John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
The first segment of this special interview reviews the master horseman’s long and brilliant career as a trainer and driver in the harness racing field.
Fred tells the story of his grandfather taking two pacers from Adelaide to Perth by ship, while the rest of the family crossed the Nullabor in an old Buick car. The Kersleys have been in Western Australia ever since.
He reflects on the brilliant training and driving career of his father Fred Kersley Snr, who had never been able to win a WA Pacing Cup.Towards the end of his career, young Fred was able to give him the winning drive on James Eden in the historic race. It was a night of high emotion.
Fred looks back on his very slow start as a trainer/driver. He couldn’t have imagined that he’d go on to win 16 metropolitan premierships.
The master horseman recalls his association with the great pacer Pure Steel. He won the WA Derby with the up and coming champion, but later lost the horse following a disagreement with owner Russell Roberts.
Fred pays tribute to Classic Garry, perhaps the fastest horse he ever drove.
He has some nice things to say about this brilliant racehorse and hugely influential sire.
He acknowledges some of the great drivers with whom he competed on Western Australian tracks.
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
Harry pays tribute to the super sire I Am Invincible who has been a sensation on the Australian breeding scene in recent years.
He reveals the chain of events which led to the purchase of a half share in I Am Invincible, when a new stallion was required for the Mitchell family’s Yarraman Park Stud near Scone(NSW).
Harry remembers the first time he saw the horse at the Victorian stables of Peter Morgan. He was “blown away”.
He talks of the humbling experience of having I Am Invincible selected as the consort for two of the greatest mares in Australian racing history.
The respected breeder reminisces about his late father’s acquisition of Yarraman Park from its previous owner, legendary jockey George Moore.
Harry acknowledges the courage and vision of his father Major Mitchell who left England to start a new life in Australia with his wife and three young sons.
He talks of the tough days when Yarraman Park stood a number of mediocre sires.
Harry pays tribute to Catbird and Magic Albert, the stallions to put Yarraman Park “on the map”.
He talks of the sad demise of brilliant stallion Hinchinbrook following a bizarre accident on the property.
Harry pays tribute to his brother Bill who trained successfully for more than twenty years, posting 11 Group 1 wins.
The co-manager of Yarraman Park talks of the stud’s long association with Inglis. He recalls the day when the stud supplied the top colt and top filly at an Inglis Easter sale.
Tuesday Mar 17, 2020
Tuesday Mar 17, 2020
In part 2 Rod talks of Keith Noud’s ability to call a race, before dashing to the press box to file a story on the same race.
He takes us through some very funny incidents during his race broadcasting days. Incidents like the amorous liaison taking place in a bunker on the infield golf course at Laidley.
He recalls the unwelcome guest he had in the broadcasting box at Gatton, and the day a number of calves were asleep on the course proper at the same track.
Rod talks of his time as a trots caller at Albion park and his hosting role at a famous night club.
He remembers his days as the host of Channel 7’s Sportscene programme, and one memorable incident.
The veteran nominates his favourite Queensland jockeys and trainers.
Rod looks back on his transfer to the Sydney Telegraph and his later life with Sky Channel and Sky Racing Radio.
In conclusion he pays tribute to Kay and his much loved children and grandchildren. Rod Gallegos is a terrific listen!
Tuesday Mar 17, 2020
Tuesday Mar 17, 2020
Rod talks of his upbringing in the popular Queensland town of Bundaberg. He recalls the racing characters he met at his Grandmother’s boarding house.
He talks of the mother who loved a punt, and the non gambling father who just liked looking at racehorses.
Rod recalls the bet he tried to have behind his mother’s back. The bookie gave him up.
He looks back on his race calling debut at age 14, when the regular commentator got called away.
Rod looks back on school days and his ineptitude at practical assignments.
The popular media veteran talks of the lucky break that came along at the Bundaberg News Mail.
He makes special mention of the legendary Sergeant Kelly of the Bundy Police who gave him some invaluable advice.
Rod looks back on the opportunity that changed his life- a move to brisbane and a job with the Brisbane Telegraph.
He remembers the chance meeting with Kay Noud, the girl destined to become his wife of 56 years.
Rod pays a remarkable tribute to his late father in law, legendary Queensland race caller and racing writer Keith Noud.
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
This is a light hearted chat with a vivacious young lady who has strong support from owners and trainers in NSW and Queensland. Tegan has been out of action for almost five months following the worst fall of her ten year career.
Tegan pays special tribute to her jockey/mother who rode many winners on the NSW Northern Rivers under the name of Bev Want. She thinks it’s pretty special that she was going around in races before her Mum realised she was in the early stages of pregnancy.
Tegan acknowledges the efforts of her father Andrew, a versatile jack of all trades who’s always first there to help his daughter out when things need fixing.
The jockey reflects on her childhood involvement with Grafton Pony Club, and a transition to the re educating of retired racehorses. She admits she didn’t like the thoroughbreds at first.
Tegan looks back on her apprenticeship to Bruce Hill on the Gold Coast, and her disastrous first race ride- one she’d rather forget.
She recalls her early education at Julia Creek in the Queensland outback, a special winning ride at Goondiwindi and her very first city success.
Tegan still can’t believe that Tony Gollan gave her the prized ride on Temple Of Boom in a Stradbroke and a Doomben $10,000- she finished a close second in both races.
She profiles some of the horses who’ve helped her profile in the last few years.
Tegan talks of life on the Gold Coast with her partner Ben Hull, former successful jockey and currently making a name for himself as a trainer. She confirms that Ben gave her a sparkling engagement ring just recently.
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
We catch up with Peter Mertens in his new role as Farms Operations Manager at Sean Buckley’s magnificent Ultra Thoroughbreds spelling, breeding and training operation near Kilmore. He explains how the job came up, and his day to day involvement.
Peter talks of his formative years in the Gippsland region and his two apprenticeships- one to George O’Mealley, the other to Lloyd Timms.
Just as his riding career was starting to gather momentum, Peter disappeared from the racing scene for two years. He explains that he had to look after younger siblings when his mother suffered a breakdown.
He was no sooner back in action when he broke his neck in a race fall. He talks of his long, slow rehabilitation.
Peter recalls a very successful stint in Singapore with a former Victorian trainer, and the shock phone call that brought news of his mother’s unexpected death.
He remembers the one that got away! He thought Charm Scene Land was a good thing in the 1999 Blue Diamond, and was devastated when an elevated temperature put the youngster out of the big race.
He talks of the amazing change of fortune that brought him a Group 1 win on the same day.
Peter reminisces about his lucky run at the 2001 Adelaide Cup carnival- he won the Derby, the Oaks and the Cup itself.
The former jockey reflects on his association with Bart Cummings. The pair combined to win a McKinnon Stakes and an Australian Cup with Sirmione in the 2007/2008 season.
He reflects on the jockeys for whom he had special admiration and on the achievements of his son Beau who enjoyed a brilliant apprenticeship.
Peter talks of the progress of five other children.
He reflects on his unplaced ride on Envoy in the 2005 Melbourne Cup- Makybe Diva’s third Cup. He says to be a part of it, was an emotional experience.
Tuesday Mar 03, 2020
Tuesday Mar 03, 2020
In part 2 Jimmy Byrne recalls a win in the coveted Queensland Derby on the Peter Moody trained Riva San. He was lucky to gain the ride.
He reflects on one of his greatest racing thrills, a Doomben $10,000 victory on Redzel. It was his one and only ride on the dual Everest winner.
The jockey talks of another Group 1 win- the J.J.Atkins Stakes on the Paul Butterworth trained Capital Gain.
Jim looks back on five rides on the powerhouse sprinter General Nediym including a win in the Magic Millions Cup.
He talks of his affinity with the Ipswich track where he’s won three Cups.
Jim talks of the trainers who’ve given him support over the years.
The popular jockey outlines his business plans for the future. He’s already setting up a saddlery shop at home where he’ll work when his racing days are over.
Tuesday Mar 03, 2020
Tuesday Mar 03, 2020
In part 1 Jim laments about his horror run with injuries over the last twelve months. He talks of extensive shoulder surgery early last year, and a broken leg sustained in a freak fall just before Xmas.
He talks of the frustration all injured jockeys experience when their regular mounts keep winning during their absence.
Jim tells the story of the school teacher who suggested he should become a jockey. He recalls his apprenticeship to Pat Duff and those precious early winners.
Jim pays tribute to the NSW horse who changed his career. He won the 1999 Stradbroke on Adam and was beaten a whisker in the Doomben $10,000. He loved the little horse with perfect manners, and a great will to win.
He talks of his three wins on the brilliant Toowoomba filly Gold Edition including a Group 1 success at historic Flemington.
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
Introducing Damian Raedler who retired recently from his role as CEO of the Albion Park Harness Racing Club.
Damian looks back on his early years with Telecom when he specialised in the installation of automatic telephone exchanges.
He talks of his decision to leave great job security in the pursuit of a career in racing media. He clearly recalls a job offer from 2GB.
Damian talks of his experience as a thoroughbred and harness caller. He was very humbled later to be appointed Sporting Editor of 2GB and its vast racing network. He remembers his disappointment when 2GB discontinued its racing service, and his move to 2KY.
Damian talks of his bold decision to leave the media and enter the world of racing administration. He was destined to spend the rest of his career in several different roles.
He talks of several key people who helped shape his career.
Damian talks of the most rewarding initiatives in which he was involved in harness racing.
He reflects on favourite horses and horsemen of his era.
He recalls his role in the acquisition of USA pacer Mr. Feelgood for Queensland buyers. The stallion went on to great success on the racetrack before embarking on a stud career.
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
Delighted to catch up with one of Australia’s most popular and consistent jockeys. He explains the origins of his famous nickname “Stubby”.
Jason talks of his recent winning run and the enjoyment he’s getting out of his riding at the moment.
He talks of his family background and the mother who loved the races. Sue would take young Jason along and he was soon besotted with the business.
“Stubby” recalls his apprenticeship to Leon Macdonald and his early barrier trial rides.
The jockey looks back on his wins in the Goodwood Hcp and Adelaide Cup- the dream of every South australian jockey.
Jason talks of his Melbourne Cup placing. He says it was almost as good as a win.
“Stubby” pays tribute to Gold Guru and Umrum, two of his all time favourites.
He looks back on a four year stint in Queensland and his great association with the late Bruce McLachlan. He recalls the joy of a Magic Millions win, and the fall that almost certainly cost him Golden Slipper success.
He reminisces about his overseas stints including a dream run in Macau.
Jason talks about his very unusual hobby. He and daughter Paris go “Husky Racing” in the winter months.