John Tapp Racing

Episode 63: Barbara Joseph

In keeping with our plan to introduce country based trainers from time to time, we introduce the lady known as the “Baroness Of Bombala”.

Barbara Joseph started with a $600 horse at Bombala 40 years ago. Her journey has taken her to a Group 1 Doncaster at Royal Randwick, and 1200 other winners along the way.

Barb talks about her new training partnership with her sons Paul and Matthew.

Episode 62: Blake Fitzpatrick

This week we welcome another member of the famous Fitzpatrick clan-a  dominant force on the Sydney harness racing scene for decades. 

Thirty five year old Blake Fitzpatrick won a Harold Park premiership at 18, and has driven more than a hundred winners in a season 8 times on NSW tracks. Blake reviews a great career.

Episode 61: Louis Mihalyka

I’ve known few more passionate racing men than Louis Mihalyka, who founded Laurel Oak Thoroughbreds 32 years ago. Like most syndicators he would buy yearlings, and then advertise heavily in the search for new owners.

Fourteen years ago he changed direction and renamed the company Laurel Oak Bloodstock. He realised he should service existing clients exclusively, and give them whatever they wanted- yearlings, stallions, broodmares and various other racing involvements. Louis handles every request, and nobody does it better.

It’s a treat to listen to a man who just lives racing.

Episode 60: Jodie Quinlan

Jodi Quinlan was pretty sore and sorry when we recorded this podcast, but you’d never pick it. Only a week earlier she had a confrontation with an ill tempered maiden trotter in the Melton float parking area, and came off second best.

We’re talking about a tough little lady who’s had several race falls in a twenty eight year career, but none of them hurt as much as this one did.

Jodi talks about the accident, and the career that has brought her 2300 wins in the sulky.

Episode 59: Glen Colless

Had Glen Colless decided to remain in his native Coffs Harbour, he would have carved out a stellar career riding around the northern rivers.

As soon as his apprenticeship finished with the Trevor Hardy stable, he decided to pull up stakes and head for the Gold Coast- a decision he has never regretted.

He forged a spectacular association with trainer Alan Bailey, and got to ride many talented horses. Glen has more than 1000 wins behind him, and multiple Gr 1 success. He’s had to overcome the rigours of a couple of freak accidents, but is keener than ever. Great to catch up with one of Queensland’s best.

Episode 58: Sue Grills

I’m planning to talk to several country based trainers during 2019. The emergence of the TAB Highway races in Sydney, has brought many new training faces into the spotlight.

This week we talk to Tamworth’s Sue Grills, who was NSW country trainer of the year in the 2014/15 season. Sue brings an occasional horse to the “big smoke”, and is rarely far away.

She tried her hand as a jockey, at a time when nobody wanted female riders. Lack of opportunity finally led her to the training ranks, and she has greeted the judge close to 700 times.

Sue begins with her strong family background in racing.

Episode 57: Ron Quinton (Part 2)

In Part 2 Ron takes us through the tough transition to the ranks of Sydney trainers. He talks about the best horses he’s prepared, his role as a tutor of young jockeys, and his riding stints in Ireland. Ron Quinton OAM is a welcome guest on the Xmas podcast.

Episode 56: Ron Quinton (Part 1)

In Part 1 Ron talks about his childhood on the family farm at Mendooran, and his early introduction to horses.He recalls happy times during his apprenticeship to Theo Green, master tutor of jockeys.

Ron pays tribute to the wonderful horses who contributed to his dominant years in Sydney racing. He got to ride some of the best of the era.

Episode 55: Blake Shinn

Delighted to welcome Blake Shinn to the podcast. One of Australia’s riding elite, Blake has been out since August recovering from spinal injuries sustained in a Randwick barrier trial. He talks about the highs and lows of his spectacular career, and his favourite horses and horse people.

Episode 54: Richard Freedman

I had many a conversation with Richard Freedman at Sky Channel, and not once did he hint that he might train horses again. Two years ago the bug bit him when he pre trained a few for brother Michael at Hawkesbury. Now, Richard and son Will have thirty horses in work at Rosehill.

He talks about early days on Hardwicke Stud, the beginning of “the brotherhood” in Melbourne, and the wonderful horses to pass through their hands.

He’s good listening is old Richard.