John Tapp Racing

Episode 92: Bernadette Cooper (Part 1)

It’s a delight to catch up with a little lady who has made her mark in two fields of endeavour.

In part 1 she recalls her final riding stint in Macau, where she was involved in the worst fall of her career. She reflects on her first day back when she won three races, and was then accused by Stewards of giving another horse an easy run.

She talks about her return to Australia and a whole new life, starting off with a job behind the front desk at the Star casino.

Then comes her lucky break in racing media. Bernie tells it all in her trademark breezy style.

Episode 91: Fred Hastings

Great to chat with Sydney harness racing caller Fred Hastings who achieved the rare distinction of tipping the programme at Penrith last week (11/4/2019). It’s the third time the popular commentator has made a clean sweep of a Sydney trotting card.

Fred wanted to be a race caller from a very early age, but had to work in many different roles before things fell into place.

This fifty three year old is passionate about the sport of harness racing, and it shows!

Episode 90: Kelly Schweida

We welcome leading Queensland trainer Kelly Schweida who’s enjoying a terrific 2018/19 season. Getting close to 50 winners on all tracks and 30 in town.

Kelly started as an apprentice jockey in Townsville and enjoyed great success, even though his progress was hindered by a serious car accident.

After winning a Townsville trainer’s premiership, he decided to move to the big smoke twenty five years ago. With the support of a dedicated family, Kelly has established himself as one of Queensland’s best.

Episode 89: Steven Arnold (part 2)

In Part 2 the immensely talented heavyweight jockey looks back on his association with some high profile trainers and the good horses he got to ride. He pays tribute to Scenic Blast, the west Aussie horse who took him to Royal Ascot, and to So You Think, almost certainly the best he ever rode. He closes with the story of his last hurrah in Mauritius, where he won a premiership. We also find out what he’s up to today.

Episode 88: Steven Arnold (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this week’s podcast Steven Arnold talks about his early days in Alice Springs and his family’s heavy involvement in racing.

He recalls his move to Adelaide and riding stints in Malaysia and Macau.

Steve reflects on his first Melbourne experience as stable jockey for Russell Cameron and a couple of his early Group 1 successes.

Episode 87: Lindsay Murphy (Part 2)

In Part 2 Lindsay talks about his great passion for racing, and the jockeys and trainers for whom he’s had respect over the years.

He talks about his all time favourite horses, and the riding career of his son Patrick. Young Murphy rode 400 winners before increasing weight caught up.

Lindsay’s many friends will enjoy his trip down memory lane.

 

Episode 86: Lindsay Murphy (Part 1)

Great to catch up with Lindsay Murphy on the eve of his retirement after 42 years in the Sydney racing industry.

 

Lindsay left his job with the Sydney County Council in 1977 when he heard the Sydney Turf Club were looking for a junior office boy.

He later grabbed the opportunity to understudy two racecourse managers, before taking over the maintenance of the Canterbury track.

In Part 1 Lindsay talks about his early days in the STC office and his transition to track maintenance under the tutelage of John Jeffs and Lindsay Davies.

He remembers the trainers and one respected jockey from the days when Canterbury was a busy little training centre.

 

Episode 85: Darren Hancock

Darren Hancock joined an elite club when he won at his very first race drive. He was just 16, and drove a horse called Sportsman Talk at Bankstown.

His win tally as a race driver now stands at 1895 with an astonishing 2630 placings.
His training wins total 1287, with 1848 placings.

He’s a laid back, laconic character and you’ll enjoy a trip down memory lane with a member of a legendary Australian harness racing family.

Episode 84: Kris Lees (Part 2)

In Part 2 Kris talks about more of his favourite horses, his association with successful syndication companies and family life. At 48, Kris Lees has his best years ahead.

Episode 83: Kris Lees (Part 1)

When champion trainer Max Lees died suddenly in 2003, his son Kris was left with 60 horses, and some bewildered owners.

Today many of those owners are still with Chris, who has doubled the size of his team.

Kris Lees has trained some 1800 winners since taking over the operation, with 15 Group 1’s thrown in.

In Part 1 he talks about early days under the tuition of his father, and the good horses he grew up with.