribute to some of his favourite co- presenters.
Rabs talks of family- sons Mark and Chris and his only daughter Holly. He makes special mention of his four grandchildren.
He confirms that he’ll continue to contribute to the Nine Network coverage.
You’ll enjoy a trip down memory lane with a true master of his trade.
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Great to catch up with the girl who left her busy father a note to ask for her first pony. Robert Murray agreed, and the first stone was laid on the path to his daughter’s career as a respected professional jockey. Rachael’s on the injured list at the moment otherwise she would have been difficult to pin down for an interview. She looks back on the day she left that note on the kitchen table.
Rachael looks back on her early life on the family farm near Inverell, with her recollections of some severe droughts.
She talks of the talents of the little grey pony called Suzie and some fun filled days at pony club.
Rachael remembers her second horse- a quarter horse gelding who had little natural talent. She had to educate him from scratch.
She talks of her siblings and pays tribute to her mother Rosemarie who had the job of taking her to horse events all over the north western region.
Rachael talks of her university enrolment and the degree she attained in Agricultural Sciences. One of her classmates was an apprentice jockey who changed the course of her life.
She talks of the picnic winner she rode before becoming officially apprenticed.
Rachael looks back on her short time with Frank Tanner in Armidale and a transfer to Scone trainer Greg Bennett. She has fond memories of her very first winner, a horse trained by Bindi Cheers.
Rachael acknowledges some nice horses she rode for her master Greg Bennett.
She talks of her indentureship to Michael Costa in the latter stages of her apprenticeship and the support given her by Warwick Farm trainer Mark de Montfort.
Rachael runs through some of her career highlights for trainers like Paul Perry, Jane Clement, Mick O’Neill, Aleecia Bennett, Warren Gavenlock, and Peter Sinclair.
She speaks fondly of Mr Pumblechook, the former racehorse she’s now schooling as a show jumper. She loves him to death.
She talks of the injuries sustained in her recent fall at Tamworth.
Rachael says she looks forward to her return to regular trackwork at Scone.
She talks of the increasing number of female riders in her region.
The dedicated jockey expresses her gratitude for the luxury of being able to eat regular meals.
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
It’s a pity we didn’t get to talk to Kim about her stunning Rosehill double with French Bonnet and Kingsheir on Saturday. This interview was recorded the previous day shortly after she’d arrived home from the Gosford trials.
Kim talks about the frustration trainers are experiencing with the neverending run of wet tracks in Sydney.
She talks about the twenty hectare property at Jilliby where all of her horses are spelled and pre-trained before going into her Wyong stables. Sometimes they go back to the property for a freshen up.
Kim talks of the recently retired Trumbull, one of her all time favourites. She says he hasn’t been the same horse since suffering a heart arrhythmia last year.
The successful trainer talks of her childhood obsession with horses and early days in pony club.
Kim talks of her introduction to harness racing and her first boss, the extraordinary horseman Charlie Parsons. Anybody in the district who had a problem horse went to Charlie Parsons.
She talks of her first winning drive and her initial winner at Harold Park.
Kim pays tribute to the best harness horse she ever drove- a pint sized mare called Ranji Bill who became a great favourite with the huge Harold Park crowds of the day.
She nominates the race driver who became her role model.
Kim’s one of few trainers to win their very first race on a metropolitan track. She’s never forgotten the Canterbury midweek win by Prince O Jazz.
She talks of the first really nice horse she got to train, the consistent Never True with whom she won 9 races including 5 in town.
Deeply entrenched in her affections is the durable Catapult (not to be confused with a current competitor of the same name). Kim won 11 races with the son of Luskin Star including a Grafton Cup.
We’ve devoted extra time for Kim’s tribute to her precious Gr 1 winner Mahtoum after whom the Jilliby property is named. The trainer takes us through the many happy times she had with the durable stayer.
Kim acknowledges good performers Enforced and Spinning Con and talks of her relentless efforts to win a Provincial Championship Final.
She talks of current hopefuls Conrad and Great News and her strike rate in the Midway series. French Bonnet’s win last Saturday was her fifth, and takes her to the top of the Midway trainer’s ladder.
Kim pays tribute to her husband of 17 years, the iconic Australian cricketer Mark Waugh.
She talks of her long time friend and racing manager Robyn Hartney.
Kim has some nice things to say about her former apprentice Jay Ford who still rides regularly for the stable.
Finally to her beloved Bully, the donkey whose mother rejected him at birth. The little fellow’s antics are frequently reported by Kim on social media. We hear more about the life of Bully.
Thursday Jun 02, 2022
Thursday Jun 02, 2022
Great to catch up with Barry Lockwood who’s back on deck following two unrelated health issues. The talented horseman talks openly about his serious cancer scare, and the loss of a toe as a result of a golden staph infection. His famous sense of humour is never far away.
Barry pays tribute to son Rick who ran the stable during his father’s lengthy hospitalisation.
He talks of his relocation from stables near the 1800m mark at Eagle Farm to the infield barn.
Barry talks of his early life in Tamworth and the racing interests of his dad Ross.
His interest in horses led him to an apprenticeship with veteran Tamworth farrier Arthur Marshall who taught him the finer points of the blacksmithing business. He talks of the many skills of his tutor.
Barry became a commercial farrier and was always in demand. The experience he gained in those early days has served him well.
He recalls a phone call from Rosehill trainer Paul Sutherland which led to his first job out of Tamworth.
Barry talks of a surprise offer he received from expatriate NZ trainer Brian Smith.
On going solo as a trainer Barry ran into major strife when charged with being party to a horse not being allowed to run on its merits. He recalls the trauma of the occasion.
He reflects on an assignment he undertook for well known owner/breeder and veterinary surgeon Alan Bell - the preparation of young horses for ready to run sales.
Barry remembers his return to training and the acquisition of stables at Rosehill.
The trainer talks of a lightly framed filly who won a couple of city races but would achieve fame as a broodmare.
He looks back on a short but exciting journey with a NZ bred filly who was injured in a Golden Slipper and failed to regain her best form.
Barry talks of his three year stint training from Brian Smith’s Warwick farm stables.
He looks back on a move to Port Macquarie where he trained a small team, shod racehorses and tried his hand at raising children.
Then came a two year stint running a spelling and pre training property. He had an association with a Queensland horse for whom he had special admiration.
Barry looks back on a short stint at a Victorian racing operation, before returning to his native Tamworth with second wife Karen.
The freezing Tamworth winters eventually saw him head to Queensland where he’s been training successfully for a decade.
Barry profiles a number of talented horses who’ve helped to establish him among the Queensland training ranks.
He has high praise for a couple of young jockeys with whom he’s been associated in Brisbane.
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Tuesday May 24, 2022
When Cliff Brown arrived in Singapore in 2008 equine virus had paralysed the racing industry in most parts of eastern Australia. It was nine months before Cliff was able to transport Aussie horses to his new training base. After a tardy start he went on to enjoy 13 fruitful years in Singapore. He talks of the endless Covid lockdown which brought him back to Australia last year.
Cliff looks back on a very satisfying thirteen years in a city he grew to love.
The trainer profiles some very talented horses he got to train in Singapore. There was one he didn’t train but admired greatly.
Cliff talks about The Inferno who won eight of his nine starts in Singapore before being flown to Melbourne where he won the McEwen Stakes before being narrowly beaten in the Gr 1 Moir. Those performances earned him an invitation into The Everest.
The fifty two year old horseman takes us back to his early years at Narbethong where his father bred a few horses.
Cliff says his dad Don wasn’t a hands on horseman but an expert on thoroughbred pedigrees.
He talks of a homebred called Average Game who sired two of his all time favourite horses.
Cliff pays tribute to Cheviot- his first Gr 1 winner.
He acknowledges the deeds of Tarnpir Lane with whom he won a Gr 1 Rosehill Guineas and a Gr 2 Memsie Stakes. He placed in several elite races. Cliff says he was an average trainer when he had Tarnpir Lane.
Cliff loved Markham, one of his three South Australian Derby winners and later destined to run third in a Melbourne Cup.
He profiles Blue Murder, yet another SA Derby winner.
Cliff talks of his Adelaide Cup success with The A Train. He admits it wasn’t a strong Cup but a Gr 1 is a Gr 1 anywhere, anytime.
He talks of his current base at Mornington and the excellent facilities available to local trainers.
Cliff talks of his children India (23), Harvey (20) and Felix (16) who spent a large part of their early years in Singapore.
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
James Heddo thought he was in need of a change of career direction when he resigned from the ATC Executive team in 2020. He found that. change in the hospitality industry, spending some 15 months as CEO of the Terrigal Bowling Club. He hadn’t factored in the withdrawal symptoms associated with leaving the racing industry after 33 years. Few were surprised when he was recently appointed as CEO of the Hawkesbury Race Club. We talk to James about time away from the racetrack.
He talks of the rich history of racing in the Hawkesbury region, and the high profile Sydney trainers who are clamoring for stable accommodation.
James takes us back to the Doomben meeting he attended with his mother and siblings in 1978. He says the outing was the catalyst for his career in racing even though he was completely lost on the day.
He looks back on the special day a decade later when he started his new job as a racing assistant with the Sydney Turf Club. Part of the job was to attend Rosehill trackwork every morning. Some of his most cherished memories come from this era.
James nominates his favourite trainer, horse and jockey.
The experienced administrator recalls his move to Townsville after twelve years with the STC. He loved every minute of his five years in northern Queensland.
James looks back on the chance phone conversation that led him to an appointment as the CEO of the Bendigo Jockey Club. Again he cherished the experience.
A lover of the NSW Central Coast from an early age, James jumped at the opportunity to take over as CEO of the Gosford Race Club. He learned many other facets of race club administration over the next eight years.
With 28 years in race club administration under his belt, it was no surprise when James Heddo landed the role of Executive General Manager of Racing Services with the Australian Turf Club. James looks back on his five years with the relatively new race club.
James pays tribute to some special people who helped shape his career.
It’s a pleasant trip down memory lane with a man who’s made many friends in racing over more than three decades.
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Tuesday May 10, 2022
“He always seems to have a handy horse in the stable”, is an old racing adage which traditionally applies to smaller racing stables.
Steve Englebrecht has been one of those trainers for most of his forty year career. The semi retired horseman has only two horses in work currently, but both can gallop. He talks about his promising three year old filly Chilko Lake.
Steve talks about the filly’s sire Vancouver. Although a Golden Slipper winner himself, he seems to be producing horses who handle a middle distance effectively. He also explains the derivation of Chilko Lake’s name.
The trainer talks about early days in Muswellbrook and the influence of his parents Ron and Rita -both horse trainers. Steve pays tribute to the best horse he’s ever put a bridle on.
Steve recalls his move to Gosford and the Queensland horse who kick started his solo training career.
He looks back on his move to Warwick Farm and acknowledges the reliable horses who’ve kept his name to the fore over 25 years. Winning Hand, Irish Rort, Santiago Belle, Speedy Belle and Dottoressa were among his favourites.
Steve remembers his happy association with the genuine gelding Referral. The son of Dr. Grace won only one Gr 1 but raced with distinction at the elite level for most of his career.
He talks about the uncle and nephew duo who owned Referral. The uncle was Steve’s barber.
Steve pays tribute to his talented stable apprentice Craig Agnew, a lightweight jockey who rode for many of the top stables during his brief career.
He reflects on his Pago Pago Stakes win with Genius And Evil. He loved the horse and was disappointed when the owners accepted a big offer from Hong Kong interests.
Great to catch up with a member of a Hunter Valley racing dynasty.
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Great to catch up with a very switched on trainer who has sailed past the 1000 career win tally. Joe explains that he discourages owners from keeping horses who are not paying their way.
He talks of his non racing family background and the early punting involvement that sparked his love of racing.
Joe talks about the Psychology Degree he embarked upon at Sydney University. His parents were displeased when he quit after the first year.
The trainer looks back on his invaluable four years as stable foreman for the master trainer John Size.
Joe reflects on his decision to go solo when John Size accepted an offer to train in Hong Kong.
He remembers his first training success at Wyong in 2001, and his initial city winner.
Joe profiles Red Oog, his first elite level horse and the first of his 14 Gr 1 wins.
The fifty year old has great affection for Vision And Power who came to him from Victoria with one win on his CV. He went on to win two Gr 1’s.
He pays tribute to an all time favourite Terravista, winner of 11 races including 2 Gr 1’s and $2.6 million. Joe loved this horse.
He acknowledges the talents of top mares Sacred Choice and Regal Cheer.
Joe speaks highly of last year’s Epsom winner Private Eye and his long time association with Proven Thoroughbreds. Stockman gets a good mention.
The trainer talks of another quality mare Steps In Time with whom he won the Gr 1 Coolmore Classic.
Joe pays tribute to several more of his favourite horses including the remarkable Destiny’s Kiss. He won 10 stakes races with the remarkable veteran. He acknowledges a successful association with Tricolours Racing and Syndication.
He pays an enormous tribute to his all time favourite Eduardo.
The whole story is riveting.
Joe admits he’s not a chaser of two year old talent, but he’s wrapped in one particular colt he has on the team.
He concludes with a tribute to family- wife Kylie, son Brave and daughters Alice and Charlie. Racing Manager Orla Pearl also gets the nod of approval from the boss. A laid back chat with one of Sydney’s most professional trainers.
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed my chat with Sheila Laxon ONZM who’s now training in tandem with her partner John Symons on the Sunshine Coast.Welsh born Sheila was riding ponies on the family farm at age three, a precursor to a fascinating life with horses.
She begins by recalling her first meeting with John Symons when she brought Ethereal over for the 2001 Victorian spring carnival.
Sheila says John was training a pretty good two year old colt at the time who would go on to spectacular racetrack and stud success.
She talks of life on the Sunshine Coast and a Magic Millions Country Cup success.
Welsh born Sheila recalls her early childhood in Pontypridd where she learned to ride bareback.
She looks back on early experience with the Ted Long stables at Eltham and a subsequent job with John Dunlop at the Duke Of Norfolk’s famous Arundel training centre.
Sheila remembers her world trip at age 18 and her fascination with NZ racing.
On returning to NZ later she was able to gain an amateur jockey’s licence. She was a winner at her very first ride.
Sheila has never forgotten the first time she met Laurie Laxon. She wasn’t overly impressed.
Sheila talks of her marriage to Laurie and the arrival of a son and daughter. She was also step mother to Laurie’s two children from a previous marriage. Today she’s a grandmother nine times over.
She has vivid memories of the giant mare Empire Rose.
The talented horsewoman still shudders when she looks back on a sickening fall at Gisborne and the long road back.
On a more pleasant theme she recalls having the job of breaking in and educating Ethereal. She pleaded with owner Sir Peter Vela to allow her to train the future multiple Gr 1 winner.
Sheila recaps her exciting journey with Ethereal and pays tribute to jockey Scott Seamer.
She talks of the burgeoning relationship with John Symons and a horror accident at Macedon Lodge destined to put her in a wheelchair for many months.
Sheila nominates a few horses to watch from her current team.
This is a lovely trip down memory lane with Sheila Laxon who in 2002 was appointed an officer of the New Zealand Order Of Merit for her services to racing.
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Despite missing the first month of the current racing season, Brooke Stower finds herself in 15th spot on the NSW jockey’s premiership ladder with over three months to go. Brooke spent a full year on the sidelines after a freakish accident at Grafton in 2020. Her comeback has been one of the best racing stories in recent years. We talk to the Tamworth based jockey about the endless miles she travels to bush meetings.
The young jockey fondly remembers the winning double at Grafton last year which catapulted her back into the winner’s circle.
Brooke talks of her Toowoomba based family and their passion for the campdrafting sport. She also highlights the career of uncle Michael Boyce Jnr, a former jockey who won two races on a champion NZ galloper.
The twenty eight year old reflects on her apprenticeship to Toowoomba trainer Tony Sears.
She explains that Tony wasn’t the trainer of her very first winner. She had to drive seven hours to Cunnamulla to achieve that feat.
The jockey pays tribute to a couple of special horses she got to ride during her time with the Sears stable.
Brooke recalls her transfer to Rob Heathcote and a very productive twelve months with the leading stable.
During that time she won a race on Rocky King for trainer Tom Bourke. She still rates Rocky King the best she’s
ridden to date.
Brooke talks of her highly successful association with Moree trainer Peter Sinclair. They’ve had some great days together.
The hard working jockey reflects on the mounting yard spill which would result in an emergency flight to the Royal North Shore Spinal Unit and one long year out of the saddle.
Brooke looks back on the cumbersome devices she had to wear during her rehabilitation.
She looks back on the unexpected double at Grafton last September which would regenerate her career.
Brooke says she’s having trouble getting her head around the amazing run she’s had since returning to the saddle.
She talks of the top Sydney jockey who was her first role model, and the two female riders who’ve been her inspiration.
Female jockeys have taken their riding talents to another level in the past decade. Brooke Stower is among the best.