John Tapp Racing

Episode 461: Tony Lee - NZ Broadcasting Legend Calls Time on Stellar Career

I first met Tony Lee when I had the honour to be guest commentator at the 1996 Wellington Cup meeting. In preparing to call a couple of races on the big programme, I received every possible courtesy from the NZ ace. Tony went out of his way to help me through a plethora of strange colours and horse names. I tuned in to hear his description of the recent Wellington Cup won by Mary Louise- his broadcasting swan song after four decades of wonderful service to NZ racing. I called Tony a few days after his Trentham send off to record this tribute to a man whose race calls whetted the appetites of generations of racing fans. 

He recalls the warmth of the farewell afforded him by the racing industry.

Tony says his last Wellington Cup was a tricky race to call. 

He pays tribute to trainer Robbie Paterson and jockey Craig Grylls who bagged a Gr 1 double on the day.

The veteran caller outlines the reasons for his surprise retirement. 

Tony reminisces about the 1996 Wellington Cup meeting when he and I worked together for the first and only time. 

The 65 year old looks back on childhood days on the family farm at Rongotea near Palmerston North. He says his late brother Craig was the one to introduce him to horse racing.

Tony goes back to early days as a sound recordist with a local news crew. He says he loved the buzz of the media world.

He talks of his admiration for the late Peter Kelly, New Zealand’s favourite race caller of the day. 

Tony looks back on his race calling debut at the Hutt Park trots.

Lee became famous for the passion he generated in his race descriptions. He talks about the development of his style.

Tony talks about Castletown’s third Wellington Cup win in 1994. The words he used in the closing stages of his call are still repeated by racing fans of all ages.

He pays tribute to the remarkable two miler Castletown, one of the country’s greatest ever stayers. 

The ace commentator talks of Xcellent’s memorable win in the 2005 Mudgway Stakes, and the call that people still talk about.

Horse lover Lee says he fell in love with Starcraft the moment he first saw him in the Hastings parade yard before the 2004 Mudgway Stakes.

Tony talks of his affection for the Hastings track and runs through some of the other racecourses in the Central Districts. 

Regrettably he saw little of northern trained Sunline, but he did get to call her final race in NZ- the 2002 Mudgway Stakes. He says local fans gave her an unforgettable send off.

Tony acknowledges the deeds of a handful of other special horses.

He talks of the 2012 disagreement with TAB Trackside which saw him walk away from his plum role. Eager to test the water out of NZ he spent two years with the Selangor Turf Club in Malaysia. He enjoyed the experience.

Tony recalls the twist of fate that would send him back to his old job. 

He pays tribute to some of the NZ trainers he’s admired over the years.

In talking about jockeys he relates a funny story about the day at Otaki when he and trainer Alexander Fieldes put on an exhibition gallop.

Tony talks about a business venture outside of racing. He and wife Briar run the Trax Bar and Cafe at Wellington railway station.

It’s a laid back trip down memory lane with a man who’s been a great friend to NZ racing.

Episode 460: Ben Brisbourne

In order to find the right races for his horses, Ben Brisbourne makes full use of his ideal Wangaratta base to campaign in two states. He frequently has runners in rural Victoria but often appears in the NSW Riverina region. Great to catch up with a young horseman from a Shropshire racing family in the UK, who arrived in Melbourne unheralded and unsung a decade ago. He looks back on his reasons for trying the Aussie scene.

Ben says he had a few contacts in Australia before making such a bold move.

He looks back on track work duties for a handful of Melbourne trainers.

The expatriate Englishman talks of his rewarding five years with the Lindsay Park operation at Euroa.

Ben takes us back to his early life at Shrewsbury in Shropshire and the influence of his father Mark. He talks of Mark’s achievement in the riding and training ranks. 

He identifies two tracks where his father enjoyed great success, and talks of his achievements with inexpensive horses.

Ben says Mark was forced to walk away from training for a while, but is back in the game as foreman for a high profile trainer.

Brisbourne looks back on a college degree which he attained simply to appease his parents.

The Wangaratta trainer looks back on valuable time spent with a legendary UK jumps trainer.

Ben looks back on his brief career as an amateur jockey. 

He fondly recalls his first meeting with a vet nurse at Lindsay Park who was destined to become his partner and the mother of his twin sons.

Ben outlines Heather’s short career as a jockey and the painful back injury that brought her riding aspirations to a close.

He talks of their Wangaratta farm, and the twin boys who keep them busy from dawn to dusk. He acknowledges Heather’s role in the running of the business.

The trainer looks at the Wangaratta training facilities and its ideal location.

Ben won’t forget the trip to NSW which brought a memorable win in the famous Snake Gully Cup.

He goes back to the magical occasion of his very first training win with Shoplifter at Albury, and the equally exciting experience of winning his first city win.

Ben acknowledges the special horses who’ve contributed to his rise in the training ranks.

He talks of the talented apprentices who’ve been part of his journey.

The thirty five year old revisits the thrill of an unexpected trainer’s award in 2021.

Ben discusses his immediate plans, and looks to the future.

Ben Brisbourne continues to make his presence felt in the horse training ranks. He doesn’t have a single regret about leaving his native England a decade ago.

Episode 459: Nathan Doyle

Nathan Doyle places his horses judiciously, and is rewarded with a consistent win rate. In this current season he’s sitting in tenth spot on the NSW premiership ladder. Here is a young man born and reared in the Hunter Valley who was destined for a future with horses. After several years in the employ of top trainers, Nathan kicked off at Newcastle in 2018. He begins by talking about his current number of horses.

He says he tried to get started at Scone but couldn’t find enough boxes.

The trainer expresses delight with his current season statistics.

Nathan says more young horses are now coming into his stables.

He looks back on a childhood practice of drawing horse figures on paper- an early pointer to his subsequent career.

Nathan says there was no connection with racing in the family background, but his father’s best friend was a trainer.

He acknowledges behind-the-scenes assistance from his only sibling, sister Hayley.

Doyle looks back on his apprenticeship as a budding boilermaker, mainly to appease his parents.

He was surprised to gain a trainer’s licence with a minimum of fuss.

He looks back on his first venture into training, and a Narromine win with a cheap mare.

Nathan recalls his commitment to learning from the best teachers. He was 24 when a job came up with Team Snowden.

He looks back on a rewarding two years as Mark Newnham’s Warwick Farm stable manager.

The trainer remembers the highlight of his time at Randwick- the beginning of a relationship with long time partner Melina Gissing who was on the Gai Waterhouse team.

Nathan says Mel actually owned his first winner as a trainer this time around. They found the right race at Dubbo, and almost snagged a double on the day.

He pays tribute to his great mate and “go-to” jockey Koby Jennings.

He talks about the veteran galloper who came out of nowhere to

Give him a win in his hometown Cup.

Nathan outlines the reasons a mare called Strawb was potentially the best horse he’s ever trained.

He has some nice things to say about the massively talented mare Norwegian Bliss.

Nathan acknowledges several horses who’ve helped to establish him as a serious commercial trainer. 

He admits to being a bad sleeper, and says many of his solutions to problems are sorted out in the middle of the night.

A laid back chat with a young trainer whose reputation precedes him.

Episode 458: Shaun Guymer

Shaun Guymer made the decision a few seasons back to  follow in the footsteps of Sydney based jockeys like Grant Buckley and Jeff Penza who’ve enjoyed fruitful careers away from the metropolitan area. Like Penza and Buckley, Shaun sees more sense in having five or six rides on a southern districts track than pushing a 100/1 “pop”around in town. The popular jockey talks about his current workload and his acceptance of the endless travel required to meet “bush” commitments.

He talks about the predicament of having offers at two meetings on the same day.

Shaun says he agonises over the offer of a good ride in town from time to time. He hates to disappoint regular clients in the bush.

He talks about distances to his usual venues.

The jockey pays tribute to Jeff Penza and Grant Buckley. He greatly admires the longtime dedication of the veterans.

Shaun says his family background is devoid of racing. He talks of his father’s glazing business, and the support of his mother and sibling Josh.

The jockey looks back on his initial work experience with top Goulburn horseman Danny Williams. He was later apprenticed to Williams.

Shaun looks back on a transfer of his indentures to Canberra trainer Mark Schmetzer who became a valued friend and tutor.

He’s never forgotten his very first race ride. The horse was trained by Keith Dryden but failed to flatter at any stage.

Shaun’s first winning ride at Queanbeyan remains etched in his memory. The horse was trained by Rex Cole.

Guymer had a long wait before his first city winner came along. The horse was trained by Jarrod Austin and started at cricket score odds.

 

He’s very proud of a Canberra apprentices premiership.

 

Shaun looks back on a three month loan out to Randwick trainer Kevin Moses. He says Moses rode work with him most mornings.

 

He says he thoroughly enjoyed his time with Stephen Farley at Wyong.

 

The 31 year old looks back on a brief association with Chris Waller who utilised his claim on a couple of talented horses.

 

Shaun remembers with gratitude a valuable stint with Peter Moody not long after Black Caviar had departed the stable.

 

He’s never forgotten a Caulfield win on a smart Moody trained mare.

 

The jockey looks back on a bout of depression after completing his apprenticeship. He lost his way as the opportunities diminished, but found a way to get back on track.

 

He talks admiringly of his wife Emma, daughter of Hawkesbury trainer Tim Walsh.

 

Shaun was gobsmacked when offered an opportunity by high profile trainer Tony McEvoy who had opened a satellite stable at Hawkesbury. He speaks highly of the multiple Group 1 winning trainer.

 

He talks of a move to the former Lindsay Park in South Australia when McEvoy’s Sydney base was closed.

 

Shaun has nothing but fond memories of his association with Richard Freedman who’d made the decision to train in his own right at Rosehill. They won numerous races together.

 

The jockey looks back on a freakish incident at Nowra in 2018. His mount Ahmad literally got off the ground to win a BM 58. The footage went viral on social media.

 

He talks of a Wagga Guineas win on Lion’s Roar beating a future Kosciuszko winner. 

 

Shaun expresses appreciation for the support he receives from trainers in the southern region. He makes special mention of Natalie Jarvis.

 

He talks of a rare trip he made recently to Newcastle. It was worth the trouble.

 

Shaun says Emma closely watches his rides on the Sky service.

 

You can hear the “proud dad” element as he talks about three and a half year old son Fletcher.

 

It’s a laid back chat with a very talented jockey who drives thousands of kilometres to ply his trade.

Episode 457: Kyle Wilson-Taylor

The brilliant young Brisbane jockey is under suspension as this podcast is posted. He’s not happy about this one or the many that have preceded it in his short career so far. In the main his suspensions are the result of trying too hard to win. He’s a driven young man who harbours a desire to make his mark in the shortest possible time. Slowly but surely he’s realising the error of his ways. Kyle tells his story with total honesty and great sensitivity. He begins by outlining a new understanding of his responsibility when riding in races.

The young jockey says he’s fortunate that his weight remains stable during suspension layoffs.

Kyle takes us back to childhood days in Victoria and some tough times for his mother and siblings.

He reminisces about his dislike of the classroom and the surprise invitation to ride a horse at a school camp. He says this was life’s defining moment.

The jockey says he was only twelve years old when he first started to spend time at the Seymour stables of Lee and Shannon Hope. 

He’s never forgotten the help he received from Bronwyn Upjohn at a Kilmore breaking and pre-training operation.

Kyle pays tribute to the grandfather who offered him encouragement and guidance.

He’s totally frank as he looks back on his attitude to life in mid teens, and a brush with drugs. 

The jockey gives credit to an uncle who talked him into getting away from Victoria.

From here the Wilson-Taylor story takes an amazing turn. He recalls turning up at Coffs Harbour racecourse and offering his services as a trackwork rider.

Kyle has never forgotten the support offered by local trainer Brett Dodson. They’re still great mates.

You can hear the delight in his voice as he reminisces about his first day of race riding. He was in disbelief when one of his three mounts greeted the judge.

Kyle looks back on the Grafton race fall that decimated his confidence. He actually left racing and worked in other roles.

He talks of his return to racing and a stint with Dwayne Schmidt at Grafton and the beginning of his friendship with racing administrator Michael Beattie.

The jockey talks of his association with manager Glenn Courtney and a move to a new life at Toowoomba. On his very first night at Clifford Park he met his partner, aspiring jockey Angela Jones. He acknowledges the support of trainer Lindsay Hatch.

Kyle recalls some of his memorable days at the races including a five timer at Doomben.

He looks back on a brief association with the emerging champion stayer Incentivise.

Understandably he enjoys reminiscing about his day of days at Eagle Farm last June- a Gr 1 win on talented mare Palaisipan.

Kyle says he enjoys an occasional return to NSW northern rivers meetings. He reviews an outstanding day at the Lismore Cup meeting last September.

He looks back on brief associations with top mares Hinged and Gypsy Goddess.

Kyle talks of his total obsession with racing and his addiction to the Sky Racing coverage.

The jockey looks at his only two hit and run missions to Sydney.

In conclusion the young jockey offers encouragement to young people who might be on the wrong track or heading that way. 

Episode 456: Damien Lane NSW Trainer

Damien talks about the strategic benefits of training at Wyong.

He talks of his many trips to faraway country meetings. He says improved bush prize money is a great incentive to take horses away.

The trainer talks about his resolve to personally attend as many meetings as he can.

Damien pays tribute to his father-in- law, former trainer Bob Law whose input is invaluable. He talks of Bob’s success with unsound horses in the 80’s and 90’s.

He acknowledges the contribution to the training operation of wife Kate who rides a power of trackwork at Wyong.

Damien has nothing but praise for his stable apprentice Anna Roper who figures prominently on the NSW premiership ladder five months into the current season.

He takes us back to early days in Coonamble and pays tribute to his late father, former jockey Frank Hodgson.

Damien gives great credit to his uncle and mentor Cec Hodgson who’s still training a small team in Coonamble.

He recalls mother Narelle’s insistence that her son complete a trade before settling on his career direction. 

The trainer talks about his move to Wyong around the time of the dreaded Equine Virus. He says he worked for two local trainers in the early days.

Damien says his fragile financial state propelled him into a full time job on the Wyong maintenance team.

He looks back on the start of a friendship with two Victorian brothers who agreed to lease him a horse called Benny Blue Eyes- the horse to provide his magical first win. He would win another six races with the gelding.

He talks of another horse he was able to lease from the same source- a horse who would become his all time favourite. He won ten races with Pirate Ben including two strong country Cups.

Damien talks of subsequent veterans like All But Gone and Johnny Roo Boy who more than paid their way.

The trainer says he’s been able to find good homes for the genuine old geldings.

He speaks highly of talented mare Buckin’ Beauty who recently produced her first foal.

Damien gives credit to fellow Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan who recommended him to loyal client Bruce McKenzie. The trainer says it’s been a pleasure to train several of the “Oakfield” horses for the thoroughly professional participant.

He talks of his attachment to the famous Grafton July Carnival and the winning run he enjoyed in the Jacaranda city last year.

Damien looks back on his Wellington Boot win with Sonnet Star and a subsequent crack at a Melbourne stakes race. This was the only time he’s used his namesake, crack Victorian jockey Damian Lane (slight variation in the spelling of the christian name).

“Wyong Damien” says the name similarity has caused a couple of ticklish situations behind the scenes.

He acknowledges the long time assistance of veteran jockey Darryl “Digger” McLellan.

A nice yarn with a dedicated horseman.

Episode 455: Ron Hutchinson

We’ve had several emails from older racing fans requesting a podcast with former legendary jockey Ron Hutchinson. I’m sorry you missed the interview we posted three and a half years ago with the famous Australian jockey who also left an indelible mark in Europe. Like his compatriot Scobie Breasley, Ron reached great heights in the veteran years and won a Singapore premiership at age 53. In response to continued enquiries I’m thrilled to present once again our 2020 podcast with a great jockey and a special human being.

He delights in talking about his present day racing interest and frequent visits to Melbourne meetings.

Ron pays tribute to his four kids- daughters Susan and Sally and sons Peter and Raymond.

He takes us right back to childhood days when his parents strongly opposed his ambition to become a jockey.

Ron looks back on valuable tuition from famous old time jockey Bobby Lewis whose fourth Melbourne Cup win was in 1927. He still shares the Cup riding record with the late Harry White.

You won’t believe how clearly Ron recalls his very first winning ride at Mentone in 1945, and his first major win in the Australian Cup of the same year.

“Hutchy” was christened the “Cups King” long before Bart Cummings earned the tag. He talks of some of his 60 Cup wins around Australia.

He looks back on his Melbourne Cup CV. He wasn’t able to win the great race in 16 attempts but says there were a couple he’d like to have over again.

Ron says the opposition was so strong during his Melbourne riding days that he was happy to get away with one premiership in 1958/59.

He speaks highly of two high profile horses he rode before going overseas.

The former champion jockey recalls the telegram he received from Irish training whiz Paddy Prendergast offering him a stable retainer.

He looks back on the early months of the new partnership and an important Irish 2000 Guineas win on Kythnos.

“Hutchy” recalls a successful week at Royal Ascot in 1960 which was followed by a surprise offer from a very high profile owner. He’s never forgotten the loyalty of the Duke of Norfolk who retained him for 17 years.

He says he was thrilled to be able to deliver the Duke’s dearest wish- a win in the famous Ascot Gold Cup.

Ron pays tribute to three British racing icons.

He looks back on his biggest racing disappointment- the loss of the ride on the 1966 English Derby winner.

The legendary horseman explains that he would have been on the 1978 Derby winner Shirley Heights, but had decided to retire six months earlier.

Ron recalls the pride he took in donning the Royal colours. His very first ride for Queen Elizabeth was a winner at Lingfield.

He remembers his excitement when Balmerino arrived in England. He identified the talented New Zealander as the horse to bring down the curtain on his career.

Ron didn’t realise at the time that subsequent tempting offers would delay his retirement plans.

He remembers his final three seasons in Malaysia/Singapore and another jockey’s premiership at age 53. 

“Hutchy” reflects on many a racing accident in thirty three years of race riding, but says he was relatively lucky.

We look back on a lovely night I spent with the Hutchinsons in England 50 years ago. Ron and Norma were splendid hosts.

You don’t often get to hear the reminiscences of a man who rode his first winner in Melbourne at the end of WW2 and went on to amazing success internationally. This podcast will always be one of my favourites.   

Episode 454: Wayne Harris

Great to catch up with Wayne Harris at a racing luncheon in early December. I was reminded of the fact that the former star jockey was one of our very early podcast guests in 2018. When I suggested an updated interview was called for, he said in typical Harris fashion,  “are you sure people would want to hear my story again.”

Who wouldn’t want to hear the story of the kid from Muswellbrook who burst onto the racing scene in the late 1970’s with riding performances well beyond his years. When doctors virtually ordered his retirement in early 1997, Wayne had ridden well over 2000 winners including more than 30 Gr 1’s. His Melbourne Cup win on Jeune in 1994 was lauded by all in the Australian racing industry. His stellar record was achieved despite numerous injuries, a constant battle with weight and several major illnesses. He continues to deal with the legacy of those setbacks. Wayne brings us up to date on a current immobility dating back to early spinal issues.

He talks of his Doctor’s reluctance to perform any further surgery.

Wayne talks of his involvement with Sky Thoroughbred Central from Kembla Grange race meetings. 

He looks back on childhood days in Muswellbrook and pays tribute to his devoted parents and siblings.

Wayne reflects on his early education in a local convent where he was sometimes at loggerheads with the nuns. 

He talks of a transfer to Muswellbrook High School and his obsession with sport. He excelled in several pursuits.

The former champion jockey looks back on his brief love affair with boxing.

He talks of work experience in the Pat Farrell stables and his subsequent apprenticeship to the same trainer. He says the going got tough at times.

Wayne recalls the inauspicious occasion of his first race ride, and his initial win on the same horse.

He reflects on his rapid rise as an apprentice jockey with special mention of his first metropolitan win.

Wayne remains very proud of his achievement at Randwick in  late 1978 when he became the first Australian apprentice to ride five city winners on one programme.

He talks of the amazing support he was getting from top Sydney stables and highlights a Golden Slipper win for Bart Cummings at 18 years of age. He says Bart had to be talked into putting him on Century Miss.

Wayne reflects on four other Slipper placings and says a couple of them were unlucky.

The 63 year old looks back on his record breaking apprenticeship and says he was aware that Steve Cauthen was doing incredible things in America at the same time.

He says his weight had become very unstable by the time he entered the ranks of fully fledged jockeys. He was always buoyed by pleasant surprises like an AJC Sires Produce Stakes win on a 200/1 “pop”.

Wayne talks of his dangerous diets and the strange symptoms that heralded the onset of his first brain tumor at age 22. He looks back on a seven hour surgery, and the undying devotion of family.

He acknowledges several special people whose support helped to get him back into the saddle.

Wayne recalls the surprised looks on the faces of AJC staff when he requested a re-issue of his jockey’s licence.

He’s never forgotten the support of the Gosford race crowd on September 29th 1983- the day he returned to the saddle. He had two rides for two memorable wins. Harris was back!

The former champion jockey fondly remembers his amazing comeback- 15 wins from his first 18 rides. He was overwhelmed by the support of trainers.

Wayne reflects on several of his Gr 1 wins and on the disappointment of missing a Cox Plate ride on champion Kingston Town.

Harris looks back on successful riding stints in Singapore and Hong Kong. 

He talks of a Blue Diamond win for David Hayes and his booking for St Covet in the AJC Sires Produce Stakes. He was engaged principally because St Covet was expected to pull over the 1400m trip. He also reviews a Caulfield Guineas win on the same colt.

Then to Wayne’s favourite story- how he landed the ride on Jeune in the Melbourne Cup, his recollections of the race and the celebrations that followed.

He recalls the bittersweet experience of riding Jeune in the Japan Cup and the traumatic health issue that followed.

Wayne recalls the first up performance he rates as Jeune’s best effort, and subsequent rides on the chestnut.

He has fond memories of supplying Gai Waterhouse with her first Melbourne Gr 1.

Wayne always took his A game when he rode overseas. He remembers a stunning win on Monopolise in the Hong Kong Bowl.

Some say it was his best ever ride.

He was delighted to review a short but happy stint in Ireland under contract to the Kevin Prendergast stable.

Wayne talks of a successful stint in jockey management. 

He recalls his disappointment in 1997 when doctors advised him to quit the saddle following the onset of immobility in one leg. He talks of his Rosehill swansong when he went close to a winning double.

Wayne speaks of Aimee and Matthew, the son and daughter shared by he and first wife Linda.

He comments on the widely held theory that he would have reached dizzy heights had he been a few kilos lighter.

Wayne pays tribute to long time partner Tracy who offers him devoted support.

This is perhaps the longest interview Wayne Harris has ever given. I’m sure you’ll enjoy every word from a jockey of boundless talent and a human being of courage and resolve. The Wayne Harris story is one of great inspiration.

Episode 453: Ryan Maloney

Ryan Maloney was in high spirits when this interview was recorded on Thursday Dec 14th. He was looking forward to a big book of eight rides at Eagle Farm but fate saw him in a hospital bed in the early hours of Saturday morning. Anybody who has suffered a kidney stone episode will know that there are few more painful experiences. He’s over the trauma and keen to get back to work. Ryan reviews his fortuitous decision to leave Victoria.

He talks about the upward spiral of Queensland racing, and the newly refurbished Gold Coast track.

Ryan talks of the beginning of his association with Toby Edmonds. 

He remembers a later trip Toby made with brilliant filly Houtzen.

The jockey talks of early life in Colac and the scant racing background in his family.

He talks of his first apprenticeship to local trainer Mark Young.

Ryan hasn’t forgotten his inauspicious riding debut at Horsham and the magic of his very first win.

He looks back on his journey from Colac to Flemington and an apprenticeship to Robert Smerdon.

Ryan recalls his first metropolitan win and a productive association with trainer Robbie Griffiths. He acknowledges some of his favourite horses from the Griffiths yard.

He looks back fondly on a brief association with champion sprinter Nature Strip. 

Ryan remembers a great winning run with the Jamie Edwards trained Sertorius.

He reflects openly on his positive test to a banned stimulant and the resultant four months on the sidelines. He gives a valid reason for his misdemeanour.

Ryan looks back on the wonderful diversion he stumbled upon during his time out. He landed a role in the popular movie “Ride Like A Girl”, and loved the experience.

He talks about his instant rapport with trainer David Vandyke, and the wonderful horse at the centre of the new partnership.

Ryan takes us through his journey with the massively talented Alligator Blood.

He talks of a Sydney stint with the Neasham stable and his partnership with quality mare Sunshine In Paris.

Ryan speaks of his association with Isotope and the highs and lows that came with it.

The jockey speaks of the Gollan trained Skirt The Law, the filly to give him a Magic Millions triumph.

He talks of a Doomben Cup win for Team Snowden.

Ryan pays tribute to wife Shaylee and daughters Stella and Isla who love the Queensland sunshine as much as he does.

It’s a good yarn with a 38 year old jockey whose move to Queensland has been career defining.

Episode 452: Wayne Peake - Author ”Sydney Racing in the 1970’s”

Wayne Peake’s interest in racing began at age 8, when he walked onto Kembla Grange racecourse with his family. By early teens he was totally obsessed with the sport. He devoured newspaper and magazine articles and tuned in religiously to the limited radio and TV coverage of the day. He quickly settled on a favourite jockey, horse and race broadcaster. By the end of the 1970’s Wayne had nurtured the dream of one day bringing that decade back to life in book form. His dream materialised at the end of October when he officially launched his 472 page tome “Sydney Racing In The 1970’s”. I’m delighted to help Wayne spread the word about a book which will bring back precious memories to those who remember the sensational seventies.

He recalls the time he first hatched the idea and talks of the mammoth task it turned out to be.

Wayne remembers the fateful day when his family introduced him to horse racing at Kembla Grange.

He talks of his immediate obsession with the sport.

Wayne recalls his fascination with the work of legendary broadcaster Ken Howard. The Panania teenager was only 13 when Howard retired, but he’s never forgotten the impact of the maestro’s race calls. 

The author remembers the influence of eminent racing journalist Bert Lillye. 

Wayne says he was deeply touched when veteran journalist Max Presnell agreed to provide the foreword to his new book.

He talks of his admiration for the popular stayer Tails who retired in 1972 second only to Tulloch as Australia’s highest stakes earner.

Wayne’s “pin up” jockey in the 1970’s was Kevin Moses who went on to ride 2300 career winners. He recalls his impressions of Moses in the 70’s.

He looks back on regular visits to the iconic Harold Park Paceway in an era of great horses.

Wayne talks about his three previous publications, and his time at the Western Sydney University who bestowed upon him the distinguished title of “Adjunct Fellow”.

A feature of the book are the many historical photos which generate a wonderful trip down memory lane. He thanks the people who allowed him access to the photos.

Wayne talks about his lifetime fondness for the Warwick Farm racecourse. He expresses disappointment about some programming changes in recent years.

He talks of several other features in the book and his acknowledgement of the people who provided endorsements.

With the book not yet in stores, Wayne talks of the best way to access it in time for Xmas. Those who were around in the 70’s will love the trip down memory lane. Younger generations will be very curious.

I haven’t yet met Wayne Peake but his enthusiasm has been evident in several phone calls. I can relate completely to his passion for the racing scene in the 1970’s. It was an unforgettable decade for me too!