John Tapp Racing

Episode 53: Larry Olsen

This week’s guest is former talented jockey Larry Olsen who tells the story of his nightmare struggle with weight. In this podcast he recalls his apprenticeship with Mal Barnes, and the horses that kick started his career. He talks of the tortures of the sweat box, and how he eventually had to walk away from racing to save his sanity. Larry also reflects on three years out of the game, and his decision to attempt a comeback. And what a comeback! A Melbourne Cup and a Golden Slipper and the ability to ride light for the first time in his life.

Episode 52: Jean Van Overmeire

Punters were completely puzzled when the name J. Van Overmeire started to appear in Sydney race fields, just over two years ago. They quickly learned that the young jockey was apprenticed to Bjorn Baker, and they quickly learned that he could ride a bit. One hundred and fifty two winners later, Jean is accepted by both punters and trainers alike. His journey through several countries makes a fascinating story, and Jean is happy to share it with us on the podcast.

Episode 51: Fred Kersley (Part 2)

In Part 2 Fred Kersley talks about the struggle he had to gain his thoroughbred trainer’s licence. It’s a treat to hear the maestro reminisce about the champion Northerly, who catapulted him to the upper echelon of galloping trainers.

Episode 50: Fred Kersley (Part 1)

It’s hard to believe Fred Kersley is approaching his 80th birthday. The remarkable horseman is just as passionate today, as he was at any stage of his career. And what a career it’s been.

2,288 winners as a harness trainer in WA, and even more as a driver. Sixteen training premierships, and more as a driver.

It took Fred a while to gain his license to train gallopers, but he’s made up for lost time. He’s won 544 races with the thoroughbreds, and has prepared four million dollar plus horses. One of them was the great Northerly, winner of 9 Gr 1 races.

In Part 1 Fred talks about the influence of his father and grandfather, and the battle he had to establish his own identity.

Episode 49: John Letts (Part 2)

If you think Lettsy was at his entertaining best in Part 1, you ain't heard nothin' yet! In Part 2 he really hits top gear, beginning with that fateful day in November 1972, when he realised the dream of every Australian jockey.

Episode 48: John Letts (Part 1)

John Letts deserves his ranking in the upper echelon of Australia’s jockeys. He won more than 2300 races including two Melbourne Cups, despite a couple of very serious injuries. He garnered even more fame as post race interviewer for Channels 7 and 10, during twenty one Melbourne Cup carnivals. John’s mount each year was a lovable little quarter horse called Banjo, who knew his job backwards. John Letts is a real raconteur, who can tell a racing yarn better than most. We just let him run. That’s the reason this podcast is in two parts.

 

Episode 47: Denise Martin

As a kid in Tasmania, Denise Martin often went to the races with her dad. The magic of racing was on her mind, throughout the years she spent in the hospitality industry. Some years later she decided to become a racehorse syndicator, and Star Thoroughbreds was born in 1992. Denise has brought much joy to many people, and has been responsible for some outstanding racehorses. She talks about her exciting twenty six years in the business.

Episode 46: Betty Lane

We introduce two determined women on this week’s podcast. Firstly it’s Betty Lane, sometimes called the grande dame of Australia’s female horse trainers. Betty got a blunt refusal, the first time she applied for an AJC licence in the early seventies. She went to the bush, gained a license in the western districts, and promptly won three premierships. The next time she fronted the AJC Licensing Committee, they could hardly say no.

Episode 45: Darren McCall

For trot fans, we welcome to the podcast Menangle trainer Darren McCall. From a strong harness racing background,Darren has a tremendous passion for the standard bred horse. He was away from Australia for eleven years, working for Noel Croghan in New Jersey, and later training in is own right in Ontario Canada. He talks of the horses and horse people he has known, and pays tribute to his greatest supporter, his wife Karina.

Episode 44: Alan Thomas

We talk to broadcasting legend Alan Thomas, who quit race calling three years ago after a distinguished career. This bloke was one of the most versatile commentators of his generation. He called many sports with equal flare and passion, but his race calling endeared him to thousands of racing fans. Al’s got a million stories, and tells them in his trademark style.