John Tapp Racing

Episode 80: Anthony Darmanin

“Who’s the bloke on Mystic Journey?” has been a commonly asked question since the Tasmanian filly emerged as a potential Group 1 contender.

The bloke on Mystic Journey is thirty six year old Anthony Darmanin, who’s been a jockey for many years earning the bulk of his livelihood as a track work rider for Lloyd Williams, at the famous Macedon Lodge training property.

A few years ago Anthony decided to fly to the regular Sunday race meetings in Tasmania, and it wasn’t long before his talents were recognised.

One of his supporters was trainer Adam Trinder who had no hesitation in putting Anthony on his star filly, and the rest is history.

You’ll enjoy Anthony’s story.

Episode 79: Jason Coyle

At 41 years of age Jason Coyle is embarking on the most exciting phase of his career.

His future looked rosy a few years ago when invited to train horses for Nathan Tinkler who had launched a massive racing initiative under the Patinack banner.

Jason was left high and dry when the Patinack empire fell over, and had to start all over again.

It’s been a long, hard road but the winners are flowing again, and so is the support of loyal owners. Jason Coyle is emerging as one serious horse trainer.

Episode 78: Michael Clarke (Part 2)

In part 2 Michael pays tribute to two great horses sent to Australia by Sheikh Hamdan.

He reflects on his association with At Talaq- a Melbourne Cup winner who could sprint like an Everest horse. He recalls the brilliant but unsound Almaarad, one of his two Cox Plate winners.

Michael remembers his idol, the late Roy Higgins who was always willing to give younger riders a helping hand.

I hope you enjoy a long overdue chat with a jockey who left an indelible mark on Australian racing.

Episode 77: Michael Clarke (Part 1)

I’ve lost count of the number of people who’ve queried the whereabouts of Michael Clarke over the last decade. Michael retired in 2002, but actually rode the last 6 or 7 years of his career overseas. It’s a quarter of a century since M.Clarke’s name appeared in race books and form guides in Australia.

Old friends have been delighted to see him back at the races lately, to monitor the progress of his son, brilliant apprentice Michael Poy.

I’m thrilled to have Michael on the podcast this week. He talks about his son’s career, and reflects on his own wonderful years he in racing.

In part 1 Michael goes back to his accidental meeting with Colin Hayes, and his association with the master trainer. He comprehensively traces his partnership with the great horse Better Loosen Up, and highlights some of his best performances.

Hope you enjoy a trip down memory lane with Michael Clarke.

Episode 76: David Pfieffer

It takes a brave and passionate man to venture into the field of professional horse training in Sydney. The big stables totally dominate the scene- the smaller ones have to battle for the leftovers.

At 38 years of age, David Pfieffer has already been training in his own right for close to a decade, posting 300 winners to date. He has a loyal owner base, a dedicated staff and a team of 35 horses in his Warwick Farm stable. 

David’s had a healthy number of stakes winners, and although he doesn’t want to be typecast,  it’s no coincidence that he has a great strike rate with fillies and mares.

Have a listen to his story.

Episode 75: Darren McAullay

Perth’s Darren McAullay is the best promoter Western Australian racing has ever had. His distinctive style, and his unbridled passion for the sport has endeared him to racing audiences all over Australia.

Here is a bloke who was born and reared at Kalgoorlie, and has been mad about racing from an early age. At age 10 he stationed himself in front of the starting gates with a flag, just in case there was a false start.

There was no false start in life for Darren McAullay. He “flew the lids”, and hasn’t looked back. You’ll love his story.

Episode 74: Ross Stitt

In keeping with our policy of introducing country trainers on the podcast, it’s a delight to chat with Ross Stitt who’s been churning out the winners from his Taree stable for more than four decades.

One of 9 kids from a dairy farming family, young Ross started his working life doing a milk run around town.

His fascination with horses led him to a full time career as a trainer. His results on northern NSW tracks have been spectacular, and he’s got a healthy strike rate in the big smoke too.

Episode 73: Tony Noonan (Part 2)

In part 2 Tony talks of his heyday at Mornington, when he was training a team of 100 horses.

He reflects on the wonderful horses who’ve shaped his career, and the great jockeys with whom he’s had a winning association.

Tony Noonan is a good listen.

Episode 72: Tony Noonan (Part 1)

In part 1 Tony Noonan talks about childhood days with his mother’s family who whet his appetite for racing.

He talks of his early working days as a Marist Bros teacher, all the while just wanting to be a horse trainer.

He talks of the old friend who taught him the basics of the training caper.

He remembers the devastation left in the wake of his biggest owner walking out with thirty horses.

Episode 71: Todd McCarthy

Sydney harness racing fans are familiar with Todd McCarthy’s meteoric rise in a few short years.

He has had to step out of the shadow of his high achieving father and brothers, and make his own way in a tough game. Todd has succeeded in a spectacular way.

He talks about his early days, the influence of his family, and the horses who’ve shaped his career. He pays special tribute to the amazing Tiger Tara.