John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Dominic Tourneur but I’m aware of his prominence among Adelaide jockeys and his success rate over a long period of years. We decided to find out a little more about his journey in racing by inviting him onto our podcast, and he was happy to oblige. Dominic was originally apprenticed in Perth but by his own admission was pretty half hearted in those early years. He worked a second job for most of his time in Geraldton where he won seven local premierships. Finally he bit the bullet and moved to Adelaide in 2005. He wouldn’t change a thing. Dominic begins by talking about his Mauritian parents Marie and George.
The premiership winning rider looks back on the day his mother told him about a newspaper ad calling for apprentice jockeys.
Dom talks of his first master, former champion jockey Graeme Webster.
He remembers a transfer to another Perth trainer Ted Martinovich who struggled to get young Tourneur focused.
Dom says he finished his apprenticeship with an unimpressive CV.
He talks of short stays in various towns before settling in Geraldton 400 kms from the capital. He looks back on those early days with partner Melissa by his side, and some temporary accommodation.
Dominic rode at Geraldton meetings but also worked a second job at a local car yard.
He looks back on his coming of age as a jockey, and seven Geraldton jockey titles.
Tourneur says he felt he was riding well enough to consider a move interstate. The toss of a coin decided his future.
He talks of the method he used to alert Adelaide trainers of his availability.
Dom acknowledges the leading trainer who used his services at trackwork, and gave him his first SA winner.
The jockey looks back on the important win that announced his arrival in the state.
He was thrilled to become associated with a promising stayer who would take him to Melbourne and bring him high profile opportunities.
Dom talks of the hype associated with his Melbourne Cup mount. He couldn’t believe he was on the favourite in the iconic two miler.
He takes us through that Cup of 2009.
The jockey reflects on two Gr 1 seconds on the same horse three years later.
Tourneur looks back on a successful association with prominent trainer Phillip Stokes, and the thrill of his first Gr 1 win.
He pays tribute to Hucklebuck, one of his all time favourite horses. He rode the Elvstroem gelding in all but one of 19 starts for six wins including a memorable Gr 1 at Flemington during the 2014 Melbourne Cup carnival.
Dom recalls making it a double in the final race on the same programme.
He says the day was made even more special when the owner of his two winners turned up unexpectedly from Hong Kong.
The jockey acknowledges the talents of two other notable winners he got to ride.
He talks of a chronic back problem which required major surgery.
Dom talks about the second job he instigated when Adelaide racing slipped into the doldrums a few years ago.
He talks about the interests of son Blake and daughter Hannah.
The successful jockey reflects on an Adelaide premiership win, and the luxury of being able to keep away from the sweat box.
Dom looks back on a career that has brought him 1750 winners. He still regrets having wasted valuable time early in his career.
It’s a laid back chat with a very amiable Adelaide jockey.
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
From the late 70’s to the mid 80’s Brent Thomson was almost certainly Australia’s most high profile jockey. As number one rider for the powerful Lindsay Park training operation, he got to ride some of the nation’s best horses in Group 1 races around the nation. Brent quit the saddle in 2000 and was quickly signed by New Zealand Bloodstock as the company’s Australian representative. He continues to fill that role from his Melbourne base. When you conduct an interview with a bloke like Brent Thomson, it’s hard to know where to start and where to finish. We give it a crack on this week’s podcast, beginning with his decision to retire at the end of a Macau stint twenty four years ago.
Brent talks of the vibrant state of racing in Macau at the time, and a Derby win on a smart horse called Cheerine Champion.
He recalls the final winning ride of his career on a horse with strong Australian connections.
We fast forward to his current situation and the diversified role he has with New Zealand Bloodstock.
The former champion jockey takes us right back to early days in Wanganui (sometimes Whanganui) and an apprenticeship to his father Kevin who rode successfully before turning to training.
Brent reminisces about his very first winning ride way over on the east coast of the north island.
He looks back on a NZ win on Fury’s Order which gained him the Cox Plate ride. He’s never forgotten the loyalty of the horse’s owner.
Brent takes us through one of the wettest Cox Plates on record.
He talks about the nickname bestowed upon him by a prominent Melbourne journalist- a nickname still used by friends and associates.
The former champion jockey looks back on a second Cox Plate win on Family Of Man, a horse he admired tremendously. He recalls the stallion’s swansong appearance at Pinjarra in WA.
Brent clearly recalls the day Colin Hayes called him out of the Trentham jockey’s room with a gobsmacking offer.
He talks of an opportunity to repay Colin Hayes by landing So Called a winner in the Cox Plate soon after beginning his new job.
Brent takes us right through his amazing association with champion Dulcify. Recollections of the great horse’s breakdown in the 1979 Melbourne Cup haunt him to this day.
He looks back on a seven year association with the legendary Colin Hayes.
Brent talks of the “pick up” ride on Gurner’s Lane which brought him the first of two Caulfield Cups. He was bitterly disappointed when Lindsay Park commitments prevented his riding the horse in the Melbourne Cup.
He looks back on a second Caulfield Cup on freakish mud runner Lord Reims.
Much has been written about Dandy Andy’s shock defeat of Vo Rogue at odds of 125/1 in the 1988 Australian Cup. He wasn’t keen to ride the horse.
Brent looks back on a UK trip instigated by Robert Sangster. He talks of the super horses he got to ride in two trips to Europe.
He also reflects on some notable success in Hong Kong.
Before taking up his Macau contract in the late 90’s Brent spent some time on the Gold Coast. He talks of a winning run for retired trainer Alan Bailey.
Brent takes us through his background in the “marriage stakes” and pays tribute to his four children and two grandchildren.
He looks back on a relatively lucky run with injury.
This is a lovely trip down memory lane with the Kiwi jockey who was one of the leading players in an era of great horses and unforgettable horsemen.
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
I deserve a reprimand for taking so long to catch up with Jenny Duggan. There are several well known facts about this 44 year old Swedish born jockey. She can hold her own on the back of a thoroughbred at any level. She’s a hard worker, she’s as tough as teak and thoroughly reliable. She’s a great wife to Ben, and a wonderful mum and stepmother. What more can I say. Let’s hear from Jen who begins by talking about the support she receives from country and provincial trainers. She gives great credit to manager Shaun Flaherty.
The jockey talks about a “near miss” on her old favourite Torrens in the recent black type Australia Day Cup.
She rates Torrens as her all time favourite.
Jenny talks about a happy childhood on the family dairy farm at Figeholm in Sweden. The dairy cows shared the paddocks with a handful of horses. The die was cast.
She recalls her parents having to drag her off the pony at dinner time.
Jen pays tribute to her late paternal grandfather, and to her parents Tony and Lisa.
The former Jenny Lindgren says the majority of “horsey” Swedish kids often finish up in trotting stables. She much preferred to ride.
She looks back on a memorable six month stint with NZ trainer Murray Baker.
Jenny talks about an invitation to visit Australia with a Swedish friend. The friend went home. Jenny is here for life.
She talks of her introduction to Warwick Farm trackwork for several stables.
The jockey reflects on a new job at Port Macquarie and a burgeoning romance with a well known amateur jockey. It wasn’t long before she joined her partner on the picnic circuit.
She talks of an exciting premiership win, and a meeting with Racing NSW regarding unsatisfactory amateur riding fees. That meeting would change the course of her life.
Jenny made her pro debut at Port Macquarie in 2012, and what a beginning! She won at her very first ride.
She looks back on a winning run that earned her the ride on a horse she still regards as the best she’s ridden.
Jen soon discovered that race riding is fraught with danger. Her winning streak was halted by a Newcastle fall which left her with serious injuries to a knee. She was out for the best part of a year.
She hasn’t forgotten her return to trackwork. Mother nature put her on the sidelines again.
It was another year off to get her new son up and running. Back to trackwork and you won’t believe what happened!
On finally returning to the saddle, Jenny says she intended to ride trackwork only. As her weight stabilised and her rhythm came back, the desire to ride in races surfaced again. It was brother-in-law Adam Duggan who agreed to apprentice her.
In selecting a few memorable wins to talk about, we reminded the jockey of a Randwick Highway win on Gumshoe for former boss Marc Quinn.
Jenny was going so well by Scone Cup day 2020, she had six rides at the meeting despite the presence of top Sydney riders. She just missed a place on a Chris Waller runner in the Cup, before crashing in a later race. She has no memory of the fall.
The resilient jockey lists her injuries and talks about an agonisingly slow and tedious rehabilitation. There was never a hint of retirement.
She recalls the exciting return to the track, and a Port Macquarie double at her fourth meeting on the comeback trail.
Jenny looks back on a very successful return hindered by a recurrence of an injury from the Scone fall. She talks of a decision to take a complete break from racing and a return to her native Sweden. She took her sons Max and Sebastian along to spend time with their grandparents.
The long holiday fixed the problem. Jen resumed in December 2022 and won a race at Tamworth second day back. Then came a Randwick win which meant the world to her.
The jockey doesn’t mind admitting she’s one of Australia’s most senior female riders.
She talks of her ability to ride near the limit weight, and her current trackwork roster.
Great to catch up with the Swedish girl who had to be dragged off the pony when her dinner was on the table.
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
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.
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
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.
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
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.