John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
Michael was in the broadcast box at Los Alamitos when we caught up with him recently. We begin by talking about his Aussie accent, unchanged after more than thirty years in the USA.
He talks of his appointment as track announcer at the Los Alamitos track in California in the wake of his shock dismissal by the owners of Santa Anita.
Michael takes us through the dual breed format of Los Alamitos programming - the combination of thoroughbred and quarter horse racing.
We turn back the clock to the day Michael and I arrived at Hollywood Park for a six meeting commitment. If the crowds and simulcast viewers liked the Queenslander’s style he had the job at the famous track.
Michael remembers Marjorie Everett, the dynamic chairperson of the Hollywood Park Operating Company and some of her eccentric ways.
He reflects on the first big race he got to call in California featuring the clash of two topliners.
Michael was stunned when offered the chance to share calling duties at the reopening of Agua Caliente where Phar Lap had won his only race outside Australia.
He looks back on the first of several interruptions to his career. Marjorie Everett was deposed as Hollywood Park supremo and the new administration preferred another caller. He quickly gained a new job at Bay Meadows in San Francisco.
The Aussie commentator talks of a brief return to Hollywood Park and the opportunity to feature in an episode of the famous Seinfeld sitcom.
Michael talks of his dismissal from Bay Meadows. Luckily he still had employment with Golden Gate Fields, another famous San Francisco track.
He talks of an offer from an exciting new track in Texas. Retama Park opened amidst great fanfare, but closed before the completion of its first season.
Around this time Michael enjoyed a brief stint at the famous Arlington Park track in Chicago. During this time he got to call a history making performance by the champion Cigar.
Life took a bizarre twist for Michael when he was reappointed by Hollywood Park after the shock resignation of Trevor Denman. He called the race in which Lafitt Pincay Jnr broke Willie Shoemaker’s riding record.
The much travelled Wrona talks of an exciting offer from another Texan enterprise called Lone Star Park where he would spend five years. For three years during Lone Star’s off season he worked at Fairgrounds in New Orleans. Both tracks were taken over by new management and history repeated itself when Michael was finished up.
Michael talks of his separation from first wife Julie whose acting career kept them apart for long periods of time. His spirits were lifted by the opportunity to call the 2000 Preakness Stakes.
In 2005 he returned to California where he called the races for both Golden Gate and Bay Meadows. He talks of a quick trip to Argentina to cover South America’s biggest race.
Michael talks of 2015- a helluva year for the expatriate Aussie. He won the job at Santa Anita after a prolonged audition process, and had to deal with the persistence of his first stalker.
By now he’d become very philosophical about the lack of job security in the US. His dismissal from Santa Anita shocked him to the core.
On a lighter note Michael talks of his marriage to the delightful Kathy and the interpretation of certain expressions he used in his race calls- expressions happily accepted in Australia but not so in the States.
He talks of a whirlwind schedule through 2019 which gave him little time to think about the Santa Anita disaster.
It’s a lovely catch up with the Brisbane kid who has showcased the Australian style of race calling all over the USA.
Tuesday Aug 17, 2021
Tuesday Aug 17, 2021
Great to catch up with Coffs Harbour trainer Brett Bellamy who grew up among the Hawkesbury race crowd but moved to the north coast with his family as a 17 year old. All he ever wanted to do was train racehorses. He talks of early days in the Hawkesbury Valley.
Brett talks of his 35 years as a commercial trainer and the facilities available at the Coffs Harbour track. He mentions the famous Boambee Beach.
He talks of the support he’s had over the years from Queensland’s Kruger family who operate the famous Lyndhurst Stud at Warwick.
Brett looks back on a two year learning stint with astute trainer Mal Barnes at Randwick. He befriended a stable apprentice who has become a popular figure on Sydney racing media.
He remembers his happy two years with the breeding arm of the famous Lindsay Park operation at Angaston in South Australia. Colin Hayes made regular appearances at the stud. Brett met his future wife Julie at the Angaston pub.
The trainer looks back on a one season job with a small Tamworth stud.
He remembers the beginning of his training career at Coffs and Mahlula Star, the horse to get him up and running.
Brett looks back on the curiously named Chocolate Starfish who provided him with a few thrills on city tracks.
He looks back on fun times with Sectagonal, a horse he purchased from Sydney connections for $12,500. He won 9 races with the Octagonal gelding including eight on Brisbane metropolitan tracks.
Brett acknowledges several horses who’ve kept the stable flag flying.
He talks of a special day at Armidale when he provided the first race win for a jockey who was destined for the big stage. The young jockey ran into some trouble with the stewards on the day.
Brett recalls his association with another burgeoning riding star, and pays tribute to some of the talented apprentices to come under his care over the years.
He recalls the impact of the tragic accident suffered by one of those apprentices Daniel Baker who died two days after a Grafton race fall- the lowest point in Brett’s career.
Brett talks of his current apprentice, 18 year old daughter Courtney who rode her third winner from just over 30 rides at Port Macquarie last week. He’s very happy with her progress.
He predicts a future away from racing for 16 year old son Declan.
Brett pays a special tribute to his stable jockey Raymond Spokes. He says Spokes is one of the most reliable jockeys he’s ever known. It’s a nice yarn with a popular country trainer.
Tuesday Aug 17, 2021
Tuesday Aug 17, 2021
You’ll go a long way to find anybody more passionate about harness racing than forty year old trainer Troy Williams who’s enjoying a winning streak at the moment. He talks about the stable runners who are making it possible.
Troy loves a trotter and talks about Affaire De Cover who won a major 2YO Trot last year in torrential rain, and didn’t put a foot wrong. He explains that the horse got his name by accident.
He profiles the stable favourite Iona Grinner who was tried as a pacer but couldn’t keep up. One day Troy left the hopples off, and got the shock of his life. The mare has won 20 races at Menangle at the trot.
Troy has unpleasant memories of the floodwaters that inundated his Windsor property earlier this year. Trotting friends got him out of trouble.
He explains that he enjoys the occasional race drive but chooses to use experienced drivers who are competing regularly.
Troy outlines the advantages of the 1600m training track he uses adjacent to Hawkesbury racecourse. 150 horses use the facility.
The trainer talks of early days at Dubbo and the talents of his parents.
Troy reflects on his first meeting with his wife Iona who was a member of the NSW Mounted Police. He speaks of the equine interest of six year old daughter Charlie.
He outlines his administrative role with the NSW Trotters Association.
Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
Peter recalls the freakish accident in 2014 that brought his successful riding career to an end. The jockey wisely heeded the advice of neurosurgeons regarding his future. He quickly got a new career up and running.
Peter confirms that he still rides regular trackwork, but closely monitors the area of his spinal injury.
He talks of the handy horses who’ve helped to establish his training career.
Pete looks back on the severe setback he suffered early in his training career when a major owner moved horses to other trainers. A fellow trainer came to the rescue.
He speaks of the great compliment afforded him by a fellow trainer who asked him to become the regular trackwork rider of one of Australia’s most celebrated horses.
Peter reviews his riding career beginning with an apprenticeship in Benalla (Vic) and the valuable tutoring he received from a senior jockey.
He looks back on his very first win in a stayer’s event at Tatura. He says it wasn’t a pretty ride.
Peter remembers a horse called Simple As That who gave his career a significant boost in the mid nineties. He won a string of races on the grey and was placed in a Gr 1 event.
The trainer talks of his love of sedan racing and the VL Commodore he still has in storage at his parent’s home in Benalla.
Pete reflects on the invitation from trainer Clarry Conners that propelled his decision to move to Sydney. He talks of an early stakes win for Clarry.
The forty nine year old horseman looks back on his first career Gr 1 success- the 2008 Rosehill Guineas for Anthony Cummings.
Pete looks back on three more wins at the elite level.
He’s totally honest about the major setback he suffered when convicted of betting offences in 2010. You’ll be surprised to learn how he spent the time during his disqualification.
Peter talks of his teenage daughter Haley who’s showing plenty of talent in the show ring. A good yarn with a talented horseman.
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Great to catch up with one of the elite jockeys of the 70’s and 80’s. Gary admits he didn’t want to come to Australia in 1974 when offered the ride on Battle Heights. He says the NZ jockeys premiership was his priority.
The former ace rider talks of his venture in the hotel business after a career ending race fall.
He talks of the injury toll from the fateful fall at Yarra Glen.
Gary takes us back to childhood days in Auckland when he would go to the races with his parents.
He reflects on work experience in the stable of leading trainer Fred Smith who later indentured him.
Gary looks back on his first winner Silver Lad. The horse started at cricket score odds.
He remembers his chance meeting at the races with the young lady from Matamata destined to become his wife. The Willetts are approaching 56 years of marriage.
The veteran horseman has never forgotten the horse who changed his life. He takes us through the remarkable career of an iron gelding called Battle Heights.
Gary was stable jockey for Bon Hoysted when a precocious chestnut son of Manihi arrived in the stable. He remembers Manikato’s quirky early habits and takes us through the amazing career of a powerhouse sprinter.
He reflects on the training genius of Bob Hoysted.
Willetts pays tribute to several other topliners he was fortunate enough to ride beginning with Rose Of Kingston who became the first filly in 38 years to win the AJC Derby.
This was my first interview with Gary Willetts in many years. It was a treat to catch up with a true gentleman of the turf.
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Great to catch up with one of country racing’s most popular trainers. Peter talks of the early starts necessary to get his horses worked before reporting for duty as a Telstra technician.
He acknowledges the efforts of his ground staff and wife Jenny.
Peter outlines the daily routine observed by himself and apprentice Jacob Golden. The pair ride twenty horses between them most mornings.
He talks of a normal day in his life as a Telstra technician.
The fourth generation horseman explains that he’s one of only three trainers to use the Moree track. He pays tribute to the Club President and Secretary.
Peter tells us more about Moree’s unique location on the famous Artesian Basin, and the benefits derived from a never ending supply of quality bore water.
He relates some tales about previous generations of Sinclair horsemen.
The trainer looks back on two attempts to establish himself as a professional jockey. He rode plenty of winners but paid the penalty.
Peter enjoys competing on the picnic circuit in northern NSW. He talks about some of the legendary amateur races in the region.
The busy horseman discusses his constant travelling to race meetings from Goondiwindi to Scone.
Peter didn’t make his TAB Highway debut until 2020. He ran second and fourth at his first appearance. He says he won’t undertake the long trip unless he feels he has the right horse. That’s a tip in itself.
He reflects on wins in many country Cups in the region. His three Moree Cup wins are very special.
Peter acknowledges the efforts of his regular jockeys.
He talks about his much loved family. Jack and Jorja haven’t followed him into the racing industry but Nathan is training successfully in his own right. Peter talks of Nathan’s struggle with spina bifida and a life changing operation in 2013.
Peter looks back on two special days on his home track in recent times.
This is an insight into the life of a bush trainer in the modern era. Peter Sinclair is one of the best.
Tuesday Jul 27, 2021
Tuesday Jul 27, 2021
It’s a big welcome to 75 year old Danny Frahm who was 64 years old when a race fall at Armidale ended his remarkable career. He reflects on his longevity in the saddle and marvels at how well he’s come out of several serious accidents.
He explains that for all the broken bones, he is remarkably free of arthritis.
Danny explains that he twice sustained a broken neck, the first time at Gunnedah around 1993. During a long layoff he and wife Mireille ran a laundromat at Coffs Harbour.
He also explains the loss of a kidney as a result of a race fall some years ago.
The dedicated bush jockey talks of his early life in Bowen (QLD) and his initial apprenticeship to Harry Hatten in Brisbane. He talks of a transfer to Ron Conquest and the thrill of his first winning ride at Gympie.
Danny looks back on his one and only ride on the legendary Queensland horse Prunda- a win at Eagle Farm. Prunda won 30 races.
The veteran reflects on a two year hiatus from racing when his weight got out of hand, and a fresh start in Goondiwindi.
He talks of his move to northern NSW and eight happy years based at Barraba. This is where he formed an association with a marvellous bush sprinter.
Frahm explains that constant bush commitments kept him away from metropolitan tracks. He remembers his one and only city winner. He tells a good story about the mare in question.
Danny looks back on his five individual trips to New Caledonia. Here he met with great success in the saddle, and met Mireille, his wife of 34 years.
He pays fitting tributes to the two jockeys he most admired, and to his favourite country trainer.
Dan recalls his surprise when he received a coveted award twenty years ago.
He speaks openly of his battle with cancer and his current state of health. You rarely get to speak to a man who rode in races for half a century. Wonderful to catch up with a true country racing legend.
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
A pleasure to introduce 31 year old Kody Nestor whose riding career was halted by increasing weight in 2017. His rise in the training ranks has been beyond his expectations. Kody says he didn’t have a single horse to train when his licence was granted.
He remembers a trip to central Queensland where he purchased a horse for $5,500- a horse he’d ridden in three races.
Kody talks of his current team of 35-40 horses and the wonderful support he’s had from owners.
He talks of a valued association with jockey Anthony Cavallo who rides most of the stable runners. Kody admits he still enjoys riding some of the trackwork himself.
The trainer acknowledges the contribution of several horses who’ve helped establish his training career. There’s one gelding in the stable he expects to go on to better things.
Kody talks of his strong racing background and the support he’s had from several talented family members.
He looks back on his early days as a bush apprentice and the pleasant surprise he received when high profile Sydney trainers began seeking his services.
Kody looks back on a short but rewarding stint with the legendary Guy Walter.
He profiles some of the better class horses he got to ride on metropolitan tracks.
The young horseman looks back on a very successful association with Brett Cavanough during the trainer’s time in Albury.
During his days as a jockey Kody loved nothing more than riding in remote areas. He looks back on some outback experiences including a Birdsville Cup win.
He talks of the enjoyment he’s gaining as a tutor of three stable apprentices.
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
Great to catch up with expatriate Kiwi trainer John Sargent who joined the Randwick training ranks seven years ago. John begins by reviewing the Goulburn win by All Things in a famous set of colours.
The trainer talks of Brandenburg who followed his win in “The Coast” with top performances in Brisbane.
John talks of his low key start as a trainer at Woodville in NZ.
He remembers the thrill of his first win at Foxton with a horse part owned by a top NZ cricketer.
John talks of his time working on a Waverley property which adjoined a farm owned by a trainer who would soon join the Melbourne Cup honour roll. He also met his future wife at Waverley.
He talks of the snap decision to move to Malaysia when stables became available. In a 5 year stay he won a trainers premiership and several major races.
The 63 year old talks of his return to NZ and the setting up of his dual operation in Matamata and Christchurch. He was soon training a huge team. Another premiership beckoned.
John pays tribute to the horses who propelled his career on both sides of the Tasman. He reflects on the day when his filly Gust Of Wind comfortably defeated Winx in the Australian Oaks.
He talks of his bittersweet experience after winning the Guineas/Cup double at Wagga last year. Cup winner House of Cartier was stripped of the honour three months later. John gives his side of the story.
John has news concerning the immediate future of his recent winner Emeralds. He reports on the progress of his brilliant two year old filly Four Moves Ahead who beat all but the placegetters in the recent Golden Slipper.
He talks about his scant sleeping routine and the long hours he spends in the stable. That’s the way he likes it!
Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
Great to catch up with the mild mannered young jockey who burst onto racing’s big stage with his all the way win on Twilight Payment in the Melbourne Cup last year. Jye is currently resting up after having a plate removed from his left leg- a legacy of his fall at Bendigo four years ago.
Jye talks of a recent stay in Brisbane where he won a stakes race and was placed in a couple of features.
The young jockey talks of the riding career of his partner Jessica Payne with special mention of her trip to France where she represented Australia in an apprentice jockey series.
Jye recalls the important race meeting which would determine his fate in the Victorian Jockeys premiership. His baby son Oakley was due to arrive on the same day.
The twenty six year old reflects on the circumstances leading up to his engagement for Twilight Payment, and takes us through the running of the Melbourne Cup.
Jye looks back on childhood days at Koondrook and talks of his parents and siblings.
He remembers his fascination with motor bikes and push bikes long before he became hooked on horses.
Jye pays tribute to Gerald Egan, the remarkable Mansfield horseman to whom he was apprenticed. He wasn’t the first top apprentice to come through the Egan operation.
Young McNeil reflects on his first win at Kerang and his first metropolitan success at Sandown on the horse with the bizarre name.
Jye acknowledges the support of several high profile stables, and the thrill of his first Gr 1 win in 2019. He mentions another special horse in his career so far.
He talks of his ability to ride at a featherweight despite his height. Jye hates the sauna and has found a better way to keep his weight in check.
He acknowledges the efforts of his manager and his mentor.
This is a refreshing chat with one of the brightest young race riding stars in Australia.