John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Jack Bruce quickly made his mark after joining the Queensland training ranks in 2022. The NZ born 35 year old didn’t even contemplate applying for a trainer’s licence until he felt good and ready for the task at hand. Despite being the holder of two notable University degrees, Jack made up his mind early in life that horse training was his ultimate goal. He had early experience at Windsor Park Stud before gaining selection for the Godolphin Flying Start programme. He worked under a succession of leading trainers in his early years- Mike De Kock, John O’Shea, Bjorn Baker, Chris Waller and Maher/Eustace all contributed to his education. He started with only seven horses at Deagon on Brisbane’s outskirts but quickly made a statement. Today he’s working over 60 horses from stables at Deagon and on the Sunny Coast. Jack joins us on the podcast to talk about his exciting journey from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch to the professional training scene in Brisbane. He talks about the benefits of his University studies in managing a big racing operation.
Jack talks about the routine he follows in running a dual stable operation.
The trainer acknowledges the contribution of partner Lauren who plays a significant role behind the scenes.
Jack takes us back to childhood days in Hamilton (NZ) where his parents owned a lifestyle farm.
He talks of his father’s connection to harness horses.
He explains that his University studies were completed over two phases.
Jack talks of work experience at the famous Windsor Park Stud. He talks about some of the stallions who were in residence during his time on the property.
He talks about the thrill of gaining entry to the Godolphin Flying Start initiative which provided two years of invaluable experience. His first assignment was in Dubai with a legendary trainer.
During his stay in Dubai, Jack met a young South African jockey whose career had begun in England. Later he got the opportunity to go to Dubai as a resident work rider for De Kock. It wouldn’t be the last time he crossed paths with Jean Van Overmeire.
Jack looks back on his first posting back home- a rewarding stint with John O’Shea who’d just taken over as Godolphin’s head trainer.
He looks back on a four year working stint as Racing Manager for Bjorn Baker at Warwick Farm.
Jack reflects on an invaluable twelve months with the Chris Waller operation. He assisted Waller’s Racing Manager Charlie Duckworth.
Then came a massive step up when appointed Manager of Ciaron Maher’s 60 horse Warwick Farm barn. Jack was gobsmacked.
When he felt fully prepared to launch his own brand, Jack settled on Queensland as the most suitable venue. He talks about his low key start at Deagon.
The trainer talks about his reason for launching a second stable on the Sunny Coast.
Jack gives a special mention to the horse who provided his first win as a solo trainer.
He talks of a resolve to source tried horses from other stables. One of the earliest acquisitions, a horse called Axe gave him a stakes win at Toowoomba.
Jack acknowledges several other “second hand” horses who’ve helped get his career up and running.
He talks of three very successful seasons since becoming a trainer in Queensland.
Jack pays tribute to the jockeys who’ve helped him to 185 wins in just three years.
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Mack Griffith has long been regarded as one of the most astute country based trainers in the state. He learned the trade from his late father John before taking out his own licence on the occasion of his 18th birthday. Mack joined an elite group when he won with his very first starter Acacia Ridge at Quirindi and has maintained an excellent strike rate ever since. He took a long break from racehorse training to manage Gooree Stud’s spelling and pre-training division at Mudgee, a role he filled for close to a decade. When Gooree ceased operations in 2020, Mack decided to stay in the district and is currently training a 15 horse team at the Mudgee racecourse. The 55 year old joins us on the podcast to look back on his life in racing. He begins by explaining the origins of his unusual christian name.
Mack talks of his 25 acre farm on the outskirts of Mudgee where his horses spend a lot of time.
He talks of a recent trip to the Mackay Cup carnival with two members of his 15 horse team Aimpoint and Amicus Curiae. Neither won but both covered expenses with minor placings.
Mack takes us right back to the early 70’s when his father landed a new job on a northern territory cattle station. It wasn’t long before John Griffith was training a handful of gallopers. Griffith Snr was thrilled to win the 1974 Darwin Cup with Chatelle.
Just a few months after Chatelle’s win Darwin was devastated by the ravages of Cyclone Tracey. As the city got back on its feet, the Darwin Turf Club launched a huge drive to regenerate racing at Fannie Bay. Trainers were encouraged to return to the top end, and John Griffith was one of the first to respond. Mack looks back on his time in Darwin.
The trainer reflects on his dad’s later move to northern Queensland where he built a strong reputation as a trainer.
Fast forward to the mid 1980’s and Mack looks back on a valuable six months with Brian Mayfield- Smith around the time he deposed Tommy Smith as Sydney’s premier trainer.
He remembers his father’s passing in 1995, and the twenty horse team he and brother Luke inherited. Many of the stable clients opted to support the young horsemen.
Mack hasn’t forgotten the thrill of winning with his very first runner at Quirindi. He had to endure the pressure of a protest.
The trainer looks back on his first city win at Canterbury and the pressure of yet another protest.
Griffith lights up as he talks about one of his all time favourites Dancing Sun. The genuine stallion won a string of country Cups and took his young trainer to Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day 1996.
He acknowledges the consistency of family horse Mach ‘N’ Me.
Outback Club gets an honourable mention from the trainer.
Mach talks of prolific winner Binalong Road. He recalls a win in a Country Championship Qualifier at Bathurst with Hugh Bowman on board.
The trainer looks back on a seven win streak with Pera Pera in the Gooree Stud colours.
Mach sings the praises of current star Compelling Truth, already the winner of $578,000. He has a high opinion of the horse.
He remembers the fateful night when he met a charming American girl in a Scone pub. After a whirlwind romance the pair were married in Las Vegas. They are now the proud parents of two daughters and a son.
Mack goes back to 2012 when he spotted an advertisement calling for expressions of interest in the role of spelling and pre-training manager at the famous Gooree Stud. He was destined to spend a decade in the job.
He tells the story of Gooree’s state of the art training track which once brought James Cummings to the property with twenty horses during a wet spell in Sydney.
Mack says the magnificent Gooree property is currently unused as its fate is determined.
He pays tribute to some of his favourite “go-to” jockeys.
It’s a laid back chat with a highly respected bush trainer who’s crammed a lot into his fifty five years.
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
David McColm’s handling of media commitments after the 2024 Kosciuszko won him many friends. It was well documented that his talented horse Far Too Easy had endured several setbacks over the previous couple of years and public interest was high. All David wanted to do in post race interviews was deflect the credit to others. The enormity of the moment triggered unbridled emotion in the former apprentice jockey who’s now approaching forty years as a professional horse trainer. I’ve been looking forward to having David McColm on the podcast, and we’ve finally pinned him down for a chat. He says stable star Far Too Easy will return to the stable next month after the longest break of his career.
David looks back on two uncharacteristically disappointing runs during the Brisbane carnival.
The trainer takes us back to the 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale and the input of his teenage son Archie.
David says the journey with Far Too Easy has been better for the presence of close friends in the ownership.
He says ongoing foot issues with Far Too Easy have tested his resolve.
Dave looks back on the gelding’s first two wins with the late Chris Caserta in the saddle. Only eight months later the young jockey lost his life in a freak accident.
He reflects on the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas when Craig Williams rode the horse for the first time.
David recalls Far Too Easy’s impressive win in the Country Championship Qualifier at Grafton.
He looks back on the horror of the 2022 flood which impacted Far Too Easy and ten other horses. Racing NSW assisted with the remainder of the gelding’s Country Championship preparation.
The trainer remembers the Championship Final on a very heavy track with J. Mac in the saddle.
David looks back on the first of Far Too Easy’s three Kosciuszko attempts and the worrying skin rash that impeded his preparation.
He reflects on the horse’s first clash with arch rival Front Page.
McColm talks about another Kosciuszko in 2023. This time he had to settle for third as Front Page prevailed again.
The trainer says he carefully planned Far Too Easy’s path to the next edition of the Kosciuszko. The horse raced only three times in between.
David was buoyed by Craig Williams’ decision to fly to the Gold Coast for a barrier trial eleven days before the big race.
He reviews the race and the emotional aftermath.
The experienced horseman takes us back to his days as an apprentice jockey with Reg Powell at Werris Creek and pays tribute to a later tutor at Ipswich.
He hasn’t forgotten the thrill of his first win as a professional jockey.
David acknowledges some special horses to help him along the way.
He talks of son Archie’s official transition to stable apprentice, and gives a shout out to younger brother Max.
Mrs. Judy McColm plays a huge part in the operation of the stable, and receives the recognition she deserves.
He makes special mention of his older family from a previous marriage.
Dave looks back on a serious illness that halted his career for a couple of years.
He pays tribute to a handful of jockeys who’ve rendered great service over the years.
The trainer talks of his recent relocation to the Gold Coast.
This is a laid back chat with a bush horseman who was able to guide Far Too Easy through some turbulent times to win a $2 million dollar race at Royal Randwick.
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Darryl McLellan’s recent retirement announcement caught a few racing mates by surprise. It was well known that the 54 year old was still enjoying his riding and happy to travel big mileage if the mounts were there. He aggravated an old shoulder problem in an accident at Port Macquarie last December which sidelined him for five months. After just 22 rides on the comeback trail he knew the troublesome shoulder was destined to bring the curtain down on his very successful career. “Digger” is still dealing with the frustration of having to stop before he was ready, but kindly consented to join us on the podcast. The veteran jockey says he’s having fresh scans currently to determine the long range future of a shoulder he injured initially in 2009.
He takes us back to a Sunday meeting at Port Macquarie in late December when a fall from a “bucking bronco” aggravated a fifteen year old injury.
Darryl reflects on his very first job as an apprentice spray painter. Workmates constantly encouraged him to consider a future as a jockey.
He looks back on his time with top Muswellbrook trainer Pat Farrell who enjoyed a reputation as a master tutor of junior riders.
Darryl says he hadn’t ridden a horse when his apprenticeship began, but was riding in barrier trials after four months.
He remembers his first race ride at Quirindi and his first winning ride at Kembla Grange.
He acknowledges the first better than average horse he got to ride.
McLellan looks back on the thrill of winning the 1992/93 Sydney apprentices premiership.
He says his nickname “Digger” evolved during his spray painting apprenticeship and has never left him.
Darryl talks of the tremendous advantage he had over most jockeys by being able to ride at the limit weight. That ability brought him the ride on Magic Of Money in the 1995 Galaxy, his first Gr 1 success.
He remembers his ride on the same horse in the Doomben $10,000. He thought he was on a winner approaching the hometurn.
In the same year he was thrilled when Bart Cummings got him to ride a horse at a Saturday Newcastle meeting. How could he have known what Saintly was to achieve over the next 18 months.
“Digger’s” ability to ride light got him on Iron Horse in a very strong Epsom of 1996. He ran third to a couple of talented horses.
He looks back on an approach by John Hawkes seeking his services for Lease in the Doncaster. Take Sunline out and he wins the famous Gr 1 event.
The veteran hasn’t forgotten his 2000 Newcastle Cup win on Silent Impact. He says he’s never seen a bigger crowd at the Broadmeadow
Racecourse.
“Digger” values the bragging rights he derived when he won the 2001 Warwick Stakes on Lonhro. It was his one and only ride on the great horse.
He looks back on his Chairman’s Hcp/Sydney Cup double on the Neville McBurney trained Henderson Bay.
Darryl fondly remembers an association with the hugely talented Court Command. One of several wins was the 2006 Golden Rose before the race was elevated to Gr 1 status.
He remembers the barrier trial fall at Newcastle which was the catalyst for his longtime shoulder issues. He resumed about 8 months later only to be involved in another fall on the same track, aggravating the old injury.
“Digger” talks about a five year hiatus and the sudden urge to resurrect his riding career.
He reflects on the five years since his return to the riding ranks. Opportunities haven’t been as plentiful, but he’s enjoyed every moment.
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Queensland has long been regarded as a nursery for budding champion jockeys. Prime examples are George Moore and Neville Sellwood who both rode English Derby winners in addition to their stellar Australian careers. Dalby born Garnet Bougoure also left his mark in England with victories in a 1000 Guineas, St. Leger and Epsom Oaks. Graham Cook’s only overseas experience was a successful stint in Singapore where he notched a Gr 1 win. At home in Queensland he compiled a stellar record. We’re delighted to have his company on this week’s podcast, and I’m pleased to say the 82 year old has forgotten nothing. Graham takes us back to the day in 1993 when he realised it was game over.
He rekindles memories of his father Frank, a capable jockey whose career embraced two separate phases.
Although only five years old at the time, Graham has vivid memories of Frank Cook’s Doomben Cup win on Forge in 1948. He watched the race from an unlikely vantage point.
The former star jockey talks of his father’s premature passing.
He remembers his hard working mother Margaret who died in 1993.
Graham reflects on his apprenticeship to his uncle Bert Cook.
He’s never forgotten the August day in 1959 when he made his race riding debut and earned the ire of his master.
Graham remembers his first win on Countwood, a horse destined to play a pivotal role in his early career.
He looks back on the three horse race he won on Countwood beating a couple of star jockeys.
Graham acknowledges a handful of jockeys he greatly admired in his formative years.
He remembers two important wins on the talented Maybe Lad.
The veteran looks back on his second Queensland Guineas win on Lord Kearsey from the Jim Atkins stable. He pays tribute to the legendary Toowoomba trainer.
He acknowledges another four wins in the Guineas making it a total of six- his best result in Queensland feature races.
Graham remembers a Gr 1 win on Zephyr Zip for another Brisbane training legend.
Fittingly he pays tribute to the gallant Mode, the pony sized mare who gave him victory in two famous Queensland races.
“Cookie” hasn’t forgotten his Gr 1 rampage during the 1974/75 Brisbane winter carnival- three elite level wins for champion trainer Jim Griffiths.
He looks back on the Doomben $10,000/Stradbroke double with Spedito.
The champion jockey relates the circumstances under which he was persuaded to fly to Sydney to ride Leonotis in the 1978 Epsom. His confidence was dimmed by a bad barrier but Leonotis was awesome on the day.
He looks back on another Stradbroke success on Dancing Poet for Bill Calder who later gained prominence as the trainer of Chief de Beers.
Graham takes us through his winning record in some of Brisbane’s most historic races.
He fondly remembers winning several races on the consistent galloper Ima Shadow for trainer Tom Dawson. Ima Shadow won an amazing total of 31 races.
Graham looks back on his four Brisbane jockey’s premierships, and some special days when he dominated the programme.
He remembers a lightning trip to Singapore to ride a top fancy in the Gold Cup. He won the feature and later returned for a three year stint.
“Cookie” talks of the inevitable accidents during his thirty four year career.
He pays tribute to Janelle, his wife and best friend.
It was an absolute delight to catch up with one of the best riders of his generation. Many memories here for those who were around in “Cookie’s time.
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Early in life Lindsay Hatch was totally focused on becoming a jockey and was able to make that happen, albeit for a very short time. Apprenticed to his father Geoff, young Lindsay lasted only 3 years before his weight got out of control but it’s fair to say he left his mark with more than 80 wins, including 30 in Brisbane and a Gold Coast apprentices premiership. He later learned the training craft from some of Australia’s most successful horsemen before settling into a full time solo career at Toowoomba- a career that has so far brought him two Toowoomba premierships. The Lindsay Hatch story makes for a very interesting podcast, and we’re delighted to present it this week.
Lindsay begins by singing the praises of his talented mare Wanda Rox who scored a dashing win at EF on Sat July 19th. It was her fourth win at headquarters.
Lindsay talks about his dual operation in Queensland with stables at Toowoomba and Townsville. He outlines the reason for the establishment of a northern base.
He acknowledges the professionalism of his Townsville stable manager Martin Haley.
Lindsay says the toughest part of the job is the endless travelling between coastal racing venues.
He talks of his 40 horse team at Toowoomba.
Lindsay remembers childhood days at Blackall and a subsequent move to Ayr in sugar cane country.
He looks back on his low key job with top trainer Bruce McLachlan in Brisbane. All he wanted to do was become a jockey.
At this point his father Geoff made the important decision to apprentice his son.
Lindsay looks back on a fleeting riding career before rapidly increasing weight brought an end to his dream. His three years in the saddle were not without rewards.
He looks back on the freakish stroke of luck that would change his life. With the help of a friend, Lindsay became a trackwork rider for Tommy Smith who was a regular in Brisbane at carnival time. That association was destined to last for several years. He remembers one outstanding horse he got to ride in trackwork.
Lindsay talks of a move back to Brisbane and a job with talented trainer Kelso Wood.
He looks back on a trip to the famous Cairns Amateurs with a few mates. He intended to stay for a week, but was still there three years later. During that time his training career had a low key start.
On returning to Brisbane Lindsay would meet the lady destined to become his wife and the mother of his two children. Tracey wasn’t from a racing background but quickly learned the ropes.
Lindsay brings us up to date with the current activities of son Thomas and daughter Jade.
The trainer looks back on a fateful decision he made in 2010. Unhappy with the Toowoomba Turf Club’s decision to install a synthetic track, he applied for a job with John Sadler in Melbourne. He landed that job and loved every minute of the experience.
Lindsay takes us back to the second phase of his Victorian experience- a stint with Team Snowden during which time he worked with some classy horses.
He recalls his return to Queensland and a whole new career experience courtesy of old friend Tony Gollan.
The talented trainer acknowledges some of the horses who’ve helped shape his career.
Lindsay recalls the thrill of his recent win in the Battle Of The Bush Final with Peshwa ridden by his former apprentice Angela Jones.
He pays tribute to the young lady who’s on the brink of history as the current season draws to a close. He speaks highly of Angela’s partner Kyle Wilson-Taylor who spent part of his apprenticeship with the Hatch stable.
Lindsay looks back on the two lowest points of his fifty year involvement in racing. He talks of the shock bowel cancer diagnosis he was handed by doctors in 2017, and the twelve months disqualification he incurred when one of his horses returned a swab positive to cobalt in 2024. The disqualification was eventually replaced by a hefty fine.
It’s a laid back chat with a true blue Queenslander who wouldn’t swap his lot in life for “quids”.
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Racing Victoria has always placed enormous importance on the education and welfare of the state’s junior jockeys. No stone is left unturned in developing the talents of promising young riders, at the same time closely monitoring any potential mental health issues that may arise. The governing body chose carefully a few years ago in selecting Darren Gauci and Alf Matthews to head up their jockey coaching initiative. Alf brought the curtain down on his riding career as far back as 1999 and has spent the ensuing 26 years working in apprentice jockey tuition and mainstream racing media. Adelaide born Alf Matthews has crammed a heck of a lot into his 69 years, and his story makes for an absorbing podcast.
Great to have him on board this week.
Alf begins by talking about the high number of female apprentices coming through the system. He agrees the girls will comprise a high percentage of Australia’s jockey ranks in the years ahead.
He talks of the benefits of Racing Victoria’s “mechanical horse” in schooling budding riders.
Alf takes us through a day at the races with young riders in his group.
He takes us back to his final race ride in 1998 when Craig Williams on Prime Address robbed him of victory in the Eclipse Stakes.
Alf looks back on his very happy apprenticeship with optician turned horse trainer John Riggs at Morphettville.
He’s never forgotten his first day at the races in 1972. He thought he had only one ride but finished up with a couple. He met an English riding legend during the day.
Jockeys who win their first race on a metropolitan track are few and far between. Alf was one of them.
He looks back on an early association with Bart Cummings and the opportunity to ride a classy 3 year old for the maestro.
Alf still can’t believe his luck in winning his first Gr 1 at home in the Adelaide Cup of 1975.
He only had to wait a couple of months for his second Gr 1, this time down the historic Flemington straight six.
Alf says he was chuffed to win the Blue Diamond Stakes for legendary trainer Colin Hayes.
He looks back on a transfer of his indentures to Randwick trainer “Skeeter” Bentley in 1976.
Not long after Alf arrived in Sydney Bart Cummings came looking for him to ride one of his runners in the time honoured Epsom Hcp. It was a roughly run Epsom, but Alf missed the trouble to land outsider La Neige a narrow winner.
He looks back on his association with classy mare Maybe Mahal in the 1977/1978 season. At his second ride on the bonny mare Alf got her home in the Craven A Stakes, his second win in that high profile Derby day sprint. He has fond memories of the mare.
Alf looks back on a memorable Adelaide carnival in 1986 when he landed the winners of both the Oaks and SA Derby.
He looks back on another Oaks win on the grey filly Pindi.
The former jockey was elated to win the famous Oakleigh Plate on Khaptingly for his great supporter David Hall.
Alf says he brought his Gr 1 tally to an even 10 on Minegold in the Australasian Oaks for old friend Leon Macdonald.
He pays tribute to one of his favourites Blue Boss. He won seven races on the old warhorse including four at stakes level.
Alf looks back on three overseas stints. He was all set to spend a season in Hong Kong but an Adelaide fall saw his contract cancelled.
He pays tribute to one Adelaide rider who had a marked impact on his early career.
Alf reviews his long association with Racing Victoria.
The former outstanding jockey looks back on his 15 years with the Skychannel organisation and several other TV and radio experiences.
Alf pays tribute to daughters April and Krystal and the three grandsons the girls have brought into the world.
He acknowledges the undying support of wife Kellie.
I can still see young Alf Matthews charging along the fence on La Neige to snatch victory in the last stride of the 1976 Epsom. It was one of an amazing tally of 1603 career winners. Those Victorian apprentices are indeed fortunate to have a former rider of such great talent as their official coach and adviser. Delighted to have Alf on this week’s podcast edition.
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Many punters have noted the absence of Luke Currie from the Melbourne riding ranks in recent weeks. The popular jockey has simply taken advantage of the off-season period to attend to a nagging knee issue he’s been dealing with for quite some time.
He’s making great progress and hopes to return to the saddle in just a few weeks. Luke Currie has had a presence among Victoria’s top bracket of riders for close to three decades posting more than 1500 winners with 13 Gr 1’s prominent on his CV. He’s been on our podcast shortlist for a long time and we’ve been able to make it happen during his current layoff. Luke begins by tendering a full report on his troublesome knee.
He says the timing of his hiatus wasn’t ideal. He’d been riding winners everywhere.
The jockey looks back on his Tasmanian upbringing and an early apprenticeship to his father Ricky.
He looks back on a couple of winners in his home state. The system was such that any Tasmanian wins would have had an effect on his Victorian claim. He had to relocate as soon as possible.
Luke looks back on his time with trainer and former champion jockey Pat Hyland.
He talks of a transfer to Robbie Griffiths in the latter stages of his apprenticeship, and the golden opportunity he was given by his new boss.
The high profile jockey looks back on a six race association with champion mare Makybe Diva.
Luke remembers his first Gr 1 success on hardy gelding Roman Arch in the famous Toorak Hcp.
He pays tribute to mentor, confidant and friend the late Deane Lester.
He reminisces about two C.F Orr victories on Suavito and Manuel.
The jockey pays a heartfelt tribute to brilliant mare Sunlight who provided him with ten wins including two Gr 1’s. He recalls her fighting effort to beat some star colts in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Luke marvels at the mind boggling money generated by Sunlight and her relatives in the sale ring.
Currie will always have a soft spot for Hey Doc. He rode the sprinter-miler 27 times for 8 wins including 4 Gr 1’s.
He reviews his two memorable Blue Diamond wins on Lyre and Artorius.
Luke says he was thrilled to win the 2021 Newmarket for old friend Matthew Ellerton.
He agrees his McKinnon Stakes win on Arcadia Queen was perhaps the easiest elite level win he’s ever been involved with.
Luke looks back on his Hong Kong experience at the height of the covid pandemic. He won at his first race ride, but everything went “belly up” from there.
He says there was one memorable development during his time in Hong Kong when invited to fly home to ride Mr. Brightside in the All Star Mile at Moonee Valley. The story had a happy ending.
Luke pays tribute to his girls- wife Sophia and daughters Mia and Miley.
This is a laid back chat with a Melbourne jockey whose reputation for hard work and reliability precedes him wherever he goes.
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
A remarkable riding career came to an end at Doomben in July 2019 when Jeff Lloyd donned the silks for the final time. Imagine how many sets of colours this man had worn in a career embracing 41 years, 5500 winners, 94 Gr 1’s and countless stakes races. He was 50 years old when he arrived in Brisbane in 2012 but soon demonstrated the skills that had built his image as a world class jockey. Not even a 14 month absence recovering from the effects of a stroke could force his retirement until he was good and ready. The continued success of his sons Zac and Jaden has triggered several requests for a podcast. We’ve been into the archives and regenerated an interview recorded with Jeff Lloyd almost 6 years ago. Let’s give it another gallop. He began by looking back on cherished memories from his final day at Doomben.
The former ace jockey reflects on his English origins.
He says there was no actual racing background in his family other than his father’s love of a punt.
Jeff recalls watching racing on television at every opportunity and the hero worship he developed of legendary jockey Lester Piggott. He says Piggott had more impact on his life than any other jockey.
He recalls riding with Piggott many years later in South African Invitational events.
Jeff outlines the reason for his family’s move from Great Britain to South Africa.
He’s never forgotten his enrolment with the famous South African Jockey’s Academy where strident discipline applied.
Lloyd recalls his initial apprenticeship to respected trainer Brian De Villiers who gave him unexpected support.
Like most jockeys Jeff vividly recalls his first winning ride.
The former champion jockey talks about the development of his trademark style.
Jeff picked up a special nickname early in his career which sticks to this day- a nickname inspired by his English roots.
He reviews the countless highlights of his South African career.
Jeff says he competed in South Africa against some of the world’s best jockeys.
Lloyd still regards a 7 time Gr 1 winner called Wolf Power as the best horse he’s ridden. The big grey was a specialist miler in South Africa.
He looks back on a stunning day at the Kenilworth track shortly before his relocation to Australia. His haul of wins included three of the country’s top Gr 1 races.
Jeff talks of his participation in the famous 2000m race the J&B Met. He won it five times.
He talks of several trips to other countries including Mauritius. He was lukewarm about a short term contract but finished up riding more winners there than any other jockey before or since.
When his stellar South African career came to a close he was given two unforgettable sendoffs. Jeff Lloyd farewells at Scottsville and Turffontein were emotional experiences.
Jeff looks back on the worrying aspect of living in Durban in the early 2000’s. He and wife Nickola lived in a housing estate which offered round the clock security.
He says dining out wasn’t a pleasant prospect.
When Jeff decided to try his luck in Australia, brother-in-law and fellow jockey Glyn Schofield opted to do the same.
The former star jockey pays tribute to the horse who got him up and running in his adopted country.
He’s never forgotten a Randwick treble on New Year’s Day 2008.
Jeff says he was well aware Sydney racing people were talking about his unorthodox style. He simply let the results do the talking.
He recalls his surprise when he learned that the Aussie horses were not as “hyped up” as their South African counterparts.
Lloyd was overwhelmed when a wide range of Sydney trainers started to seek his services. Even Jack Denham jumped on the bandwagon.
He looks back on a career defining win on Kiwi 3YO Nom De Jeu In the 2008 Australian Derby.
Then came a contract to ride in Hong Kong. Initially it was to be a three month arrangement but things changed.
Jeff was delighted to win the Gr 1 HK Mile on the remarkable Able One, an unsound nine year old at the time.
When the decision was made to return to Australia Jeff and NIckola plumped for the Gold Coast as their preferred location.
He talks openly about the lowest point in his life. He had a minor tumble at a Doomben midweek meeting and felt unwell on arriving home. He tried to honour commitments at the Sunny Coast the following day, but had to stand himself down. Tests over the next few days revealed a very serious medical situation.
Jeff says the enforced break enabled him to completely get over an old back injury.
He still marvels at the fact that he was able to win four Brisbane premierships after such a debilitating illness.
Jeff rates his 2017 Magic Millions win on Houtzen as a career highlight.
He says the luxury of being a natural lightweight enabled him to ride into his mid fifties.
A forty year career and 27000 race rides wasn’t devoid of accidents. At the time he left South Africa Jeff had been involved in 14 race falls. A few more followed in Australia. He admits to having caused a handful of those falls himself.
The veteran says he’s still very conscious of fitness levels in retirement.
This podcast was recorded soon after Jeff’s retirement from race riding. Nowadays he’s enjoying his role as manager to sons Zac and Jaden and to promising apprentice Zac Wadick. The Jeff Lloyd story is one of racing’s most fascinating. He’s a great listen.
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
It’s doubtful that Queensland has ever produced a more versatile racing all rounder than Rockhampton based Tony McMahon who was forced to reduce his workload significantly following a freak stable accident in 2022. After 50 frantically busy years working in multiple roles within the racing industry, the 72 year old walked away from several commitments including his favourite pursuit of horse training. His many supporters were delighted to hear that the veteran will continue in the role of resident race caller for several regional race clubs. This man’s story is ready made for a racing podcast and we’re delighted he agreed to join this one. Tony begins our chat by looking back on the simple accident that would leave him with a badly damaged shoulder.
He has three race horses still in work with other trainers.
Tony identifies five tracks where he’ll continue to work as resident commentator.
The veteran takes us back to early days when he’d hitch a ride from the Gold Coast to Brisbane most Saturdays to meet an uncle at the metropolitan race meeting.
Tony remembers the days when he’d practice race calling onto a tape recorder and get top caller Vince Curry to review his work.
He recalls his disdain of the schoolroom and his first job with a Gold Coast bank.
He reflects on the night when he got a work colleague to listen to one of his phantom race calls. The exercise indirectly guided him towards a race calling career.
Tony hasn’t forgotten his audition call for the Lismore Turf Club whose course commentator was nearing retirement. He landed the job at just 17 years of age. He immediately quit his job at the ES&A Bank despite the misgivings of his parents.
He recalls jumping at an opportunity to call some harness racing for Brisbane radio.
Tony looks back on a surprise opportunity in the early 1970’s to act as race caller and handicapper for the Gold Coast Turf Club. A short time into the dual role he developed blood clots on his vocal chords. He was devastated to learn that his race calling days were over, at least in the short term.
He was thrilled when another door opened almost immediately- the dual role of assistant handicapper and cadet steward with the NRRA.
Tony talks of his next adventure. This time he landed the job of handicapper for the Newcastle Racing and Registration Board. He became the youngest handicapper to be appointed in NSW. He looks back on subsequent roles with the Wyong Race Club and the Newcastle Herald. It was around this time his voice returned and he was soon back behind the binoculars.
He remembers another change of direction in 1978 when the NRRA appointed him chief steward for race meetings in their northern sector. This made him the youngest chairman of stewards ever appointed in northern NSW and possibly the nation.
Finally Tony’s long time desire to train in his own right got the better of him. He acquired stables on the Gold Coast and kicked off with some ‘hand-me-down’ horses from Newcastle trainer Jim Johnstone. He joined an elite group of trainers to score with his very first starter.
Tony pays tribute to the horses who launched his career and helped him to establish a reputation as a serious horse trainer. He makes special mention of Konedobu, the frustrating horse who provided his first Brisbane city win and became his one and only Sydney runner.
The versatile racing identity pays a special tribute to former ace jockey Tony Erhart.
He looks back on a decision to set up shop as a trainer in faraway Rockhampton. It also brought him closer to his future wife Jean who’s been a tower of strength in subsequent years.
Once again a new door opened for Tony not long after arriving in Rocky. He walked straight into the roles of Callaghan Park race caller and racing writer for the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin. He held both jobs for many years.
He expresses gratitude for two journalistic awards to come his way.
Trainer McMahon pays tribute to three special horses who kept him in the training spotlight- Mamselle Corday, Paradis Imperial and Cindy Kate.
Queensland racing’s “Mr. Versatile” relates some humorous stories from his days as a stipendiary steward.
Tony pays tribute to daughter Elizabeth, son Chris and granddaughter Arabella.
He speaks affectionately of his receipt of the Pat Duff Trainer’s Association Award for long time services to Queensland racing.
Great to finally catch up with the amazingly versatile Tony McMahon, a true Queensland racing legend.