John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
If pedigree has any bearing there was always a strong likelihood James Orman would become a jockey. His father Michael showed some talent in a very brief career before increasing weight terminated his aspirations. His mother Caroline Allardyce has been a trainer for forty years, and increased her team numbers when James became her stable apprentice in 2013. Young Orman’s emergence as one of Australia’s best jockeys has been spectacular. He begins by talking about his flying start in the new racing season.
James, or Jimmy as he’s popularly known, talks about life on his Nudgee property with Heidi and their children Floyd and Hallie.
The talented jockey talks of childhood days at Forest Hill, his involvement in pony club and a passion for gymnastics. He outlines some highs and lows from his time as a gymnast.
Jimmy says riding was second nature to him by the time he elected to become indentured to his trainer/mother.
He looks back on his very first race ride at Nanango. He finished third but believes he should have won the race.
He remembers his first winning ride on the same track.
James says his first metropolitan win was one of the most thrilling of his career. The horse was trained by his mum and won with ease.
The jockey says his first three rides in the city were all winners.
Jimmy says he’s ridden more winners for Kelly Schweida than he has for any other trainer. He acknowledges Schweida’s unwavering support.
He acknowledges the ongoing backing of some of Brisbane’s high profile stables.
The twenty seven year old remembers a special deal he made with his mother should she allow him to leave school.
He says people are never quite sure what they should call him. He prefers “Jimmy”.
James takes us through his impressions of the best horses he’s ridden in recent years with special mention of Niccanova, Prince Of Boom and Far Too Easy.
The outstanding jockey looks back on his opportunity to win a stakes race for the powerful Godolphin operation.
Jimmy rates Antino as the best horse he’s ridden to date. After nine Queensland wins on the Gollan trained galloper he was retained for the ride in the black type Tontonan Stakes in Melbourne. The experience turned out to be a nightmare.
He hopes for an opportunity to get another crack in Melbourne.
Orman talks of a surprise invitation from expat Queensland trainer Michael Costa to spend two weeks in Dubai late last year. The experience turned out to be everything that Melbourne wasn’t. He created a huge impression with five wins on one programme.
He also rode a winner at Meydan which boasts a spectacular jockey’s room.
Jimmy pays tribute to the jockeys who’ve influenced his career.
He talks of two debilitating injuries sustained in racing accidents.
The star jockey says his weight is fairly stable at 56 kgs provided he observes all the rules.
Jimmy hints at a few immediate goals. It’s a nice chat with yet another champion horseman from the sunshine state.
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
I first met Josh Fleming when he visited the Sky Studios with family members in 2000. He was just 15 at the time, but already a professional race caller in Queensland. He’d debuted at Longreach a year earlier and had subsequently called the action at several far flung tracks. He was too young to take part in Sky’s first “young race caller scholarship” but landed a job in his own right three years later. He’s come a long way from that nervous start at Longreach, and the story makes for an interesting podcast. Josh recalls that brief visit to the Sky studios almost 25 years ago.
He pays tribute to the grandmother who lived long enough to see him make his race calling debut.
Josh cherishes memories of his meeting with the late Graham McNeice on that Sunday morning in 2000.
The 39 year old calls regularly from Doomben, Eagle Farm and the Sunny Coast. He rates the popular tracks.
Josh has just returned from his 21st visit to the Birdsville Cup. He talks of the unique two day carnival on the edge of the Simpson Desert.
He says he was horrified in 1995 when his school teacher mother Alison announced her transfer to Barcaldine 1000 kms from his beloved Brisbane.
Josh talks of his friendship with stipendiary steward John Wallace who took him to several outback meetings, and was instrumental in getting him the Longreach “gig”.
His debut was impressive enough to generate a few more race calling opportunities in the region.
It was back to Brisbane in 2001 and some work experience at 4TAB.
Josh looks back on his many “practice” calls at Doomben and Eagle Farm. He had invaluable input from Wayne Wilson and Alan Thomas.
The dedicated broadcaster remembers with affection the beginning of his Sydney role with Skychannel. He was ust 18.
Josh looks back on the experience he gained on provincial and country tracks. He seized the opportunity to cover city meetings for three months on Sky Racing Radio. He has some precious memories from that chapter in his career.
He was thrilled to be offered the full time Brisbane role when Alan Thomas decided to pull up stumps. He’s never forgotten Alan’s final day on the Gold Coast.
Two weeks after Alan’s retirement Josh got to cover the Magic Millions meeting- a $10 million dollar race day. He called the easy win by Capitalist.
Josh got a bonus on the day when he called the great sprinter Buffering in a $1 million dollar race.
He remembers the special day in 2008 when he met his future wife Gabrielle at a Queensland picnic race meeting.
Josh speaks with pride and affection about his two children Olivia and Jackson.
He chooses to live in the picturesque Darling Downs township of Warwick. Josh says he doesn’t mind the travel involved.
To say he was born to be a race caller might seem to be a fanciful phrase- in Josh Fleming’s case the old cliche holds true.
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Aaron Bullock has emerged in the last five years as one of Australia’s most consistent jockeys. In the 2022/2023 season his astounding strike rate saw him win the national jockey’s title with 207.5 winners. He’s due to return to the saddle at the end of the month following a two month injury layoff. While he had a little spare time on his hands the father-to-be was happy to talk to us about his meteoric rise in the riding ranks. Aaron says he can’t wait to get cracking again.
He says his weight is under control as he nears a return to the saddle.
The heavyweight jockey talks about the Newcastle fall in July which aggravated an old injury.
Aaron talks about the impending birth of his first child with wife Amelia (nee Denby).
He gives Amelia much of the credit for his continued success.
Aaron talks of childhood days in Tumut and his first glimpse of thoroughbreds at the local races.
He recalls the family’s move to Singleton and his subsequent apprenticeship to trainer Todd Howlett whose career was just getting under way.
Aaron has never forgotten his first serious gallop at Muswellbrook. He says he couldn’t get the hang of it.
There was one particular morning when everything fell into place.
Young Bullock suddenly felt he was a jockey at last.
He remembers his first ride and his initial win. Sadly his enthusiasm didn’t last, and he made the decision to walk away from racing.
Fast forward to 2019 when Aaron hit a major hurdle. He remembers a positive test to a banned substance and a six month disqualification.
Aaron says his transformation began in the 2019/2020 season. He’s ridden 644 winners since with a national premiership thrown in.
He talks about his duel with Queenslander James Orman in the closing weeks of the 2022/2023 season.
Aaron says his commitment to clients on provincial and country tracks keeps him away from city meetings. Every now and again he’ll be lured to town to ride a promising horse. Know Thyself is one of those horses. He also gives a thumbs up to English mare Clear Thinking.
The jockey acknowledges some of his favourite horses and horsemen.
Aaron pays a special tribute to the jockey he most admires.
He makes special mention of Amelia’s successful riding career.
It’s a laid back chat with an inspirational bloke.
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Many racing people were predicting a bright future for Dylan Gibbons long before he made his debut at Taree in July 2020.
Son of successful jockey Andrew Gibbons, the lanky youngster had been taken along quietly by his master Kris Lees and was the complete package by the time he was let loose. Dylan hasn’t let his supporters down. In just four seasons of race riding he’s approaching 400 winners including two Gr 1’s. Caught up with the talented young rider last week for a comprehensive chat about his career so far. He talks about four seasons of success he never expected.
Dylan talks about the workload of the modern day jockey with special mention of the barrier trial schedule.
He talks of partner Nevada and the decision to stay in his hometown of Newcastle.
The young jockey talks of his hectic 2023/2024 season and the holiday he was badly in need of.
He admits he was late in making a decision to become an apprentice, but says his interest in racing was obsessive.
Dylan reflects on the many days he spent at race meetings where his father had riding commitments. He says he found a way to keep occupied.
He talks of his admiration for two Sydney jockeys in particular. He remains very friendly with Tommy Berry and Kerrin McEvoy. At one stage he was acting as valet for both riders.
When Andrew Gibbons could see his son was deadly serious about becoming a jockey he took him to a local riding school.
Dylan talks about the education he gained in the Kris Lees operation, and talks of his very first day at the races.
He hasn’t forgotten the magic of his first winning ride at Coffs Harbour.
Dylan looks back on his first metro success and the unforgettable thrill of a Gr 1 win so early in his career.
The jockey looks back on his second Gr 1 win. This time the winner was trained by his boss and staunchest supporter.
Dylan acknowledges the part Semana has played in his brief career- only two wins but several Group placings. One of them was oh so close!
He talks of a Brisbane Cup win for Bjorn Baker and his association with smart sprinter Buenos Noches.
Dylan talks of his association with talented horses like Brudenell and Loch Eagle and a four race association with multiple Gr 1 winning mare Montefilia.
He talks of brother Ryan and three year old half sister Hayley.
Dylan pays tribute to his father’s longevity and the great winning trot the elder Gibbons has been enjoying.
He admits it’s a tough road ahead competing against so many top riders on equal terms but says he’s up to the task.
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Steve Hart was just 23 years old when he joined the ranks of Sydney’s race photographers in 1983. It didn’t take him long to showcase the flair, the creativity and the energy needed to chase the right shots through a long day at the races. Most importantly he made a million friends along the way. We got Steve to sit still long enough to record a special interview about his life and the career he chose above all others. He begins by looking back on his final day at the races. The inevitable emotion was put aside until he’d “fired off” his final shot.
Steve says he’s been a stickler throughout his career for an early arrival at the track.
He talks of the miles he’d cover getting from point to point on race day. Randwick was the toughest venue.
Steve talks of the amazing advances in camera technology.
The 64 year old takes us back to his English childhood and the long sea voyage to Australia with his parents and two brothers.
He recalls his father John securing a job in the building trade just two days after arriving in Sydney.
Steve talks about his time at Manly High School and his burgeoning interest in photography.
He talks of his first job in the trades.
The gun photographer remembers with clarity his first trip to a racecourse- a day at Gosford with the family. The die was cast on that fateful day.
Steve talks about his application to the AJC for a photographer’s role and the nerve wracking interview with the club’s CEO.
He recalls his very first day of operation on a Sydney track and the established photographers he worked alongside.
Steve looks back on a couple of casual jobs necessary to supplement his income.
He looks back on a couple of dramatic changes to the landscape in the photographic ranks and talks of an enduring friendship with Mark Bradley.
Steve acknowledges the support of one particular journalist in those early days.
Of the thousands of finishes he’s photographed over forty years he has a personal favourite.
Steve never got to photograph Kingston Town but the champion remains his all time favourite.
The respected professional decided in 1984 to gain accreditation to work through the Victorian spring carnival. He got some unforgettable photos of the champions right through to the Covid pandemic.
Steve says he always took three or four cameras to the races, and explained his technique in photographing race finishes. He explains the importance of monitoring camera settings from day to day.
Photographers often walk backwards in search of the right shot. Steve has never “bitten the dust” but knows of one who did.
The veteran photographer talks of his two children with wife Mary.
He pays tribute to Adam and Rachel and gives his only grandchild a special mention.
Steve talks of his two favourite achievements without the camera.
He talks of his diversion from race day photography. From time to time Steve switches his camera to video mode, and goes on the road to interview some of racing’s best known names.
The Steve Hart story is an inspiring one. The young English lad who came to a new nation and followed his dream.
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
As a regular watcher of racing from all parts of Australia I’ve heard Tony Wode calling the Townsville meetings many times. I’ve been a fan since I first heard his clear, concise race calls. At last we get around to profiling the career of a man who recently called his 40th Townsville Cup. How he got to where he is today makes for a great story and an even better podcast. Tony begins by talking about his occasional trips away from Townsville when smaller race clubs are stuck for a race caller.
He reveals that he also has two brothers who’ve made their marks as broadcasters.
Tony says he has more time to study the race form since quitting his local government job a few years ago. He tends to dabble on the punt more than he did through the busiest years.
He reflects on childhood days at Southport as one of nine children. He talks of the guidance and inspiration he received from his father Phil. He talks of his dad’s talents as a greyhound trainer.
Tony talks of his entry into journalism with the Townsville Bulletin. He covered many subjects for the broadsheet which was rated at the time as Australia’s leading regional daily.
At this stage of his life Tony’s interest in all three racing codes had become obsessive. He talks of his love of the leading racing publications of the era.
His race calling life began when appointed understudy to local greyhound commentator Richard Cowell. He tried the gallops for the first time at Ingham.
Tony recalls he was just 18 years old when invited to fill in for the regular Cluden Park caller. He says nerves got the better of him.
He reflects on the creation of the amazing Townsville harness racing venue by Queensland Racing Minister Russ Hinze. Sadly the concept died a natural death.
Tony looks back on his overseas stint in the mid 1980’s. During the trip he formed a deep admiration for a special racehorse.
The 62 year old talks of his return to Australia and the beginning of a relationship with his adored wife Shelley.
Tony talks of his recent coverage of the Townsville Cup- his 40th call of the famous NQ event.
He pays tribute to son Declan, daughter Gabrielle and two grandsons.
Like most north Queensland racing enthusiasts Tony acknowledges the deeds of three time Cup winner Party King.
He talks of two time Townsville Cup winner Namazu. The gelding’s attempt to make it three wins this year went terribly wrong.
Tony pays homage to the best trainers and jockeys of his era.
He pays tribute to his all time favourite, the pony sized Tyzone.
The veteran broadcaster says he’s had opportunities to work in other places, but was always reluctant to leave the famous coastal city.
Tony expresses his admiration for the work of Sky Thoroughbred Central north Queensland correspondent Michael Charge, himself a recent podcast guest.
It was a delight to catch up with a very talented north Queensland media man.
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
After just 14 years of race riding Don Terry was clearly established as one of the best country based jockeys in Australia. He was approaching 700 winners when involved in a life changing race fall at Grafton. After six months in Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital he settled on the NSW north coast, and began the long road back. His achievements have been extraordinary. It’s a privilege to welcome him as a very special guest on this week’s podcast. Don talks about the way he manages his problems day by day.
He says his temper is not as volatile as it once was.
Don talks about the layout of his Lennox Head home.
The former outstanding jockey talks about his role as the manager of Brisbane rider Justin Stanley.
He proudly describes his curiously named fishing boat.
Don acknowledges the support of his loyal fishing mates and talks of the sea miles they travel to find the best location. He talks about some of the fish species they encounter.
The resilient Terry enjoys nothing more than driving his car. He talks about a marathon trip to the Riverina recently to visit his elderly mother.
He takes us back to childhood days on the family farm and remembers the days when he taught himself to ride.
Don talks about his apprenticeship to leading Riverina trainer David Heywood.
He shares clear recollections of his first winning ride at Wagga and his initial city win on an amazing old horse.
Don talks of his association with Ken Callaughan and pays tribute to some special horses he got to ride for the top trainer.
He recalls a Rosehill win on the day of the infamous “flag start” at Rosehill.
Don looks back on some important country wins and his two SDRA premiership wins.
The former jockey talks of his relocation to northern NSW and the fateful day he rode at the South Grafton Cup meeting. He describes the way the accident unfolded.
Don looks back on the aftermath of the fall and his many months in the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
He says he was anxious to get back into circulation and talks of his first foray into jockey management.
Don remembers the surprise invitation he received to train a couple of horses. He decided to give it a go, and met with immediate success.
The ever courageous Terry took part in early trials for a revolutionary concept called “robotic legs”. He takes us through the procedure involved and the side effects he encountered.
Don pays tribute to daughter Laura Kate and son Lyle who are doing well in their chosen careers.
This is an inspiring podcast with a very special bloke.
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Kevin Sweeney was one of those ever reliable jockeys who did his job with total dedication for an amazing 46 years. Had it not been for a high spirited horse dumping him at a Nowra meeting in 2015, he may well have pushed on for a bit longer. Kev spent the bulk of his career at Canberra and on southern districts tracks, where he forged strong associations with many stables. Despite a few current health issues the seventy year old pays us the honour of joining the podcast for a good, old fashioned trip down memory lane. Kev begins by revisiting the occasion of his last race ride when he was unceremoniously dumped by a quirky horse.
He recalls a winning treble at Wagga just two days earlier.
Kevin talks about his move to the far NSW south coast, and the health issues he’s been battling for the last four years. He remains philosophical.
The former respected jockey takes us back to childhood days, and the love he received from his single mum and a doting grandfather. He’s never forgotten the day his family took him to Randwick races.
He’s happy to admit that his aversion to school brought much grief to his mother Grace.
Kevin remembers his apprenticeship to Reg Cook, brother of Bill and uncle of Peter. He shares his memories of the famous Cook family.
He remembers his first two wins on a horse trained by Reg Cook. Both wins were at Hawkesbury.
Kevin has never forgotten his first city win. His second metropolitan success figured in a little piece of racing history.
The veteran takes us back to Reg Cook’s move to Canberra in the early 70’s. He talks about a switch of stables to Terry Rutzo who would become a staunch supporter.
He explains the reasons for his sudden relocation to Wyong at the invitation of local trainer Ron Tilley.
Back in Canberra Kevin forged a great association with trainer Keith Dryden. He believes he rode 220 winners for the Dryden stable.
Sweeney reflects on his association with talented Dryden trained mares Coolroom Candidate and Bacchanal Woman. He went to NZ with Bacchanal Woman.
He acknowledges another Dryden runner De Lightning Ridge. He won four races on the mare including two in the city.
The dedicated jockey pays rightful homage to the ageless gelding Digger Stakas. He rode the veteran on many occasions, and actually gave him a home in his twilight years.
Kevin fondly remembers 13 wins on the consistent Comanche Prince.
He talks about his long association with the John Morrisey stable with special mention of an AJC Country Cup win on China Garden.
Kevin remembers another ride on China Garden which landed him in hot water. He was given three months by the stewards for an unsatisfactory ride.
Sweeney’s commitment to country racing deprived him of opportunities in feature races. He says he was 49 before he won a decent race.
He looks back on the days when he was the “go-to” jockey for bush trainers who were bringing their horses to Canberra meetings.
He tells the story of a win on a plunge horse at Canberra trained by a man destined to reach dizzy heights on the turf.
Kevin reflects on his good fortune when it came to injuries.
He and partner Michelle were the parents of three boys. He says only one has made a career in racing.
The former jockey pays tribute to later partner Libby who’s doing a great job on the Keith Dryden team. Libby is close to commencing a new role in the stable.
This is an overdue acknowledgment of a long and distinguished riding career.
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
It’s just over three years since Molly Bourke won her first race on Mouse Almighty at Wagga. Another 131 wins have followed, complimented by an SDRA Apprentices Premiership. Molly’s talents were clearly evident when she skilfully nursed $58.00 “pop” Secret Plan over the line at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
She’s now with John Sargent at Randwick and rode 20 city winners last season. Great to catch up with the little girl from Tumbarumba who has to pinch herself to believe she’s competing
successfully in one of the world’s toughest markets. Molly talks about her move to the big smoke just over a year ago.
She looks back on her first taste of Sydney racing when she won on bush galloper Zakeriz at Canterbury late in 2022.
Molly talks of her first win for new master John O’Shea at Wyong.
She acknowledges a recent story about her career by Ray Hickson in the Racing NSW magazine.
The apprentice looks back on the shock of her relocation to the bustling city of Sydney.
Molly says it’s quite an experience to ride regularly against some of Australia’s best jockeys.
She pays tribute to two Sydney female role models.
The talented young rider takes us back to childhood days on the farm at Tumbarumba, and her early education on stock horses. She looks back on other riding pursuits.
She says it was her next door neighbour who alerted her to the excitement of horse racing.
Molly remembers her first experience of trackwork and an apprenticeship to local trainer George Dimitropoulos.
School wasn’t Molly’s favourite place, but she did well in one particular subject.
Sport was a different matter. She showed plenty of ability in several endeavours.
Molly vividly recalls her unimpressive race riding debut at Leeton on Mouse Almighty, and the magic of her first win at Wagga on the same little mare.
She looks back on her transfer to a much busier environment at Canberra with trainer Doug Gorrel.
Molly talks of the great support she received from another well known Canberra trainer, and the thrill of winning the SDRA junior title.
The young jockey takes us through the freakish accident in which she was involved on the way to Albury races with Doug Gorrel. Molly has no doubt the fact that she was asleep in the passenger seat, may have saved her life. She talks about Doug’s serious injury and the sad loss of a promising filly in the accident.
Molly gives high praise to a select group of southern districts jockeys who helped her along the way.
She makes special mention of valuable tutelage given by former jockey Darryn Murphy of the Skillinvest Employment and Training Company.
Molly acknowledges the support of her master John Sargent, and the well known training talents of the expat Kiwi horseman. She was gobsmacked when given the opportunity to ride in this year’s Doncaster.
She talks of a few special horses to help her along the way since moving to Randwick.
The Tumbarumba product says she’s had to deal with one particular problem in her race riding technique.
Molly says she enjoys sneaking back to her old stamping ground from time to time. Her mother Jacqie lives at Bega nowadays.
The 21 year old speaks of the downside of living in Sydney with her partner Ed Waters still in Wagga. He expects to join her at the completion of his electrical trades apprenticeship.
Molly isn’t a movie buff but there’s one she’s seen many times over. Not surprisingly it’s about a horse.
The apprentice expresses her gratitude for having no weight problems.
It’s a nice yarn with a most amiable young lady from a tiny town near the Snowy Mountains. Is it any wonder this girl can ride!
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Pioneers like Pam O’Neill have taken great pride in watching the enormous progress made by female jockeys in recent years. Wendy Peel is Dubbo based these days but has had several addresses during her first seven years of race riding. The 31 year old is unwaveringly passionate about her chosen career path and travels huge mileage to honour commitments. She’s already a role model to many of the younger girls coming through the system. Wendy joins us on the podcast to look at the female clean sweep of a recent Inverell meeting, and to look at the future role of women in the Australian riding ranks. She talks of the impact being made around the nation.
Wendy believes the generational growth of male jockeys is the main reason for the ever increasing number of female riders.
She predicts the likely future of the girls in Australian racing.
Wendy says the majority of new apprentices have learned the fundamentals in pony club, eventing and show jumping.
The dedicated jockey looks back on her very first involvement with thoroughbreds.
She talks of a horse management college course which led her to two overseas adventures.
Wendy looks back on an early job on a NZ stud farm. She was asked to ride some trackwork by a local trainer and the die was cast.
She reflects on her boldness in asking Gai Waterhouse for a job as a trackwork rider at Randwick.
Wendy remembers her first apprenticeship to Peter Robl who supplied her first race ride.
The jockey looks back on her transfer to Sue Grills at Tamworth.
She still can’t believe her first win was in a Cup race. It didn’t end there.
Wendy remembers being one of five riders to crash in a race at Tamworth in 2019. Her injuries were nasty. She was leading the Rising Stars points score at the time.
She talks of Cody Morgan’s kindness in giving her a great opportunity in the Gulgong Cup when she returned to the saddle.
Next step was a loan out to Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb at the peak of a disastrous drought. She says some of her most memorable achievements materialised during her time with Robb.
Wendy talks of her transfer to Paul Butterworth in Brisbane. It was Butterworth who supplied her first metropolitan winner.
She talks of the broken hip sustained in a Deagon jump out, just 18 months after her Tamworth “buster”.
The respected rider remembers a win in the Battle Of The Bush Final at Eagle Farm on Rather Salubrious. The opportunity was the result of great loyalty shown by trainer David Reynolds.
Wendy talks of the enormous goal she set herself in August 2020. She rode at three race meetings in the space of eight or nine hours. Thankfully a Toowoomba winner made it all worthwhile.
She rates Rather Salubrious the best horse she’s ridden but also has praise for Seat Of Power.
Wendy speaks highly of jockeys Blake Shinn and Matthew Cahill.
She talks of her daily chores at Dubbo which often include a helping hand for partner Duncan Edwards, a well known horse breaker.
Female jockeys need to be dedicated to make their way in an unforgiving business. They don’t make them any more dedicated than Wendy Peel.