John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Great to catch up with a trailblazer of the early Sydney female training ranks. Helen talks about her move from Warwick Farm to the Gold Coast in 1997- a decision she has never regretted.
She talks of the loyal new owners who supported the stable when she arrived in Queensland, and three new acquisitions from the Gold Coast Sale.
The talented horsewoman highlights two outstanding horses she’s had the pleasure to train from her Gold Coast stables.
Helen takes us back to her childhood days at Warialda (NSW) and her earliest introduction to horses. She pays tribute to parents Bob and Rosalie who loved horses as much as she did.
She tells the story of the wonderful Xmas day when she and her brother got the surprise of their lives.
Helen talks of Uni days at Armidale and her subsequent experience as an Infants School teacher- she loved every minute of her work at some remote country schools.
The trainer looks back on a transfer to Sydney and her second job as a trackwork rider for Tommy Smith.
Helen’s love of the show horse led her to Moliere, a former racehorse who went on to become a legend on the circuit. How she loved that horse!
She reflects on her snap decision to become a trainer. She put one of her show horses into training to win her first race at Wyong.
Helen talks of her first city winner, and the T.J Smith “cast-off” Haida Prince. She won the Gr 2 Todman trial with the former rogue.
The trainer pays tribute to her favourite horses with special mention of Magnolia Hall. This was the horse to provide her supreme racing thrill when he finished third in a Melbourne Cup.
Helen acknowledges the talents of two star stable apprentices John Powell and Shane Edmonds.
She gives much of the credit for her success to husband John Page, a former top trainer in the tough Sydney market. John won hundreds of races, but is best remembered for his wizardry with the unsound triple Derby winner Royal Sovereign.
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
Great to catch up with 78 year old Leon Fox now in retirement in his hometown of Inverell. Leon trained horses for 20 years following a stellar riding career which saw him dubbed the “George Moore of the bush”.
Leon begins by paying tribute to his father Les Fox to whom he was apprenticed. He talks of his ordinary effort on the occasion of his first race ride, and the thrill of his first win in a little border town called Texas.
He talks of a very successful apprenticeship and the approaches he got from Sydney trainers who were keen to use his allowance.
Leon was overawed to rub shoulders with legends like Ted McMenamin, Darby Munro and Jim Pike.
The former ace jockey reflects on the day he shared in a precious piece of racing history. Two wins on the same day on the same horse at a Warwick Farm Saturday meeting.
Leon remembers the contract he was offered when Hong Kong racing went professional in the early 70’s. He stayed for 8 years.
He has some wonderful tales to tell about his Hong Kong experience, including a bomb scare at Happy Valley.
Leon talks of his association with some legendary jockeys including the man who rode to fame and fortune on the back of Secretariat.
Fox talks of his return to Australia and the life of a bush jockey. He reflects on the many highlights of his years on Northern NSW tracks, including the horrific fall in the 1988 Inverell Cup. He stayed on his feet to win that Cup.
Leon says he was one of the lucky ones when it comes to injury. He did however miss 27 months at one stage with a complicated leg break.
He pays tribute to the two bush jockeys for whom he had special admiration.
Leon looks back on one extraordinary sequence of wins he achieved on North Western tracks.
Switching to his years as a trainer, he talks affectionately of his favourite horse Tree Lopper.
The accomplished horseman makes special mention of sons Alan and Tim, and his devoted wife Jenny.
Leon was a bit of a fashion plate during his racing days. It was common to see him turn up at a bush meeting dressed to the nines. He doesn’t deny it!
For veteran racing men and for younger fans curious about Australian racing in the 50’s through to the 80’s, this is a must listen podcast.
Tuesday Jan 12, 2021
Tuesday Jan 12, 2021
It’s great to catch up with Tommy Berry who’s currently in second place on both the NSW and metropolitan jockeys premierships. Tom talks about the fierce competition in the Sydney riding ranks.
He outlines his very busy trackwork format.
Tom talks about his apprenticeship to his father and chief tutor Kevin Berry.
The champion young jockey looks back on a frightening accident which could have turned him off horses forever.
He looks back on his inauspicious debut at Hawkesbury, and an exciting maiden win at Newcastle on a mare trained by his father.
Tommy reflects on his Magic Millions win on Karuta Queen and the unforgettable thrill of his first Gr 1.
He looks back on a thrilling Gr 1 double at Randwick in 2012. The two races were only 45 minutes apart.
The twenty nine year old pays tribute to the filly who gave him the first of his two Golden Slipper wins. He wasn’t even sure he’d retain the Slipper ride at one stage.
He reminisces about his first Gr 1 for the Waller stable and the injury sustained by his mother Julie only 24 hours earlier.
Tommy is heavy hearted as he talks about the loss of his twin brother Nathan who had taken ill during a riding stint in Singapore. He remembers the imported horse who lifted his spirits after the family tragedy.
He looks back on his two rides on Winx- a win in the Phar Lap Stakes, and an unlucky fifth in the Vinery stud stakes.
Tom reflects on his amazing association with Chautauqua- 5 Gr 1 wins including the T.J Smith three times. Memories of the third one still give him tingles.
He has mixed feelings about his involvement with Hong Kong racing. Some of his short term visits were very successful. His long term association with John Moore had its ups and downs. He did ride a couple of special horses in Hong Kong.
Tommy acknowledges Pierata- the horse to regenerate his career following his return from Hong Kong. He was thrilled to get the job done for an old Warwick Farm mate in trainer Greg Hickman.
The top jockey pays tribute to his wife Sharnee who was the first to recognize her husband’s battle with depression in 2019. She made him do something about it.
Tommy gives us a run down on life with four young children on his Dural farm.
Tuesday Jan 12, 2021
Tuesday Jan 12, 2021
It’s now twelve years since Norm Lang put away the harness and hopples for the last time. The game of bowls now commands his full attention.
The eighty five year old has vivid memories of his exciting journey with Steel Jaw- the $5000 horse he took from a maiden pace to a NZ Cup in a very short time. He covers the whole Steel Jaw story, and for trots fans it’s riveting listening.
Norm takes us back to his days as an Ampol agent at Mittagong, and his introduction to trotting by local trainer George Walton.
He remembers his first winning drive at Canowindra and the near accident before he even left the parade yard.
The veteran horseman recalls his purchase of a broodmare and the success he had with her two foals.
Norm pays tribute to a select group of horses who took him to a prominent spot on the Harold Park trainer’s ladder.
He talks about the reputation he enjoyed of being able to keep horses up for long periods of time.
Norm quit race driving in the 1991/92 season but continued to train for another 17 years. He explains the reason for that surprise decision.
Sounding much younger than his 85 years, Norm Lang reviews a very rewarding career.
Tuesday Jan 05, 2021
Tuesday Jan 05, 2021
Great to catch up with the man who co-founded OTI Racing and Bloodstock in 1999 with high profile sportsman and TV personality Simon O’Donnell. He talks of his early life in Melbourne and the pacer who triggered his fascination with horses.
Terry looks back on the creation of his company Pacers Australia which syndicated two horses destined for greatness. The duo won three Miracle Miles and many Gr 1 races between them.
Terry talks of his good fortune in being invited to join the ownership syndicate which raced the wonderful galloper Doriemus- winner of 3.5 million dollars.
He takes us back to his time at night school and his own company Henderson Consultants which he later sold to French interests.
Terry talks of the origins of the famous OTI colours.
The devoted horse lover profiles many of the good horses to carry the OTI colours in recent years.
Terry talks of company policy regarding horses purchased overseas.
He acknowledges the many trainers employed by OTI in Australia and overseas.
Terry pays tribute to Susan, his wife of 51 years and to his children and grandchildren.
Tuesday Dec 29, 2020
Tuesday Dec 29, 2020
Pat says this may well be his final interview. I doubt that strongly, but either way it’s a tribute to a man who endeared himself to the Sydney racing world for almost 6 decades. He reviews an emotional day at Newcastle on Dec 5th when he saddled his final runner.
He talks of the heartfelt tribute paid to him by the ATC at a Randwick meeting the following week.
Pat talks about his long time role as a drugs and alcohol consultant for Racing NSW- a role he hopes to continue for a long time to come.
The experienced horseman reflects on his initial indentureship to Betty Lane in the tiny township of Geurie, and his time with astute trainer Bernie Byrnes at Randwick.
Pat remembers the horses who contributed to his successful apprenticeship with special mention of a grand little horse called Medieval Maestro.
He recalls the horror fall at Rosehill which left him with a long list of injuries, and virtually ended his riding career.
Pat looks back on six years away from racing when he gained a rigger’s certificate and worked on the Sydney waterfront.
Inverell born Webster talks of his entry into the Sydney training ranks and the wonderful horses to shape his new career. He loved all of them, none more than his once in a lifetime horse Happy Clapper.
Pat acknowledges the support of owners, with special mention of Gerry Harvey who’s had horses in his stable for many years. He says their very first meeting wasn’t a friendly one.
The retiring trainer talks of the biography he released in 2020 with the appropriate title of “Don’t Die Wondering”. He was surprised to learn recently that a reprint of the book is under way.
Pat talks of his move to a Central Coast property which affords him easy access to northern race meetings where he’s mentoring young participants.
Tuesday Dec 22, 2020
Tuesday Dec 22, 2020
Great to catch up with one of Australia’s ever increasing number of female jockeys. The lady with a name that catches the eye, is 37 years old and could be the nation’s oldest apprentice. Kath Bell-Pitomac talks about the gruelling travelling she undertakes to ride at meetings all over the state.
Kath reminisces about her nomadic childhood. She talks of early days in South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. Horses were always her chief interest.
She recalls her first introduction to racehorses at Pioneer Park racetrack Alice Springs.
Kath recalls her first job as a professional trackwork rider.
She talks of a move to Newcastle and the trainer who signed her to an apprenticeship.
The mature age apprentice remembers her early winners and the beginning of her relationship with the fellow jockey who would become her husband.
Kath looks back on her break away from racing. She lost the desire completely and didn’t ride a racehorse for ten years.
She talks of her return to trackwork at Wellington(NSW). Slowly the passion returned and she began a new career as an amateur jockey.
It wasn’t long before she got her weight down and re applied for her professional licence. Kath talks openly about her horror run of accidents, the extent of her many injuries and the frustrating months out of the saddle.
The thirty seven year old acknowledges her favourite horses and favourite races.
Bell-Pitomac pays tribute to the special people who’ve inspired her to pursue a lifelong passion for horses, including her dedicated manager.
The remarkable horse person talks of husband Daniel and two wonderful kids- the son and daughter who look forward to the fashions in the field promotions at country race meetings.
Tuesday Dec 15, 2020
Tuesday Dec 15, 2020
An overdue chat with one of Australia’s best known trainers. Clarry discloses his reasons for selling Victory Lodge- the landmark stables from which he produced a stunning 39 Gr 1 winners. He admits it was quite a wrench when the reality sunk in.
He talks of his relocation with fifteen horses to the nearby stables of his son Marc. He hints at the possibility of an official partnership down the track.
Clarry takes us on a trip down memory lane to the days when he and his father Clarry Senior were sleeping on battered bunks in a stable at Cessnock. To this day the trainer sees the funny side of the story.
He talks of the influence of the father who lived to the grand age of 98.
Clarry says he was a wonderful mentor.
Clarry remembers his very first winner and the two year old colt who gave him his first taste of Gr 1 glory.
He pays a fitting tribute to the filly who funded the construction of his new home in Hope St Warwick Farm. He admits his previous house was falling apart. Research was among the best of her generation. She was a cranky girl but had a heart like a lion.
Clarry takes us through his remarkable four Golden Slipper wins.
There’s a great story behind each of them- two fillies, one colt and one gelding.
The legendary trainer pays a heartfelt tribute to Mouawad, the horse he regarded as the best he ever trained. He still rues the memory of having to scratch the three year old from the 1997 Doncaster. Clarry thought he was unbeatable in the big mile.
Clarry was known to change jockeys at the drop of a hat. He couldn’t help but smile when friends presented him with a special gift.
The trainer talks of Stolen Jade who recently notched a hat trick of wins. He looks at her immediate programme.
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
This is a laid back chat with one of the real characters of NSW country racing. Rod begins by outlining his reasons for handing over his Nyngan training operation to son Brett at the end of the 2019/2020 season.
He explains why he’s currently in Dubbo looking after a big team of horses for fellow trainer Clint Lundholm.
Rodney takes us on a sentimental journey beginning with his family’s move from Forbes to Nyngan when he was just fourteen months old. You won’t believe their mode of transport in 1955.
He reflects on the time he spent with father Clive in the droving days. Together they would move large flocks of sheep or mobs of cattle long distances in dry times.
Rod looks back on his first job with NSW Railways. He remembers his duties and the great camaraderie that existed between mates.
His involvement with thoroughbreds began when he was asked to ride trackwork by local trainers. He says the pay was light.
Rodney remembers his first horse float and his first horse- a real cheapie!
He says he’s had some wonderful highs and a few devastating lows. He reflects on his brush with fire and flood.
The veteran horseman pays tribute to some of the wonderful bush horses he’s trained over four decades.
He acknowledges the support of some talented jockeys who’ve helped him along the way.
When you talk to Rodney Robb you can’t help but feel you’re standing at the bar of a country pub. He makes mention of many mates and bush characters he’s known.
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
Tuesday Dec 08, 2020
Great to catch up with one of Australia’s most popular race callers. Danny made his mark as a gallops caller early in his career, but decided to accept an offer from HRV in 1996. Trotting is the richer for that decision. He begins by explaining the origins of his surname.
Danny recalls the heady days of his childhood when he would go to the track with his father Richard. He was greatly influenced by the sound of the race call.
He tells the story of the freak opportunity that landed in his lap at age eight, and the wonderful journey that was to follow. It sounds like fiction but it’s true!
Danny remembers the day he called a budding superstar at the Berrigan races and the endless practice hours that followed in Melbourne as he honed his craft.
The popular broadcaster looks back on the priceless opportunity he received with Network Ten and the media legend with whom he shared race calling duties.
Danny reflects on some of his 13 Melbourne Cup calls for the network, and the tempting offer from Harness Racing Victoria which decided his long term future.
He acknowledges the support of fellow harness racing commentators, and pays a special tribute to the legendary harness driver Gavin Lang who passed away earlier this year.
Dan talks about the reputation he inherited when he called the race in Melbourne which saw champion Courage Under Fire thwarted by Kyema Kid as he attempted 25 straight wins.
He looks back on the privilege of part owning the great trotter Waihemo Hanger which he raced with prominent owner and syndicator Terry Henderson.
Dan talks of his busy radio schedule with Melbourne station RSN. He takes part in four programmes and enjoys every one of them.
He was only 18 when he got to call the 1987 Caulfield Cup for Channel 10. That call remains one of his favourites. He explains why!