John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Oct 13, 2020
Tuesday Oct 13, 2020
A special podcast with veteran harness horseman Dennis Wilson who’s about to celebrate his 70th birthday.
Dennis talks about the knee and hip replacement that put him back on his feet. He explains that he’s not out of the woods yet.
He remembers his decision to quit race driving in 2006 when he became disillusioned with the sport.
Dennis fondly recalls the glory days at Harold Park.
He talks about the handful of drives he had when the action moved from Harold Park to Menangle.
Dennis remembers his earliest days working horses at Granville Showground and his apprenticeship to Katoomba trainer Stan Bond.
He recalls the thrill of his first winning drive at Maitland in the late 1960’s.
Dennis reviews the achievements of the special horses he got to train and drive during his rewarding career.
He makes special mention of Soky’s Gidget- a horse that could have been the best he ever trained until injury ended his career.
Dennis looks back on the controversial photo finish that went against him in the 2000 Miracle Mile. He talks of the sensational objection lodged by the horse’s owner.
The veteran horseman pays a touching tribute to the driver he most admired in his early years.
Tuesday Oct 13, 2020
Tuesday Oct 13, 2020
Great to catch up with a brilliant young Victorian jockey who’s just beginning his second season. He rode 75 winners in his first season. Cam talks of his famous Dad, multiple Group 1 winning jockey Nash.
He looks back on his early fascination with the AFL code.
Cam recalls the day his father won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on More Joyous. Owner John Singleton got him to make the victory speech.
The young jockey talks of school days in Hong Kong during his Dad’s time as a Club jockey.
Cam remembers his mornings at trackwork in Hong Kong and the people he befriended. He explains that he tried hard to find new mounts for his father.
He talks of his apprenticeship opportunity with Mornington trainer Logan McGill and the thrill of his first winning ride at Moe.
Cam looks back on the day he and Nash rode in the same race at Bendigo.
The jockey talks of his first metropolitan win at Sandown, and two wins for the Price/Kent partnership.
Cam talks of his delight in winning the Rising Stars 2019/2020.
He talks of regular communication with his father, and the way he copes with living in his shadow.
He pays tribute to some of his fellow jockeys and discusses the effects of the long distances he drives to race meetings.
Cam makes special mention of the tremendous support he gets from his mother Sarah.
Tuesday Oct 06, 2020
Tuesday Oct 06, 2020
The outstanding Victorian jockey talks of the fainting spell at home that signalled his impending medical condition.
James was in disbelief when Doctors explained the likely ramifications of syncope- a disorder that would be aggravated by the ravages of wasting.
He talks of the support of family and friends when the inevitable decision had to be made.
James talks of the offers he’s had to work for RSN 927 and the Ten Network during the Spring carnival- just what he needs at this time.
The fourth generation jockey looks at the race riding dynasty from which he descends.
James pays tribute to Brawny Spirit, the million dollar earner trained by his late grandfather Mick.
He looks back on his original apprenticeship to his grandfather, and his brief stint with the late Max Lees at Newcastle.
James remembers his very first winner and his first time in the winner’s circle on a metropolitan track.
He talks of his great association with the Danny O’Brien stable with special mention of Gr 1 winners Star Witness and Douro Valley.
James looks back on four Melbourne Cup rides, and Gr 1 wins in Brisbane on Absolut Glam and Magicool.
The former jockey reviews a Gr 1 win in Hong Kong- the Chairman’s Prize Sprint on Dim Sum for John Moore.
James explains his reasons for terminating his contract in Hong Kong.
He fondly remembers a Singapore stint when he rode several winners for Laurie Laxon and Steve Burridge. Most importantly this is where he met Laura- his wife and mother of three great kids.
James looks back on some Sydney winners he rode during his short career.
He explains a tutorial role he has with three promising young jockeys.
Tuesday Sep 29, 2020
Tuesday Sep 29, 2020
Like most racehorse syndicators Victoria’s Peter Creighton has an unbridled passion for the racing game. He talks of early days when he part owned a few bush horses and his transition to the syndication business.
Peter recalls his first visit to a racetrack with his father and an uncle at age 14. He was instantly smitten.
He talks about his distant relative Norm Creighton who rode a Victoria Derby winner before going on to great success as a trainer.
The respected syndicator looks back on his University degree and the jobs he had before being overpowered by the racing bug.
He remembers the complex conditions he had to meet before United Syndications saw the light of day.
Peter looks back on his modest start in the syndication business and an early association with champion Riverina trainer Richard Freyer.
He clearly remembers the day he decided to offer Mick Price the job of training the United Syndications horses.
Peter tells the story of the first time he went to the Inglis sales at Newmarket with the express purpose of buying a likely city winner. He had a very limited bank.
He pays tribute to the special horses who’ve flown the United Syndications banner since the company was founded in 1993.
Pete talks of his personalised contact with owners, and his twice weekly attendance at Caulfield trackwork.
The syndicator pays tribute to skilled Wangaratta horseman John Ledger who breaks in and pre trains United horses. John also gets to train the horses who don’t measure up to city class.
Peter and Lauren Creighton run the business between them. They are the proud parents of John(27) and daughter Sharn (23). Pete acknowledges the support of his wife of thirty two years.
He concludes with a report on the progress of one of his favourite horses Fighting Harada. The horse is just coming into work after a two year absence. Pete’s hoping for a successful return from a talented horse.
Tuesday Sep 29, 2020
Tuesday Sep 29, 2020
Great to catch up with former jockey Darryn Murphy who is enjoying his role as a mentor and coach of young racing aspirants in South Australia.
Darryn talks about his job with the employment and training company Skillinvest which specialises in the education and career guidance of people across a range of industries including horse racing.
He also explains his role with Thoroughbred Racing South Australia.
Darren talks of early days in Ballarat and his initial indentureship to local trainer Ron Bones.
He reflects on his transfer to Murray Bridge trainer Ray Paech for whom he rode many winners. He looks back on a spectacular crash at Victoria Park.
Darryn couldn’t believe his luck when he crashed again in a track gallop not long after getting back into the saddle.
The tough as teak Murphy talks about a retainer with the Rob McGuiness stable and his friendship with the veteran jockey who guided his career.
Darryn pays tribute to Ian Saunders the Epsom trainer who gave him tremendous support.
He tells a wonderful story about the circumstances leading up to his late engagement for a famous mare in the 1986 Melbourne Cup.
The former jockey remembers his Group 2 win on the brilliant Scarlet Bisque for legendary trainer Colin Hayes.
Darren pays tribute to a few of his favourite horses from the 1980’s and his unexpected win in Singapore’s biggest race.
He acknowledges the talents of his brother Gary whose services were sought by many top Melbourne stables.
Darren still shudders when he talks about his horrific crash in a 1990 jumpout at Flemington. This accident was life changing in several aspects.
On returning to the saddle Darren took up a contract in Macau where he finished fourth in the jockeys premiership. He was still riding winners but knew he wasn’t the same jockey.
He talks about life after racing and the new career he was able to forge- trackwalking, form analysis and jockey tutorship. He was really in his element.
Darryn reflects on a brief stint working for trainer Steve Burridge in Singapore. He couldn’t resist riding a little trackwork which resulted in another “buster”.
Darryn Murphy has shrugged off many setbacks to give back to the industry he loves.
Tuesday Sep 22, 2020
Tuesday Sep 22, 2020
We’re delighted to present a lengthy chat with one of the greatest jockeys of his generation. Mick Dittman retired from the saddle eighteen years ago after a stellar career which brought him 1700 wins including 88 Gr 1’s.
He looks at a likely date for his return to Singapore where he manages the extensive racing interests of Lim Siah Mong.
The former champion jockey talks of childhood days in Rockhampton and the story behind his christian name.
Mick reflects on the starting gate injury he suffered towards the end of his career.
He looks back on a short stay in Macau where he had his final race ride. He explains how his new job came up.
The distinguished horseman reflects on his two phase apprenticeship, and his very first winning ride.
He looks back on a few early Queensland Gr 1 wins, and a rewarding trip to Sydney in 1981 to win the first of his three Golden Slippers.
Mick clearly recalls his association with Gurner’s Lane and the Melbourne Cup win in which he defeated a racing idol. He talks of another Melbourne Cup that got away from him in 1988.
He talks of his exciting partnership with the great Queensland galloper Strawberry Road.
Mick talks glowingly of the horse he rates the best he ever rode.
The former great jockey has a special place in his heart for the wonderful grey filly Bounding Away- his second Slipper winner.
Mick changes the subject briefly to talk about his jockey’s room scuffle with another high profile jockey.
He pays tribute to other topliners like Research, Sydeston, and Bint Marscay.
Mick didn’t think he deserved the nickname “The Enforcer”.
He pays tribute to his late wife Maureen, and the emergence of their son Luke as a jockey in Queensland.
Mick talks of his second wife Anna Mae and new family- 14 year old daughter Ali McKenzie and 7 year old son Jackson 7.
Tuesday Sep 15, 2020
Tuesday Sep 15, 2020
Great to catch up with Queensland’s second oldest active jockey. He’s not long back from a nasty shoulder injury that should have finished his career, but Cyril Small has no intention of stopping. He talks of his ambition to chalk up 50 years as a jockey.
Cyril talks of the wonderful support of the trainer who tried to put him on a first up winner at Gatton recently. They ran second.
The veteran jockey talks of the simple trackwork accident last October that put him out for 11 months.
Cyril talks of his early days in Casino(NSW) and his indentureship to a local trainer. He reflects on his very first win at Casino.
He’s never forgotten his first city win and another one shortly afterwards which was the medium of a solid betting plunge.
Cyril spent the second half of his apprenticeship in the city with Jim Marshall. Once he moved to town opportunities came from leading trainers.
The evergreen jockey pays tribute to his once in a lifetime horse. Cyril won 22 races on the freakish galloper Vo Rogue including 6 Gr 1’s. Several of Vo’s wins in the 80’s and 90’s came in races that were not classified as Gr 1’s in that era.
He looks back on some of his most cherished wins on the champion, and tells one funny story about an ice cream vendor who had a penchant for telling fibs.
Cyril talks of the retirement home he provided for Vo Rogue when the champion’s racing days were over.
He reflects on his association with Vo Rogue’s trainer Vic Rail whose methods could be unconventional at times.
Cyril pays a special tribute to his devoted wife Lynlea and the distinguished University degree she attained recently. He praises her ability to train racehorses.
He brings us up to date on the progress of sons Braidon and Daniel who work in the racing industry.
The jockey looks back on the worst fall of his career in 2002. He suffered multiple injuries in a Gold Coast pile up, but it hasn’t stopped him chasing that elusive 50 year dream.
Cyril talks of his great delight when invited to ride out of Queensland. He’d go to the North Pole if they wanted him for an invitation race.
He pays tribute to Queensland’s oldest jockey who’s still riding winners at Mt Isa and other meetings in the district.
It’s an enjoyable chat with the man who rode to glory on the back of the unforgettable Vo Rogue.
Tuesday Sep 15, 2020
Tuesday Sep 15, 2020
This brilliant young Sydney jockey is entitled to think he’s used up all of his bad luck. He looks back on the nasty fall at Rosehill on July 25th which left him with a long list of injuries- his second major race fall in fifteen months.
Andrew expresses his sympathy for the owners of his mount Hot ‘N’ Hazy who had to be euthanised after the accident.
He talks of the concern shown by Hugh Bowman who incurred a 6 weeks suspension following a stewards investigation into the fall.
The apprentice tells of the surprise visit he had from a fellow Sydney jockey.
Andrew looks back on early years living in a house situated adjacent to the hometurn of the Port Macquarie racecourse.
He talks of his first apprenticeship to a local trainer and a very successful start to his riding career.
Andrew couldn’t believe his luck when Ron Quinton agreed to sign him up as stable apprentice. He actually stopped off at Newcastle on his way down and rode a winner for his future boss.
He looks back on his first city win, and the thrill of becoming champion Sydney apprentice.
The young jockey has never forgotten his two wins on the mare destined for Group 1 glory.
Andrew acknowledges several nice horses he got to ride in Sydney including his all time favourite Daysie Doom. He won seven races on the bonny mare including his only Group 1 to date.
He bravely looks back on another major fall at Randwick in April 2019. His injuries were serious but none of them required surgery.
He still punishes himself about a silly home accident in between the two race falls.
Young Adkins looks at a possible date for his return to the saddle.
Tuesday Sep 08, 2020
Tuesday Sep 08, 2020
The former brilliant jockey discusses the higher scale of weights in the current era. He says today’s heavier jockeys get their chance to stay in the game for longer periods.
Lenny looks back on the nightmare years when he’d have to lose 4-5 kgs in a single day.
He takes us back to childhood days in Wollongong when a neighbour loaned him a little grey pony. Later he got his own pony, but it didn’t have the nicest disposition.
Lenny talks of his first indentureship at Gulgong, and his second with Kembla trainer Bernie Howlett.
He reflects on his first winner at Queanbeyan and his initial city success.
Lenny looks back on his apprenticeship transfer to Kerry Jordan at Rosehill.
The former top jockey remembers his first Gr 1 win down Flemington’s famous “ straight six” course.
He pays tribute to some outstanding horses who contributed to his Gr 1 CV, with special mention of Belle Du Jour’s unforgettable win in the 2000 Golden Slipper.
Lenny looks back on amazing twists of fate that saved him from involvement in two of the world’s most horrific modern disasters.
Tuesday Sep 01, 2020
Tuesday Sep 01, 2020
This is an absorbing chat with one of Perth’s all time favourite media personalities, and a man who gave trots commentary a new twist.
John Hunt stepped away from the microphone in 2008 after twenty years as Sky and Gloucester Park’s resident commentator during which time he put some zing into the job.
John was only 51 and right at the top of his game, but he had further horizons to explore.
He reviews his first two books- one about a champion WA race mare, the other about his life in the media.
John takes us back to his teen years when he won 200 junior tennis titles, and looked set for a career in the pro ranks. He talks of the injury that decimated his dream. He pays tribute to his sister Lesley, who was once ranked number 6 in the world.
He looks back on his favourite harness horses and the people behind them.
John talks of the satisfaction he derived from producing video documentaries on the careers of his favourite horses.
Few people would be aware that John Hunt played a key role in the formative months of Alan Bond’s new acquisition Skychannel. John was the original host on the fledgling satellite station which began life in a back room at Channel 9’s Perth studios.
He looks back on twenty years at the iconic Gloucester Park track, and the many cliches he introduced behind the microphone. Some are quoted to this day.
Hunty answers the questions with all the colour and flair that made him a household name during his distinguished career.