John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Monday Nov 02, 2020
Monday Nov 02, 2020
A nasty fall in the 2005 Doomben Roses brought down the curtain on the stellar career of Michael Pelling who won over 900 races and 4 Brisbane premierships. Eager to find a new project Mike developed a gold driving range at Carseldine.
Mike talks of the sale of the driving range and his move to a new challenge- a wedding reception centre and resort at Maleny on the Sunshine Coast.
The former champion jockey looks back on a Supreme Court case in 1998 in which another jockey sought damages for injuries sustained in an accident 14 years earlier. He lost the case and was left with a huge bill.
Mike recalls the Eagle Farm fall which left him with a ruptured disc. He overcame sciatic nerve pain to get back into the saddle less than a year later.
He talks of the constant back pain and his staple diet of anti inflammatories from that point on.
Mike takes us back to childhood days on the Atherton Tablelands, and recalls the work ethic of his remarkable parents.
He looks back on the fun days of riding ponies on the family farm. He says this was a starting point for many jockeys. Those ponies have been replaced by dirt bikes and quad bikes. Mike sees a dearth of jockeys in the future.
Mike discusses his reasons for believing that jockeys of future years will be predominantly females.
He looks back on his first job after leaving school. He was a jackeroo on a cattle station where the head stockman encouraged him to become a jockey.
Mike talks of his first apprenticeship to Pat Duff and time spent with other trainers when his boss was outed after a swab irregularity.
He looks back on a freak encounter with a large tree. He got little sympathy from fellow employees.
Mike pays a glowing tribute to legendary Toowoomba trainer Jim Atkins with whom he enjoyed great success.
He talks of his one and only Melbourne Cup ride in 1981.
The former champion jockey relates his experiences on Brisbane’s unique Albion Park sand track. Some jockeys refused to ride there.
Mike acknowledges some of his favourite horses from his golden years in Queensland racing.
He explains that throughout a long riding career he kept his racing life separate from his private life.
Pelling looks back on his reaction to a story in a Brisbane newspaper which implied certain leading jockeys were involved in team riding. He took a most unusual course in challenging the journalist responsible for the story.
You’ll get the feeling Mike enjoys talking about his inventions more than his achievements as a jockey. He’s got some great yarns.
This is a terrific trip down memory lane with a bloke who helped to uphold Queensland’s reputation as a producer of great jockeys.
Tuesday Oct 27, 2020
Tuesday Oct 27, 2020
We spoke to Brett only a week after he’d learned that his brilliant Kosciuszko winner It’s Me had sustained an injury during the race. He handled it philosophically.
Brett reveals he jumped at the opportunity to take over the Scone training complex previously occupied by Greg Bennett.
He takes us back to his childhood in the Queensland outback town of Augathella when he lived with his maternal grandfather- a wily veteran of a tough era. The lessons he learned remain with Brett to this day.
Brett recalls his boyhood friendship with Peter Moody.
He looks back on his first trip to Sydney where his stepfather was a well respected horse breaker. He looks back on the stable rounds he made with a prominent veterinary surgeon.
The trainer takes us back to his complete change of lifestyle when he became a shearer in WA. His adventures took him to remote Karratha where he met a very special person.
Brett looks back on his very first training base at the border town of Tocumwal, and a subsequent move to Albury where his career took off. He went on to win 11 SDRA premierships and three NSW country training titles.
He looks back on his sudden ambition to have a crack at a world shearing record in the Riverina. He snared that record, but his shearing days ended soon after.
Brett talks of his new foray into the horse breaking business and the famous trainer who gave him a start.
The trainer acknowledges the contribution of some of his all time favourite horses.
He nominates one special horse in the Scone stable for punters to follow in the immediate future.
He looks back on his brief experience as a commercial stud owner.
Brett pays tribute to his wife Lauren and the four great kids who are all currently at home sheltering from Covid 19. He tells his story with all the earthy humour you’d expect from a bloke who grew up in the Queensland outback.
Tuesday Oct 27, 2020
Tuesday Oct 27, 2020
A long overdue chat with a hard working jockey who would have competed at the highest metropolitan level had he so desired, but Greg Ryan preferred life in the bush. He talks about his early life in Wellington NSW and his days as a motor mechanic.
Greg talks of his introduction to thoroughbreds at the Macquarie Stud and the conversation with another jockey who encouraged him to consider a riding career.
He talks of his first apprenticeship in Wellington and the battle he had to lose 10kgs before he could get started as a race rider.
Greg recalls his very first winner in 1991. It was really only half a win as he dead heated with a horse ridden by another legendary country jockey. He reveals that he had to go way out west to get started.
The veteran jockey pays tribute to some wonderful country riders who became role models.
He looks back on a brief stint in Sydney in 1998. He rode winners for some top stables but couldn’t adapt to city living.
He acknowledges the support he got from legendary bush trainer Keith Swan and discusses his strike rate in big races like the Wellington Boot.
Greg brushes through a list of talented horses he’s been associated with, and talks of the improvement in bush race tracks.
The jockey looks back on the few clashes he’s had with country stewards and one particular case that still haunts him.
Greg pays tribute to his wife Pauline and the role she’s played in his frantically busy career.
He agrees his injury list has been reasonable in view of the enormous number of rides he’s had in almost thirty years. One of those accidents has remained a source of amusement to Greg and those who witnessed it.
Tuesday Oct 20, 2020
Tuesday Oct 20, 2020
Great to head bush this week for an interview with Wagga based Tim Donnelly. He begins with a summary of his winning treble at a recent Wagga meeting- his only runners on the day.
The astute trainer highlights some of his best horses since returning to Wagga sixteen years ago.
Tim acknowledges some of the jockeys who’ve contributed to his success in recent years.
He takes us back to his very first job in a racing stable. He started at the top when he landed a job with Tommy Smith who was on the crest of a wave in the Kingston Town era. Tim looks back on his close association with the champion.
Tim talks of the owner who got him on his way as a trainer. He fondly remembers his early days training at Canterbury.
He pays tribute to Volcanic Prince, the horse who launched his training career. Tim also reflects on the beginning of his great partnership with jockey Mark De Montfort.
The trainer pays tribute to the special horses who’ve helped shape his career with special emphasis on the brilliant Quick Flick.
Tim speaks glowingly of the Wagga training facilities and the expertise of course manager Mark Hart.
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.