John Tapp Racing

Episode 301: Deane Lester

With apologies for a voice recovering from laryngitis, I’m delighted to welcome Deane Lester to the podcast. The highly respected form guru and broadcaster reveals how he deals with the demands of ten radio commitments a week.

Dean explains that he rarely goes to the track but has the use of a home studio and all the benefits of modern technology.

He takes us through the format of an average week in the life of a professional form analyst, and discusses the highs and lows of the job.

Deane looks back on his childhood and the gradual emergence of the complications of spina bifida. He had his first major operation at age 18.

Despite the certainty of ongoing health issues, Deane knew he wanted a future involving racehorses. He couldn’t believe his good fortune when appointed official Cranbourne track watcher for the Sporting Globe, Truth and radio 3UZ.

He looks back on the way his career developed, and the media opportunities that came along.

Deane recalls his days as a serious punter, and one win big enough to propel him into the property market. 

Deane talks of his transition into the ranks of Melbourne’s serious form analysts, and pays tribute to his first tutor.

Lester has had a successful involvement in jockey management. He talks about some of the prominent riders to seek his services over the years.

Deane has had his share of luck as a racehorse owner. He remembers some of the horses to take him to the winners circle.

He nominates the two horses who head his list of all time favourites.

Deane acknowledges the talents of young jockey Jye McNeill who rocketed to stardom when he won the Melbourne Cup last year on Twilight Payment. Jye recently engaged the astute Lester as his full time mentor.

The remarkable 52 year old pays tribute to his devoted partner Leanne. Deane gives this special lady most of the credit for getting him to the barrier ten times a week, on several radio stations around Australia. 

Episode 300: Robert Thompson OAM

To mark our 300th podcast episode we present a chat with record breaking jockey Robert Thompson who sits on 4447 Australian winners as this interview is posted. He’s still riding at  age 63, but has greatly reduced his workload.

He talks of the huge benefits of the higher weight scale these days. 

Rob talks of life on the farm at Cessnock and his love of cattle.

The veteran jockey takes us back to the day he rode his 4000th winner- a BM60 at Newcastle on a little horse called Lay Down The Law. He remembers the fuss made of him after the history making event. 

Rob talks about the huge racing involvement on both sides of his family. He recalls being allowed to ride horses in the parade ring at small bush meetings while the stewards were otherwise occupied.

He remembers the thrill of his first win at Wyong in 1973.

Rob talks of his late grandmother Gwen whose support of her grandson at the races could sometimes get quite vocal. He relates one hilarious story about Nana Collins.

The great jockey recalls his first city win on a rogue called Semper Prima.

It’s a long time now since Rob won a couple of Gr 1’s on Romantic Dream. To this day he says the son of Baguette was the best horse he’s ridden.

He talks of his first Gr 1 success on Just A Steal in 1978 and the overtures that came from T.J.Smith and other leading trainers. He recalls a Champagne Stakes win for Neville Begg.

Rob pays tribute to My Star Sapphire who broke down after only 16 runs. The horse was trained by his father Arthur.

He talks of the jockeys who helped him along the way, including a couple who became his inspiration.

Rob looks back on his only Melbourne Cup ride and an unlikely trip to Hong Kong. Friends said he’d never handle the crush.

He reflects on a Canterbury Guineas win on Sharscay. It was Guy Walter’s first Gr 1 success. He acknowledges the talents of brilliant sprinter Moss Rocket.

Rob talks of his wonderful association with Ross Stitt and the magical ride they had with dual Gr 1 winner Heavenly Glow.

The jockey talks of his frequent trips to Northern Queensland and the success to come out of it.

Rob acknowledges his induction into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame.

Episode 299: Neville Begg

We get ongoing requests from regulars with podcast suggestions.  Sometimes our correspondents are unaware their choice has already featured. One name to keep coming up, is that of Neville Begg who joined the podcast eighteen months ago and was warmly received.

I spoke to Neville this week and found him in great fettle, just five months after his 90th birthday. He was flattered to learn that he’s getting another run .

The Hall Of Famer talks about his early life in Newcastle and his first tutor Ray Cashman.

 

He talks of that fateful day in 1945 when he arrived at Randwick to begin his apprenticeship with the legendary Maurice McCarten.

Neville discusses McCarten’s extraordinary riding career. He was already a two time premiership winner in NZ before coming to Australia where he rode another 1000 winners.  

Begg remembers his days with the quietly spoken McCarten who trained champions like Todman. The veteran horseman shares his memories of the iconic racehorse and stallion.

Neville recalls the racing career of the best mare Maurice McCarten got to train- the striking chestnut with the flaxen mane and tail. Wenona Girl won a stunning 27 races. Fifteen of them are today classified as Gr 1’s.

 

He remembers the deeds of the great jockey Neville Sellwood who was McCarten’s stable rider for more than a decade. Neville heard of Sellwood’s death in a Paris race fall, on an early morning news bulletin.

Neville could be the only man alive who rode afternoon exercise alongside the champion Bernborough- the horse he rates as the best he ever saw.

The great horseman looks back on his low profile start as a trainer and the horses who helped launch his career.

Neville remembers with great clarity the deeds of several outstanding racehorses to pass through his hands in three decades. There were two topliners who slipped through his fingers.

He looks back on a fruitful 20 year association with his stable jockey Ron Quinton.

To those who haven’t heard the Neville Begg podcast you’re in for a nostalgic journey to a romantic period in Sydney racing. I hope those who have heard it previously, will do us the honour one more time.  

Episode 298: Noel Callow

To describe Noel Callow as a “human headline” is probably a little over the top but he has certainly created a few in his time. As recently as last Saturday he was stood down by the Doctor following an incident in the barrier before the first race at the Gold Coast.

Noel talks of his snap decision to move to the Gold Coast two months ago after being embroiled in a couple of controversies in Melbourne. He hasn’t stopped riding winners since arriving in Queensland. He talks of the support he’s had from local trainers.

The jockey takes us back to childhood days in Adelaide and memories of his jockey father Kevin Callow who rode with great success as Noel was growing up.

The 46 year old talks of his initial apprenticeship to Pat Barnes and the long list of trainers for whom he worked over the next few years. Noel says some of those associations were brief because of his fiery nature.

He remembers his retirement at age 20 and his new job in a bottle shop. Callow talks of his brief stint as a jumps jockey and a nasty fall at Victoria Park.

Noel recalls his comeback at age 24 and the huge number of suspensions he incurred on the Victorian country and provincial circuit. He talks of the pristine diet he observes to this day.

The jockey talks of a sequence of major wins in Tasmania.

He pays tribute to his former manager Des O’Keefe and highlights his five Australian wins at Gr 1 level.

Noel has spent a lot of time in Asia. He looks back on experiences in Macau, Singapore and Mauritius. The latter stint ended unhappily.

He was happy to talk about a  nightmare experience in Malaysia only four years ago. Intoxication resulted in his arrest at Kuala Lumpur airport as he was attempting to leave the country illegally.

Noel elaborates on a brush with stewards earlier this year when he was interrogated about Twitter comments which suggested he wasn’t fit to ride a short priced favourite at Kilmore.

He also gives his views on a suspension imposed when charged with not allowing a horse to run on its merits at Benalla.

Noel concludes with his views on Gold Coast racing going forward.

Episode 297: Bob Charley AO

A fascinating chat with a man whose recent induction into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame is testimony to his enormous contribution to the sport. Bob begins by revealing the extent of his battle with Covid 19 last year.

He talks of his fascinating family background. On the maternal side he’s a member of the Lindsay family which gave so much to the arts in the early 20th century. His maternal grandmother introduced him to a different kind of art- the pursuit of the bookmaker’s money.

He pays tribute to his paternal grandfather Phillip Charley who was a member of the syndicate which discovered the greatest silver lode in Australian history.

Bob talks of school days and the influence of two classmates who shared his interest in racing.

He talks of a youthful desire to train a racehorse. He acquired a mare from a Sydney stable and won a race with her at Newcastle. He also got to ride her trackwork on one occasion.

Bob talks of an unsuccessful attempt to break into race broadcasting and his short stint as a bookmaker. He reminisces about one profitable Melbourne Cup day.

The versatile Bob Charley takes us back to the heady days of the Legal Eagles- a three man betting syndicate whose activities always attracted plenty of attention at the track.

Bob looks back on a lengthy involvement in the racing media. He was a popular presenter on 2KY, 2GB and TCN 9.

The 82 year old remembers his first administration post on the Hawkesbury Race Club Committee. A few years later he was elected to the AJC Committee on the retirement of Sir James Carr.

Bob describes his ascension to the role of AJC Chairman as one of the highlights of his long career.

He talks of the important developments which took place during his time as AJC Chairman. He looks back on the demise of the AJC as racing’s controlling body and his future contributions to the new Thoroughbred Racing Board and later the Australian Racing Board.

 

The veteran talks of his seven year labour of love- the publishing of his magnificent book, Heroes And Champions. Bob reveals that he has another book getting close to completion.

 

The newly inducted Hall Of Famer remembers some of the characters who frequented Sydney racecourses in the heady days of the 60’s and 70’s.

Bob pays a tribute to his wife Nina whose devoted support has enabled him to pursue his dreams.

It’s well documented that Bob is a devotee of the works of Banjo Paterson who acted as best man at the wedding of his maternal grandfather Sir Lionel Lindsay. It seemed fitting that Bob should close the podcast with a recital of one of his favourite Banjo poems.

“The Uplift” is not one of Banjo’s better known works. When you hear it you’ll wonder why it’s not up there with his all time classics. 

Listen carefully to the words. This was Banjo’s way of encouraging people to try a little harder when the chips are down.

Episode 296: Paul Cave

The genial Warwick Farm trainer is currently getting over multiple strokes which followed surgery for ongoing heart arrhythmia. The lanky Irishman is slowly getting back into the routine at his Mulgoa property, and was happy to talk to us. Paul explains that the first stroke came when he was out in the horse truck.

He reveals that his wife Martha was just getting over a broken leg when his health problems surfaced.

Paul talks about the very honest Monsieur Sisu who ran a close second at Rosehill a few days after this podcast was recorded.

The trainer takes us back to early days in Ireland when his affinity with horses became obvious.

He talks of his economical passage to Australia and his first job in Sydney. He recalls a chance meeting with a Doctor which led to his first involvement with a thoroughbred.

Paul remembers the thrill of his first training win at Newcastle and his initial city win.

He talks of his disappointment when the vacant land near Warwick Farm racecourse disappeared. He spent more time in Riley’s paddock than he did on the racecourse. He later purchased a property at Mulgoa.

Paul acknowledges several of the talented horses he’s had the good fortune to train over the years. It’s noticeable that the majority have been stayers.

He pointers a couple of likely future winners from his stable.

Episode 295: Regan Bayliss

Great to catch up with a young jockey who’s crammed a lot into his 24 years. Regan talks about the impressive win by Ballistic Lover at Rosehill on Saturday May 15th.

He reviews the impressive win by Brandenburg in the inaugural running of The Coast at Gosford on May 8th, and future plans for the gelding.

Regan talks of his Queensland upbringing and the happy days riding ponies on the Ripley property owned by his paternal grandparents.

He talks of the influence of his jockey father Jamie Bayliss who rode 250 winners in the first phase of his career. Regan is still in awe of his father’s decision to move to Victoria when he and brother Jake both expressed a desire to follow in his footsteps.

The young horseman looks back on his two phase apprenticeship- initially to Peter Moody and later with Hayes,Hayes and Dabernig.

He remembers with affection his flying start as a race rider- a winner at his first attempt.

Regan reflects on his first city winner, and his first stakes success. He talks of the thrilling occasion when he rode in a race at Mornington against his brother Jake and father Jamie who was on the comeback trail.

The twenty four year old talks of the golden opportunity afforded him by David Hayes to ride the imported sprinter Redkirk Warrior.

He still has to pinch himself to believe he won three Melbourne Gr 1’s on the exciting horse and got to ride him on the famous Newmarket course in England.

Regan acknowledges a few more Melbourne winners who helped him gain recognition and the Hong Kong season which was marred by a wrist injury.

The jockey reveals that he was encouraged to try his luck in Sydney by Randwick trainer Anthony Cummings who continues to support him generously. He talks of two talented Cummings horses Libertini and Mizzy.

Regan talks of his chance meeting with partner Sheridan Paine at a Golden Slipper meeting. The daughter of former jockey Neil Paine soon joined him in Melbourne, and later accompanied him to Hong Kong when a surprise offer came up.

He talks of his ability to ride lighter than the majority of jockeys, and his resolution to stay in Sydney for the long haul.

Episode 294: Donna Castles

This is an inspirational chat with a remarkable Victorian trotting lady. Donna talks about the Victorian trotting industry’s support of the “Pacing For Pink” promotion which works in conjunction with the McGrath Foundation. 

Donna, universally known as “Sissy” talks of her own personal battle with breast cancer in 2016. She looks back on her diagnosis, rehabilitation and the effects of the ordeal on herself and family.

“Sissy” pays tribute to her father Jim Castles who drove his first winner in the 1950’s and was still driving in races sixty years later. Despite a strong hereditary factor, Donna didn’t begin her race driving career until she was 42 years old.

She looks back on some of the good horses trained by her father in the golden years at Sydney’s Harold Park.

Donna talks of her only sibling Sandra and her hard working mother Monica.

She explains why she and partner “Doc” Wilson relocated to Shepparton almost twenty years ago and her reasons for taking up race driving at a late stage of life.

“Sissy” talks of the thrilling occasion of her first race drive, and acknowledges the horses who helped kick start her professional career.

She talks of the freakish fall at Cobram last year which could have left her with serious injuries. 

Donna explains the reason behind the re- registration of the colours her father used in NSW for six decades.

The talented horsewoman outlines the facilities to be found on the Shepparton training property she runs with partner “Doc”. The couple’s 18 year old daughter has learned the fundamentals but has no intention of following in Mum’s footsteps.

We run through Donna’s impressive training and driving statistics.

Episode 293: John Shelton

It’s always good to head out of town for a podcast chat and this week we go to Grafton to catch up with John Shelton. A multiple premiership winner in northern NSW, John made his mark on the big stage when he prepared Belflyer to win the inaugural Kosciuszko. John talks of his concerns on the day when the track was classified a Heavy 10.

The Grafton trainer talks of the immediate impact of the occasion and the many emotions he experienced.

He talks of his association with winning jockey Adam Hyeronimus who’d been apprenticed to him in Grafton.

The trainer talks of Belflyer’s early history and the circumstances that brought the gelding to his Grafton stables.

John talks of the communication between connections and the slotholders who were responsible for Belflyer making the Kosciuszko field.

Shelton talks of his riding days in Glen Innes and the two trainers who got him up and running. One of those trainers prepared Tiny’s Finito who won an amazing 40 races.

John explains his reason for moving to Grafton as a full time trackwork rider, and his association with an owner who would have a tremendous influence on his future.

He remembers his association with a future dual Gr 1 winner.

John pays tribute to several good horses who helped shape his destiny and the talented apprentices he’s had the pleasure to tutor.  

The trainer talks about a former professional golfer who has become a staunch friend and a huge help in the day to day running of the stables.

John pointers a couple of horses in his stable currently that may pay to follow.

He concludes by acknowledging the enormous stimulus to country racing generated by increased prize money and the introduction of city races for country trained horses.

Episode 292: Brenton Avdulla

Great to catch up with one of the most consistent performers among the Sydney riding ranks. Brenton talks of his lightning visit to Brisbane on the weekend which brought a Gr 2 winner.

He reflects on his recent Gr 1 All Aged Stakes win on the Chris Waller trained Kolding.

The young jockey remembers his introduction to racing by his bookmaker father Peter, and his early role model among the Melbourne jockeys.

Brenton talks of school days and the classmate whose father happened to be a horse trainer. Work experience led him to an apprenticeship.

He’s never forgotten his first winning ride. He took two carloads to Bendigo to give him support. The horse won despite a pretty average ride.

He talks of his first metropolitan winner in Adelaide and his important initial winner in Melbourne.

Brenton recalls the surprise phone call that would bring him to Sydney. He never returned to Melbourne.

He remembers the chestnut mare who provided his first two Gr 1 wins and propelled him into the big time in Sydney.

Brenton looks back on his two Melbourne Gr 1 winners, a sprinter and a stayer. He won a Lightning Stakes on Snitzerland and a Crown Oaks on the $101 “pop” Lasqueti Spirit. The Oaks story is riveting.

The thrill of winning races like the Epsom, Oaks, Lightning Stakes and Randwick Guineas paled into insignificance alongside his Golden Slipper win on Estijaab. This is his day of days so far.

He looks back on his golden season in 2017/2018- three individual premierships.

Brenton reflects on his three exciting trips to Japan at the invitation of the JRA.

The jockey speaks affectionately of his father-in-law, former successful jockey Neil Paine.

Brenton acknowledges the support of his wife Taylor and the joy provided by seventeen month old son Hunter who boasts a strong racing pedigree.

It’s a relaxed chat with a pleasant young bloke who deserves his spot among Sydney’s top jockeys.