John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday May 28, 2019
Tuesday May 28, 2019
We catch up with Alan “Groovy” Scorse who just recently relinquished his trainer’s licence following a concerning medical report.
Alan talks candidly about an optic nerve tumour first diagnosed in 2017. He got the all clear after extensive treatment, and got on with the job.
When the tumour returned recently he decided to quit training to concentrate fully on a lengthy treatment regime.
Alan took the first step to becoming a jockey when he knocked on the door of legendary trainer Harry Plant at Randwick. Then followed a successful stint with Ray Guy at Rosehill.
“Groovy” talks about his 35 years in the saddle, 1269 winners and a couple of Gr 1’s.
Tuesday May 21, 2019
Tuesday May 21, 2019
In Part 2 Steven takes us through the running of the 1991 Melbourne Cup. He couldn’t have wished for a better 22nd birthday present. He pays tribute to some of the great horses he rode during his stellar career, including Hong Kong champion Fairy King Prawn.
He makes special mention of a few jockeys for whom he had special admiration.
Finally he talks about the emergence of his son Lachlan as one of Victoria’s top apprentices. Steve King fans will enjoy his trip down memory lane.
Tuesday May 21, 2019
Tuesday May 21, 2019
In Part 1 Steve brings us up to date with his current role at the famous Macedon Lodge training complex. He reflects on his apprenticeship to trainer John Meagher,and his early winners.
He remembers that first, exciting Group 1 victory in the SA Oaks, and John Meagher’s move to Flemington when the developers took over the Epsom training precinct.
He reflects on his friendship with Leon Corstens, the man who was instrumental in securing him the ride on Let’s Elope. In Part 1 Steve looks back on the great mare’s wins in the Caulfield Cup and LKS McKinnon Stakes.
Tuesday May 14, 2019
Tuesday May 14, 2019
One of the very first podcast guests when the website opened a year ago was harness racing legend Brian Hancock.
To save you the trouble of locating the interview we’re going to feature it again this week.
The former champion horseman recalls the many jobs he held in the early days, including a stint as a coal miner
He pays tribute to the many good horses who helped him attain the sobriquet “the Inter Dominion King”.
Tuesday May 14, 2019
Tuesday May 14, 2019
It was just another day at the office for Damian Browne when he reported for trackwork at Corbould Park two days before this year’s Magic Millions meeting.
He was suddenly struck down by crippling stomach pains, and a couple of hours later underwent emergency surgery for a burst ulcer. He talks about the ramifications of his illness, and the prognosis he didn’t want to hear.
Damian takes us through the highlights of a career which saw him join the upper echelon of Australian jockeys in the last decade.
Tuesday May 07, 2019
Tuesday May 07, 2019
Bruce Harpley sat on his back veranda at Junee to conduct this interview for our podcast.
Widely known as the “pacing postman” he’s an earthy country bloke, with a great love of the harness horse.
For twenty six years Bruce has mixed horse training with his job at the Junee Post Office.
He has 800 career wins on his CV, with an impressive total of 20 Group 1’s. He’s the first to tell you that fellow trainer Bernie Kelly made it all possible.
For the trot fans, Bruce Harpley is a good listen.
Tuesday May 07, 2019
Tuesday May 07, 2019
When it comes to greyhound racing there’s no better raconteur than respected journalist Jeff Collerson.
In our special interview Jeff reflects on half a century as chief greyhound writer for the Mirror and the Telegraph. He understood the game, and knew everybody in it.
He explains the origin of his lifelong nickname “Pigeon” and pays tribute to some of the famous journalists he worked with. He talks of a golden run on the punt which took him to Paris, and a chance meeting with a girl destined to become his wife. For the dog fans he reminisces about his all time favourites.
This is a funny interview with a skilled storyteller.
Tuesday Apr 30, 2019
Tuesday Apr 30, 2019
The champion harness horseman talks about the tragedy that turned his family upside down early in his life.
He reflects on his first win at Echuca and the thrill of his first Moonee Valley win. John talks of his long and happy marriage to Maree and his wife’s success as a trainer.
Tuesday Apr 30, 2019
Tuesday Apr 30, 2019
The talented trainer pays tribute to more of his favourite horses, his overseas training experiences, his time with Lloyd Williams and the new owner who bought him a Stradbroke winner.
John openly discusses his battle with depression, and a regrettable clash with the authorities during the protracted Aquanita affair.
Tuesday Apr 30, 2019
Tuesday Apr 30, 2019
In Part 1 the respected Victorian trainer talks about his early life in Terang, and the influence of his remarkable parents.
He recalls the thrill of his very first win as a trainer and a mare called Goblet who kick started his career. He fondly remembers Jolly Old Mac who took him to Group 1 success at Flemington.
John talks about the brilliant Lady Jakeo who gave him two Group 1 wins. The first was expected. The second was a very pleasant surprise.