John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
It was the mid 1970’s and Hilton was on a flight from Dublin to Sydney after completing a three year stint with Irish trainer John Oxx. He turned to wife Marilyn and calmly announced that his riding days were over. In this podcast replay the former ace jockey explains why he quit at the top of his game, and recalls the new life he forged back in Australia. Hilton begins by talking about his lifelong love of golf.
He also reveals a love for fishing, a skill he learned from his great mate, the late Norm Munsie.
Hilton talks of his amazing mother Vera who was 102 years of age when this podcast was recorded. She’s now 106 and still right on top of her game.
The former outstanding jockey has never forgotten the day his father came home with an undernourished pony mare called Flicka- the pony who would trigger his love for riding.
Hilton talks of the horse dentist who looked after Flicka’s teeth. That dentist also had racing connections and was the catalyst in arranging Hilton’s apprenticeship to Rosehill trainer Vic Thompson Snr.
He remembers everyday life with a trainer who was tough but fair.
Hilton recalls his forgettable race riding debut, and the thrill of his first win at his 15th ride.
The veteran horseman recalls the humbling experience of being selected Dux of the AJC Apprentice’s School- quite an honour in 1960.
Cope was only 17 when he rode his first Gr 1 winner. He recalls the circumstances under which he picked up the ride on Red Wind in the 1960 AJC Metropolitan.
Right at the end of his apprenticeship Hilton teamed up with a special 3YO filly. He remembers his AJC Oaks win on Jane Hero.
He reflects on an association with a brilliant horse called Broker’s Tip. He won the Canterbury Guineas on the horse and hoped to be retained for the AJC Derby but was usurped by a glamour jockey of the day. The story had a happy ending.
Hilton recalls renewing his partnership with Broker’s Tip in the autumn of 1970 for a great Gr 1 double.
The former jockey looks back on a brief association with the much revered Tails. He won his second AJC Metropolitan on the handsome chestnut, a decade after Red Wind.
Hilton remembers his handful of rides on one of Australia’s best loved horses, the gallant Gunsynd. He talks of a racing peculiarity jockeys needed to be aware of.
He hasn’t forgotten the exciting experience of his first and only ride in the Melbourne Cup.
Hilton says he was in trouble controlling his weight at just 18 years of age. He confesses to some irresponsible behaviour on Saturday nights.
He says dehydration sometimes generated cramps during or after races. He cites a couple of examples.
Hilton was 26 when offered a contract in France which turned out to be an unhappy experience. The owner was happy to have him on her horses, but the trainer wanted nothing to do with the Australian jockey.
He says a former champion Australian golfer was instrumental in getting him to Ireland.
His three seasons with John Oxx more than compensated for the nightmare experience in France. Hilton reminisces about his happiest days as a jockey.
On returning to Australia he began the development of a spelling farm in the Hunter Valley. Before long he had 150 horses on the property. Hilton looks back on his resident herd of cattle and a successful venture into lucerne farming.
He talks of his love for thoroughbred breeding and the enjoyment he gets out of racing a horse from time to time.
Hilton remembers his mixed feelings when the decision was made to sell Kelvinside to the Darley empire. He says it was quite a wrench.
I thoroughly enjoyed this chat with a very old friend. If you missed the podcast in 2019, here it comes again!
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
John Powell was at a loose end when he returned to Australia in 2021 after calling time on his long riding career in Singapore. It wasn’t long before Racing NSW enlisted his services as a mentor for northern NSW jockeys, and more recently Gary Kliese has snapped him up for a co-hosting role on Sky Thoroughbred Central’s coverage of northern rivers racing. It’s almost forty years since John Powell began his apprenticeship with Helen Page at Warwick Farm. In a 37 year riding career he rode 1400 winners in five jurisdictions, more than half of them in Singapore. We were able to pin him down recently for a lengthy chat about his fascinating journey in racing. John begins by explaining how his opportunity with Sky Thoroughbred Central came up.
He says his main focus is on the characteristics of horses and tactics employed by jockeys.
John says he’d barely settled back in Australia when he got a surprise phone call from Corey Brown on behalf of Racing NSW.
The former top jockey takes us back to childhood days at Campbelltown and talks about the family friend who introduced him to Helen Page.
He recalls his delight when Warwick Farm trainer Frank Bacon gave him his very first race ride.
John hasn’t forgotten his very first winner at Gosford for his boss Helen Page. He admits the ride wasn’t pretty. The chief steward spoke to him on the day about an entirely different matter.
He fondly remembers his magical first city winner at Canterbury in 1987.
Powell recalls multiple wins on the Guy Walter trained Prince Invader- a very important horse to the young rider in those early days.
He has never forgotten a pick-up ride on brilliant sprinter Show County. He got the ride during a jockey’s strike when every runner at a Warwick Farm meeting was ridden by an apprentice.
The recently retired jockey looks back on his affinity with Kembla Grange racecourse. In one season in the late 80’s he was champion Kembla apprentice.
He talks of Shane Edmonds, another talented apprentice who was with Helen Page at the same time.
John talks about his addiction to diuretics, the demon pills used by many jockeys in days gone by to help them excrete water through the kidneys. Diuretics gave jockeys a simple way of losing weight on race days. They were very dangerous long term.
He looks back on several short term contracts in Mauritius- a unique racing environment.
John talks of his very successful stint in Macau. It was here a Panamanian jockey helped him to fine tune his riding style.
He looks back on some of the outstanding horses he got to ride in Australia including a few of Bart Cummings’ topliners.
John talks of his association with John Hawkes which led him to a full season in Brisbane. The champion trainer once entrusted John with a barrier trial ride on champion Octagonal. He still talks about it.
He looks back on his appointment as stable jockey for Don Baertshiger in Singapore- a partnership that would last for many years.
John says he got away to a “flyer” in Singapore by winning the Gr 1 Derby on Hello And Goodbye. It was Kiwi trainer Bruce Marsh’s first Singapore win.
He talks of his first win in the Kranji Mile and a second Singapore Derby.
John reflects on a Kranji Mile win for Laurie Laxon and a QE2 Cup success.
The former ace jockey talks openly about his cancer scare. The discovery of a lump on his neck during a routine medical check led to further scans. Thyroid cancer was detected. Covid enforced travel restrictions delayed John’s return to Sydney for crucial surgery.
He says the thyroid complication sent his weight on a spiral, and he knew his riding days were numbered. John remembers the shock he received to read about his retirement on social media, long before he’d made any announcement.
It’s a laid back chat with a talented jockey who spent 25 of his 37 riding years out of Australia.
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Wayne Collison and Kylie Kennedy happen to be father and daughter but choose to operate individually from their stables in the idyllic township of Narromine 40 kms from Dubbo. Wayne started training about 25 years ago following a successful career as a jockey. His wife Robyn Douglas also made her mark as a trainer in the central west. Is it any wonder one of their four daughters inherited the racing genes. Kylie has won around 150 races in her own right. We begin the podcast with Wayne who talks about his recent run of success.
He reflects on a trip to the famous Louth meeting where one of his three runners was successful.
The former jockey acknowledges the horses who’ve contributed to his recent winning trot.
Wayne says he’s obliged to ride all of his small team in trackwork.
He talks of the facilities at his disposal.
Wayne reflects on his eighteen years as Narromine track manager.
He talks of the strong points of the central western racecourse.
Wayne looks back on his early childhood at Cassilis, and an involvement with the under 5 stone Rugby League side.
He talks of the circumstances leading up to his apprenticeship with prominent Newcastle trainer Roy Hinton.
The 69 year old has vivid recollections of a winner at his very first race ride. He pays tribute to the rider of the runner up.
Wayne looks back on a winning association with the smart sprinter Brother Smoke.
He explains that Brother Smoke won many races despite a chronic windsucking habit.
The veteran horseman recalls the transfer of his apprenticeship to respected Walcha trainer Ron Martin. He says the winters were ferocious.
Wayne recalls some of the handy horses he rode for the Martin stable.
Collison talks of a stint with a Canowindra stable which led him to an association with a very smart horse, and a chance meeting with the girl destined to become his wife and the mother of his four daughters.
An offer to link up with the Jack Walsh stable brought him to Narromine. Forty years on he’s still a proud resident.
He looks back on his days as a jockey in western NSW. He got to some far flung places.
Wayne remembers two prominent trainers with whom he had a strong association. He also remembers the rogue horse who gave him a torrid time.
He looks back on Robyn’s success as a registered trainer. He pays tribute to some of her better horses.Wayne remembers the loyal support of owner/breeder Les Gibson who raced a very special horse in the 1950’s.
He talks of Robyn’s retirement from training and the special job she took on at a local retirement village.
Wayne reveals his reasons for quitting the saddle and a seamless transition into the training ranks. He acknowledges the handy horses who’ve helped him along the way.
Wayne’s daughter Kylie Kennedy comes on line to talk about her three sisters and the valuable early support she received from her parents.
Kylie talks of her seventeen years of training and her favourite horses.
She has nothing but praise for her partner, champion amateur rider Ricky Blewitt whose contribution to her stable is immeasurable.
A laid back chat with members of a dedicated country racing family.
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Michael Travers joined an exclusive club in 2021 when he became one of a handful of NSW jockeys to acquire a dual trainer/jockey’s licence. A short time later he became the first to train and ride a winner in his home state, when successful with Estaverdi at Gundagai. A minor injury sustained at Leeton in April was enough to see Michael make the decision to train exclusively. We recorded this interview just a few days before his Gundagai double on Sunday. He talks about the reluctance of Racing NSW to issue dual licences a few years ago.
He says Michelle Payne indirectly helped his cause.
Michael says he’s a little surprised more jockeys haven’t availed themselves of the opportunity.
He says attaining the licence was one thing- finding stabling in Wagga was another.
Michael looks back on the thrill of his history making feat at Gundagai in 2021. He rode another winner on the day for an outside stable.
He says it wasn’t easy to attract owners who were happy to have the same person training and riding their horses. He pays tribute to great supporters Robyn Tatham and Peter Knight.
Michael looks back on the heavy workload associated with his dual career. He knew he couldn’t keep going forever.
The experienced horseman looks back on teen years when his grandfather introduced him to racing. He was quickly besotted by the atmosphere of the track.
Michael nominates the two horses who whetted his appetite for the game.
He talks of work experience gained with two high profile Rosehill trainers of the early 1990’s. One of those trainers told him he’d never make a jockey.
Travers looks back on the university studies which brought him a Bachelor Of Education Degree.
With his desire to be a jockey still bubbling under the surface he gained a start with Noel Mayfield-Smith who was then training at Hawkesbury. He couldn’t get the hang of it.
Totally discouraged, Michael decided to put his teaching degree to good use. He talks of his time at two Sydney schools instructing in three subjects.
The jockey/trainer talks of his fondness for the piano. He learned the art early in life.
Michael says he was 24 years old when he approached Racing NSW apprentice coach Maurice Logue. The ever helpful Logue arranged a pre vocational course for young Travers with Albury trainer Rob Wellington. Just when Rob was about to sign him up, Michael’s dad became seriously ill. He returned to the teaching trade.
He says he later returned to the Wellington stable and his riding career began. He went within a nose of a win on his very first day.
Michael talks of a transfer to Newcastle trainer Paul Perry. He recalls the champion sprinter he got to ride work, and some early wins for the Perry stable.
He talks of his all time favourite horse Piracy who just happened to be owned by his mother Rae.
The popular Riverina horseman looks back on his career injury list. He regards himself as relatively lucky.
Michael talks of his intention to continue riding trackwork, and acknowledges the good recent run he’s had with in form Jean Van Overmeire.
He acknowledges the support of wife Jodie and makes special mention of 10 year old son Maverick and step children Cameron and Alaska.
It’s a laid back chat with one of Australia’s most versatile horsemen.
Monday Sep 04, 2023
Monday Sep 04, 2023
It was great to catch up with John Wallace recently for the first time in several years. The veteran trainer has a great passion for the racing game, and it shows in his all too rare interviews. We pinned him down recently for a long overdue podcast about a career that started in St George more than 50 years ago. John begins by talking about his recovery from some pretty serious health issues.
He talks of the nine horse team he has in work today- a far cry from the huge numbers he was training twenty years ago. He makes special mention of a certain 3YO.
John talks about his early life as the son of a publican at Maryborough. He was eight years old when the family moved to another pub 600km away.
The veteran trainer says he learned the language of racing from horsemen around the bar at the Metro Hotel. He recalls meeting a young man who was destined to become a very high profile steward in later years.
John says he had to put his age up in order to acquire a Queensland trainer’s licence. He got away with it.
He clearly recalls training his very first winner at St George and a subsequent move to Dalby.
Wallace says he jumped at the opportunity when stables became available in the thriving racing town of Toowoomba. He was there for a long time.
He remembers his neighbour, the iconic trainer Jim Atkins.
John responds to a question about his uncanny ability to identify talented horses and buy them cheaply early in his career. He says Court Rush was the first of several to come to his notice.
He talks of his 1982 Queensland Oaks winner Mother Of Pearl- his first win at the elite level.
John looks back on his achievements with other bargain basement buys
He pays a special tribute to Mitanni, one of his all time favourites. Twenty wins and twenty six placings. He says you don’t get many like Mitanni in a lifetime.
The seventy seven year old rates Dynamic Love as one of the best mares he’s trained. He talks of her three Sydney wins.
John says NZ race caller Tony Lee was instrumental in his acquisition of Oompala who’d won only two small races before coming to Queensland.
He looks back on a string of Queensland wins by Oompala before finishing third in the Metropolitan at Randwick.
John relives the excitement of Melbourne Cup day. For one wild moment he thought Oompala had the big race in the bag.
We reserve plenty of space for John’s reminiscences about Shoot Out a $15,000 Gold Coast purchase. He went on to win seven races with the horse including the Randwick Guineas and the AJC Derby.
He sadly recalls the sudden passing of Shoot Out’s regular jockey Stathi Katsidis on the eve of the W.S Cox Plate. He pays a warm tribute to Stathi’s great talent.
John looks back on the shattering experience of losing Shoot Out to another stable.
The veteran trainer talks of associations with Zac Purton and the late Aaron Kennedy.
It’s a laid back chat with a horse trainer from the old school.
Monday Aug 28, 2023
Monday Aug 28, 2023
NSW southern districts racing lost a loyal and dedicated servant recently when Darryl McLean called time on his 48 year career as a member of the SDRA Stewards panel. He officiated for the last time at the Corowa meeting on Monday July 31st and by his own admission left the course with very mixed feelings. It’s my great pleasure to catch up with Darryl on this week’s podcast to talk about his remarkable transition from furniture salesman to stipendiary steward. He attended a Sunday meeting at Wagga the following Sunday, but only as a spectator. He received a special surprise on the day.
Darryl says his final day at Corowa was emotion charged.
Wangaratta born and raised, McLean says there wasn’t a trace of racing in his family background.
He talks of a boyhood fascination with Aussie Rules football.
Darryl looks back on his first job with Paterson’s Pty Ltd Furniture and Floor Coverings. He spent most of his time on the road canvassing business.
He says it came as a big surprise when the boss informed him of a transfer to the company’s Wagga division.
Darryl says his passion for football led him to a coaching job with the Wagga TIgers Under 16’s side.
It wasn’t long before new found friends talked him into joining the crowd at the Wagga races. He says he was hooked from the moment he heard those drumming hooves.
Darryl says his lifelong interest in thoroughbred breeding developed in those early days.
He looks back on the advertisement in the Daily Advertiser calling for expressions of interest in a job as a cadet steward. He applied and was given a one month probationary period.
He says he combined stewarding duties with his job at Patersons Pty Ltd for close to a decade.
Darryl remembers his early days in the new job working at race meetings as far away as Balranald.
He pays tribute to the stewards from whom he learned his craft.
Darryl’s sense of humour comes to the fore as he tells the story of the real reason he took to wearing a hat.
He acknowledges the good advice he received from Bill Armstrong who was then Chairman of the SDRA. He’d previously been a high profile race starter in Victoria.
He tells the humorous story of the jockey who told the starter at a Non TAB Griffith meeting that his mount may not get around the first turn. The rest of the story is very entertaining.
Darryl shares memories of a certain overweight clerk of the course who devised a novel way of mounting his pony.
He talks of the days when stewards didn’t have the luxury of modern technology as an aid to assessing race interference.
The respected steward talks about the downside of having to ban licenced people who’ve been involved in malpractice. He had his own way of coping with it.
Darryl talks of some outside business interests he pursued while working as a steward.
He talks of his property close to Wagga where his wife Pauline runs half a dozen thoroughbred broodmares.
He talks of a Wagga Cup win in 1990 which brought tears to the eyes of most spectators.
The veteran pays tribute to a handful of special horses who’ve raced in the Riverina under his watch.
Darryl acknowledges the talents of some of the leading riders and trainers he’s known during his tenure.
He predicts a bright future for a young female apprentice who only recently went on loan to a top Sydney stable.
Darryl says southern districts racing is in the hands of some outstanding young stewards.
An enjoyable chat with a man whose contribution to NSW country racing will be long remembered.
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Great to catch up with a young jockey who’s endured the lion’s share of bad luck but keeps bouncing back into the winner’s circle. He’s riding work again following major shoulder surgery, and is champing at the bit to go to the races. Brock begins by talking of the newly arrived son who has helped him through a tough rehabilitation.
He talks of the transition into parenthood for he and partner Madison.
Brock explains the surgery he recently underwent at Sydney’s San Hospital.
He says he did plenty of work behind the scenes before returning to trackwork at Kembla Grange.
The young jockey takes us back to early days at Yamba when surfing was his primary sporting interest. He joined the workforce at a local caravan park.
Brock has never forgotten the first time he watched horse racing on television. He was instantly besotted and took immediate action.
He says he couldn’t wait to become an apprentice. He started at Kembla Grange.
Brock remembers the retired racehorse who taught him the basics. He parted company with the mare more than once.
He recalls with some amusement his first official barrier trial.
Ryan looks back on his first serious accident. Like most of the others he had no control.
He looks back on his first race ride at the Sapphire Coast and his first win at Adaminaby.
Brock talks of the day he won on the budding stakes horse Jungle Edge.
He speaks with affection of the wonderful support he received from the late Gwenda Markwell.
The talented rider talks of a freak mishap on Wellington Boot day 2017. It happened past the winning post but left him with a serious injury.
He talks of the anguish he suffered from a medical condition unrelated to racehorses.
Brock looks back on a short stint at Randwick with the John O’Shea stable and a run-in with the law which left him without a driver’s licence.
The jockey reflects on his decision to turn his back completely on racing, and a return to Yamba. He says it wasn’t long before he was missing racing.
He talks of his association with father and son training team Rob and Luke Price. Rob has been his valued tutor.
Brock looks back on an early association with the Team Hawkes stable who put him on a couple of very talented horses.
He looks back on his association with brilliant filly Jamaea. He was preparing for his first ride in a Golden Slipper when lady luck deserted him again.
Brock has indelible memories of the day he rode four winners at a Rosehill Saturday metropolitan meeting.
The jockey talks of the highs and lows of his association with the ill fated galloper Count de Rupee. A close second in the Golden Eagle and a win in The Gong took him to racing’s biggest stage.
Brock talks of the support he was getting from a wide range of stables before his shoulder surgery.
A nice chat with a very likable young man.
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Everybody wanted a piece of champion trainer Leon Macdonald when he saddled his final runners at Morphettville on July 29th, and we were on the list. We caught up with the SA racing legend a few days later and got him started on a sentimental journey. He begins by looking back on an emotional final day at the scene of some of his greatest moments. He says an on course video tribute tested his emotions.
Leon was philosophical about a winless final day.
He pays tribute to the young man who’ll be filling his shoes at French Cotton Lodge, son-in-law Andrew Gluyas.
The one Adelaide major to elude Leon was the historic Goodwood Hcp. He talks of his narrow defeat with Another Award in May.
The former trainer acknowledges his long and successful association with veteran jockey Jason “Stubby” Holder.
Leon talks at length about Dalasan, the horse who deserved a Gr 1 win but had to settle for four placings at the elite level.
He talks of Dalasan’s promising half sister.
The veteran recalls a freakish trackwork accident in 2021 which left him with a broken hip.
Leon says he was shocked and humbled in 2014 when inducted into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame.
He talks of his uncle George Macdonald who greatly influenced his early career.
Leon talks of his first Gr 1 winner French Cotton after whom his Morphettville stables were named.
Macdonald talks of another early Gr 1 win with Mine Gold in the Australasian Oaks.
He reminisces about his uncle Ab Macdonald who trained outstanding filly Farmer’s Daughter in the 1960’s.
Leon talks of the job he had before becoming a horse trainer. He wasn’t cut out for his job with the Electricity Trust of South Australia.
He talks of a long and happy association with owner/breeder and successful businessman Harry Perks.
Leon pays Gold Guru the tribute he deserves. He has no doubt the son of Geiger Counter was the best horse he trained.
Second only to Gold Guru as a Macdonald favourite was the ageless Umrum. He loved the dual Gr 1 winner.
Leon was a trailblazer in recognising the talents of female jockeys. He pays tribute to riders like Ruth McMillan, Clare Lindop and Raquel Clark.
He looks back on a memorable Victoria Derby win with despised outsider Rebel Raider.
Leon remembers the deeds of bonny mare Southern Speed who brought him a win in the coveted Caulfield Cup.
The former trainer talks of Gr 1 winning filly Go Indy Go.
He speaks with affection of the multiple stakes winner Dilly Dally.
He pays tribute to one of Dilly Dally’s owners, his wife Pam who was always the steadying influence in the Macdonald Racing operation.
Leon has fond memories of the tough filly Augusta Proud who gave him a memorable win in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
He makes special mention of his daughters Sue and Christine. Sue is married to Andrew Gluyas, and Christine is the wife of former ace race caller Terry McAuliffe.
It’s a laid back chat with a true legend of South Australian racing.
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
The Australian racing industry continues to come to terms with the death of Dean Holland in a race fall at Donald in April. Ethan Brown, Jamie Kah, Craig Williams, and Blaike McDougall were all sidelined with serious injuries on either side of the Donald tragedy. Ethan Brown required multiple surgeries in the wake of his fall in the Australian Guineas in March. Cranbourne track regulars were amazed when the 24 year old reported for trackwork on July 10th and even more surprised when he resumed race riding at Sandown last Sunday (Aug 6th).
Ethan joins us on the podcast to talk about his miracle recovery and to reflect on a short but brilliant career which began in his hometown of Alice Springs. He talks about that all important first day back at trackwork.
Ethan says his body had to adjust following a long lay off from the saddle.
He says the accident came at a time when he’d ridden 62 Victorian winners for the season. He has a philosophical attitude when it comes to the highs and lows of racing.
Ethan has a clear recollection of the Flemington accident. He says he felt as though he’d been thrown into a washing machine.
He talks of the love and support extended by family and friends in the days after the fall.
The young jockey takes us back to childhood days in Alice Springs and his gradual indoctrination into the world of the thoroughbred.
He talks of his initial apprenticeship to Greg Connor and a later transfer to Garry and Lisa Lefoe.
With barrier trials scarce in Alice Springs Ethan explains that he had to go to Melbourne to acquire the mandatory number of rides.
Mick Kent Snr came to the rescue.
Brown says he returned to the Alice to get his riding career started, and reflects on his only two wins at home.
He talks of a return to Victoria and a transfer of his indentures to Mick Kent Snr.
The jockey reflects on a magical day at Wycheproof when he had three rides for three wins. His career was off the ground.
Ethan talks of his mateship with two other Kent apprentices who helped him through some chronic homesickness.
He remembers his first city win on a horse provided by Mitch Beer, and the beginning of a wonderful association with Darren Weir. He talks of the highpoints on Weir trained horses.
Ethan reflects on his two victories in the Rising Star Series.
The talented apprentice has three Gr 1 wins under his belt already. He talks of the first one, the Robert Sangster Stakes in Adelaide on the bonny mare Snap Dancer.
Staying with Snap Dancer, Ethan recalls her second in the Gr 1 Tatts Tiara and her all the way win in the historic Memsie Stakes.
The two Gr 1 wins on Snap Dancer came courtesy of Maher and Eustace.
Maher and Eustace gave the young jockey another chance at the elite level in the Turnbull Stakes on Smokin’ Romans. Ethan recalls the thrill.
Ethan looks back on the exciting 2018/2019 season when he was crowned champion apprentice and figured prominently on the overall Melbourne jockeys premiership.
He pays a special tribute to his partner and fellow jockey Celine Gaudray who was runner up in last season’s Melbourne apprentices premiership. He talks of Celine’s amazing race day temperament.
More than 400 wins and three Gr 1’s in just eight years of riding highlights the talents of the young Territorian. His recent recovery from serious injury suggests his steely determination to succeed is matched only by his toughness and durability. It’s a nice yarn with an impressive young man.
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Stephen Traecey recently told family and friends he’s unlikely to ride in races again but most didn’t believe him. The remarkable 67 year old last rode in a race at Coffs Harbour in June. His last winner was in March on the same track. It suited Stephen to just fade away unnoticed, but I was having none of that. This man has given tremendous service over many years to racing in northern NSW and deserves due recognition. I hope this podcast serves as a lasting tribute to a bloke who just loves riding racehorses. Stephen says family and friends have taken his retirement announcement with a grain of salt.
He admits that he hasn’t yet made a clean break. He’s still riding up to eight horses in trackwork most days of the week.
Stephen acknowledges some of the trainers who continue to seek his services at trackwork.
He talks of the two year old filly purchased online recently by wife Donna. He doesn’t exactly rule out the possibility of a comeback if the filly gets to the races.
The veteran looks back on his last race ride, and his last winner Anotherbalconyboy.
Stephen says he and Donna now live on the property previously occupied by Takeover Target’s trainer Joe Janiak. He looks back on his association with the former champion sprinter.
He talks of childhood days in Balmain and his family’s association with a local swimming legend.
Stephen pays tribute to his late father Bill, a successful jockey in his own right. He looks back on his dad’s decision to move his family to NZ after being injured in a race fall. Bill became stable foreman to a legendary trainer.
He recalls the family’s move back to Australia and Bill’s return to the saddle. This time he rode trackwork alongside his father.
Stephen reflects on his interview with Theo Green, already emerging as a master tutor of apprentices. Unfortunately there were no vacancies.
He looks back on his short apprenticeship to Rosehill trainer Jack Norman, and the trackwork fall that left him with a broken leg.
Stephen takes us back to his move back to the bush, and a new apprenticeship with Bill Thompson at Gunnedah.
He has vivid recollections of his very first race win, and a move to the Peter Cleal stables.
The veteran jockey takes us through the horrific car accident that could have claimed his life. He remembers the long rehabilitation period in Sydney, and the ramifications of the brain trauma sustained in the accident.
Stephen acknowledges the support of a country racing steward who helped to get him back on track.
The jockey looks back on his return to race riding exactly three years after the Grafton road accident. He’s never forgotten his first win on the comeback trail- the race that reinvented him as a jockey.
He pays a special tribute to Ross Stitt, the man who trained the horse in question. He continued to ride horses for Ross until very recently.
Stephen talks of his affinity with the unique Bowraville track in the Nambucca Valley.
He recalls with affection his long time association with Grafton trainer John Shelton and their joint success with Mother’s Gift in the time honoured Ramornie Hcp.
Steve remembers the morning in flood time at Grafton when John Shelton told him not to come to trackwork. The trainer was amazed when he turned up as usual.
Traecey says he rode in Brisbane many times but had only one ride in Sydney. He remembers his second placing at Randwick on a Ross Stitt trained mare.
He talks of the current “toe-in” riding style used by the majority of modern day jockeys. He says he was happy to give it a try.
Stephen pays tribute to some of the great jockeys he’s ridden with on the northern rivers.
He looks back on a Coffs Harbour Cup win by a huge margin.
Stephen is proud to have an NRRA Jockey’s Premiership win on his CV.
He makes special mention of his four children from previous marriages.
It was an absolute delight to pay homage to a champion of northern NSW racing.