John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
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.
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
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.
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
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!
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Hugh Bowman wasn’t where I expected him to be when we finally pinned him down for this interview. When I spoke to him a few days earlier he was still in Hong Kong undergoing physiotherapy for the legacy of injuries sustained in a race fall on November 11th. A short time later he made a snap decision to visit his parents in Mudgee.
He wasn’t long off the connecting flight to the central western town when he very kindly joined us on the podcast. This interview goes close to one and a quarter hours. We could have doubled that duration. When you talk to Hugh Bowman, it’s a case of what you include and what you leave out. The champion jockey talks of his flight from Hong Kong.
Hugh says he’s making better than expected progress after a fall that could have had more serious consequences.
He expresses gratitude for the support of wife Christine and daughters Bambi and Paige in the wake of the accident. He talks of a smooth transition into the Hong Kong education system.
Hugh shares vivid recollections of the Sha Tin fall.
He explains that the announcement of Joao Moreira’s departure from Hong Kong motivated his decision to take up a short term contract.
Hugh says he’s following in the footsteps of Darren Beadman who intended to finish his career in Hong Kong.
He talks of the strong racing influence in the Bowman family.
The much travelled jockey remembers his secondary education at the famous Scots College in Sydney.
Hugh reiterates the story of his days as an amateur rider and the thrill of his first win.
He looks back on his first serious apprenticeship to Bathurst trainer Leanne Aspros.
Hugh remembers with sadness the trackwork accident that terminated the career of champion bush jockey Bill Aspros. He and Bill were galloping horses side by side when the mishap occurred.
He remembers his first win as a professional jockey at Gulgong and his first for Leanne Aspros.
The top horseman looks back on his initial association with a really topline horse.
Hugh fondly remembers his first ever Gr 1 win in 2004. By this time he’d lost his heart to a charming Irish colleen who’d returned home after a stint in Sydney. He says he was on the next plane to Ireland.
He looks bacon a chance meeting with English trainer Mick Channon and a subsequent English riding contract.
We fast forward to Hugh’s association with the classy filly Samantha Miss who gave him his first Victorian Gr 1 success.
He talks of his Sydney premiership wins- four in total. He says it should have been five.
Hugh reminisces about winning rides on So You Think, Reliable Man, Racing To Win, Preferment and Shoot Out.
He talks about some of the major races in which he’s had multiple success.
The champion jockey says his Golden Slipper win on Farnan is among his greatest thrills even though the race was run at a deserted Rosehill Gardens.
Hugh speaks of his Asian riding highlights with special mention of the John Moore trained Werther.
He goes on to talk of a win in the Japan Cup of 2017 which clinched his induction as the Longines Best Jockey Of The Year. He has some positive thoughts on the true meaning of the honour.
We deliberately left Winx until last. Hugh has answered the predictable questions many times over. We talked more about his long association with the freakish mare and the degree of pressure involved.
During the course of his reflections he touches on his admiration for a special group of outstanding overseas riders.
Seventy five minutes passed very quickly. We left things out which will have to wait for another day. I’m grateful to Hugh for making himself available after a long voyage from Hong Kong to Mudgee, and less than three weeks after a nasty race fall. Many thanks Hugh.
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
With a team rarely exceeding twenty five horses Sara Ryan is able to do things a little differently to the bigger stables. She goes to great lengths to give her horses something to think about other than the grind of training and racing. One beneficiary of her alternative routine is Attractable who propelled her to dizzy heights by winning the Big Dance. We talk to a young lady who first encountered thoroughbreds on the show jumping circuit, and became fascinated with the breed. Sara begins by talking about Attractable’s unusual racing style.
She recalls breaking Attractable in before he went to Peter Moody which gave her a head start when the horse returned to her care at Kulnura.
Sara recalls the tactics she employed in the lead up to the Big Dance.
The trainer talks of her pre race nerves on Big Dance day and the support extended by her immediate family.
Sara takes us back to early days on Sydney’s north shore where a school friend introduced her to horses. She was instantly hooked, and immediately began the task of persuading her parents to buy her a horse.
She looks back on fun filled days with a retired thoroughbred called Onyabob. They became a successful duo on the show circuit.
She talks of riding tuition from former Olympian Vicky Roycroft and the young staff member who caught her eye. Today Sara and Will Matthews share a property at Jilliby. Sara attends to her duties for Domeland while Will engages in his business of buying, educating and trading show jumpers.
Sara explains how she first came under the notice of Domeland Managing Director King Cheng. She transitioned from the office to the role of breaking in and pre-training director. She took to the new job with great relish.
She remembers the day King Cheng offered her a brand new role in the Domeland operation, and admits to being shell shocked.
The trainer says Domeland were happy to allow her to train a handful of her own horses. They actually leased her the horse who would provide her first win.
Sara acknowledges a few special horses who got her up and running in the training ranks.
She takes us through a normal day as Domeland’s head trainer.
Sara talks of the unique Kulnura training property established in the 1980’s by the late Larry Pickering.
She talks of her commitment to riding the majority of her own horses in trackwork, and her long term resolve to training horses.
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Many experienced owners speak highly of Newcastle’s Jason Deamer who resists the temptation to increase the size of his stable. In twenty years of training, the third generation horseman has rarely exceeded twelve horses. His winners and strike rate have remained constant for all of that time. We caught up with the former jockey recently to look back on his racing life. Jason begins by reviewing four consecutive recent wins by the very talented Hard To Say.
He talks of his association with Dynamic Syndications who put together an all female syndicate to race Hard To Say.
The third generation horseman talks of a recent hit and run trip to Doomben with another Dynamic horse Awesome Lad.
Jason says his Newcastle stables have been in the family for many years.
He talks of his father John Deamer who enjoyed success as a jockey and trainer before going into the horse transport business.
Jason reflects on the riding achievements of his grandfather Carl Deamer who passed away in 2006.
Despite his strong pedigree Jason says he had little interest in becoming a jockey in his early years.
He recalls weighing only 42 kgs when he made his riding debut in 1990.
Jason vividly recalls his first winning ride at Newcastle on a horse with a strong family connection.
He looks back on a brief stint with Tiger Holland and Betty Lane at Randwick.
The forty seven year old recalls opportunities he declined from some high profile stables.
He looks back on the decision to join the Denham stable at Rosehill. He was actually apprenticed to Allan Denham, but inevitably came under the influence of the legendary Jack.
Jason remembers a Rosehill win on Fitting in the Geoff and Beryl White colours. He wore the same colours on Jetball, the horse he says was the best he rode during his time with the Denham stable.
He has fond memories of a Hawkesbury win on Sword for syndicator Shelley Hancox. After quitting the saddle he got to take the same horse to Adelaide for two important races. Sword won both.
Jason was chuffed a few months ago when the recently retired Allan Denham sent him a horse to train.
On leaving the Denham family Jason returned to Newcastle where he became a full time trackwork rider for the late Max Lees.
He looks back on a fleeting comeback to race riding.
Jason tells the story of his association with owner/trainer David Throsby who was struggling to get work riders at Cessnock.
He looks back on an exciting trip to the Gold Coast with Lovely Jubly. The filly won the Magic Millions.
Jason remembers a second trip to Queensland with the grey filly. This time she won two Gr 1’s.
He was later given the opportunity to train Lovely Jubly in his own right. He recalls the excitement of a near miss in a Gr 1 at Rosehill.
The Newcastle horseman acknowledges some of the handy horses who’ve helped him along the way.
Jason pays tribute to a few of his favourite jockeys.
He talks of Decroux, the very first horse he got to train for Dynamic Syndications.
Jason talks of three adult children from his first marriage- Jordan, Montana and Jenson.
He and wife Tanya are the proud parents of eight year old Jackson who gets special mention in our podcast. Great to catch up with a highly regarded trainer.
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Some trainers enjoy the bustling environment of a city stable. Others wouldn’t leave their country bases for a Godolphin contract. One of the latter group is Todd Howlett who’s more than content training his forty horse team at Lower Belford. I enjoyed catching up with a horseman who 23 years ago began his racing involvement while working for the Singleton Council. Todd talks of his recent Coonabarabran Cup win with Scorched Land.
He heaps praise on Scorched Land’s rider, talented apprentice Anna Roper.
The trainer talks of a recent winning run including a Gunnedah treble.
He describes the layout of his Lower Belford training facility.
Todd talks of his upcoming role as private trainer for cousin Sean Dyson who’s developing a state of the art training centre a short distance away.
He talks of his family background.
Todd looks back on an early stint as a bronc rider on the rodeo circuit, and his involvement in camp drafting.
He remembers his time as a parks and gardens foreman with the Singleton Council.
The trainer recalls a Muswellbrook win with his very first starter The Moonster in 2000. He and wife Anika devised a plan by which they could build a bigger punting bank.
Todd talks more of The Moonster, the horse who launched his training career.
He pays tribute to two special horses who gave his early career a tremendous kick start.
Todd looks back on a wonderful association with retired jockey Robert Thompson.
He acknowledges a national riding premiership win achieved by his former apprentice Aaron Bullock.
Howlett has nothing but praise for another of his apprentices, the talented Mikayla Weir.
The Hunter Valley horseman recalls the horror of the 2021 truck accident which could have easily claimed his life.
Todd talks of the five horses who were on board his truck at the time of the freakish collision.
He talks of his greatest supporter wife Anika, and children Aiden and Macey. His daughter has inherited the racing genes.
Todd refutes the popular belief that he’s related to former jockey and trainer Bernie Howlett.
It’s a nice yarn with a man who’s in the Hunter Valley for the duration.
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Popular Jess Taylor brought up a very distinguished milestone at the Sapphire Coast meeting on July 30th. She bounced straight to the lead on Kiss the Colours in a 1000m maiden for her great supporter Joe Cleary. The 3YO filly went on to win easily to give Jess her 500th win in twelve years of race riding. Since then she’s reeled off another twelve wins, including a double at the Sapphire Coast on Nov 2nd. Jess joined us on the podcast last week to talk about her notable achievement. She admits to being surprised when informed her 500 win tally was looming.
Jess looks back on that special race at the Sapphire Coast.
She talks about the standing of female riders in the current era.
Jess takes us back to childhood days on the NSW Central Coast, and the influence of her mother Fione.
She pays tribute to her “dream pony” Miller.
The jockey says her life changed from the moment retired thoroughbreds came onto the family property.
She talks of her introduction to trackwork at nearby Gosford racecourse.
Jess remembers her lucky break in being able to land an apprenticeship with respected Gosford trainer Albert Stapleford.
She looks back with some embarrassment on her first race ride at Cessnock.
Jess says her first city performance was much better.
The jockey has never forgotten the support given her by Gosford trainer Carmen Murnane who supplied her magical first winner on the new Tuncurry-Forster track.
Jess talks of the short lived University course she began during her time with the Stapleford stable.
She looks back on the wise counsel of the astute trainer.
Jess remembers a winning double at Dubbo which caught the eye of Warwick Farm trainer Mark de Montfort.
She talks of the valuable tuition offered by the former outstanding jockey.
Jess looks back on her first city winner, and the support of several other Warwick Farm trainers.
The jockey has fond memories of her first black type win.
She talks about her four Gr 1 rides to date.
Jess talks about the inevitable accidents, including two that happened within a short space of time.
She looks back on another serious accident that had nothing to do with race riding.
Jess recalls her frustration that she wasn’t able to win a race at Randwick during her apprenticeship. She quickly corrected that anomaly.
The jockey pays special tribute to Kembla trainer Theresa Bateup for whom she’s ridden more winners than any other trainer.
Jess and partner Katie are raising two wonderful kids on the Central Coast. She talks warmly of Evelyn and Noah.
Jess doesn’t take for granted her ability to ride at a featherweight. She hopes one day it might earn her the ride on a lightweight chance in a high profile race.
A laid back chat with the newest member of the “500 Club”.
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
The Australian Turf Club moved swiftly to honour Betty Lane Holland following the passing of the trailblazing horse trainer on October 22nd at the remarkable age of 97. Just three days later they attached her distinguished name to a three year old race at the Kensington midweek meeting, and the script couldn’t have worked out better. The winner Sly Boots and third place getter Vanquished are both trained by the Waterhouse/Bott duo while Anabel Neasham prepares runner up Cheergal.
It was a nervous Betty Lane who turned up right on time for her appointment with the AJC Licensing Committee one day in 1962. She was asked by the six man panel to explain why she should be allowed to train racehorses in Sydney. They listened to her well prepared plea before politely announcing that it wasn’t the policy of the AJC to license female trainers, and wasn’t likely to be in the future. The feisty 40 something year old, had no intention of abandoning her life’s dream.
She raked up enough money to buy a tiny property with humble infrastructure in the tiny village of Geurie between Dubbo and Wellington. She gained accreditation from both the WDRA and CWRA and set about training winners. With three western premierships under the belt, Betty popped another written application in the mail to the AJC Licensing Committee. This time they acquiesced and Mrs Betty Lane became the first female to gain an AJC Licence, upgraded to a No 1 brief seven years later.
With husband “Tiger” Holland by her side and devoid of support from wealthy owners, Betty Lane went on to make an indelible mark in the Sydney training ranks. “Tiger” predeceased her fifteen years ago. In retirement Betty busied herself visiting friends, playing her beloved game of bridge and completing her popular autobiography “I Did It Their (My) Way). Betty was 92 years old when I asked her to join me for a podcast chat in 2018. I had to talk her into it, but once she started reminiscing, the grand dame of Australia’s female training ranks had the time of her life. I’m privileged to post that podcast again by way of our tribute to a remarkable lady.
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Caught up with Brian Fletcher at the recent Beauford Club luncheon at Newcastle where he was a guest speaker. His tales of the turf and stories from the Panthers camp kept the crowd entertained. It occurred to me at the time that Brian would make an excellent podcast guest. He happily agreed and here it is! Brian begins by reflecting on an amazing third straight premiership win by his beloved Panthers. He says he’d just about given up before Nathan Cleary began to weave some magic.
As CEO of the Panthers Group, Brian talks about his association with Matt Cameron CEO of the Penrith Football Club, coach Ivan Cleary and the players.
He talks of Ivan Cleary’s triumphant return to the Panthers after a stint with the Wests Tigers.
Brian looks ahead to the 2024 season and the likelihood of another premiership. He talks of his board involvement with Panthers before accepting the CEO’s role, and his lifetime passion for the game of rugby league.
He says his association with rugby league administration began in the days when Panthers became involved in Hawkesbury race sponsorship. Brian talks of his day to day role as CEO of the Panthers Group.
He talks of early days at Coonamble where he was born in 1953 and where he learned the importance of work ethic from his parents. He talks of other notable natives of Coonamble to make their marks in racing.
Brian looks back on jobs with the State Bank, the Coonamble Golf Club and the Shire Council. During his time with the State Bank he received a very worrying health scare.
He looks back on his first racing experience as Honorary Treasurer of the cash strapped Coonamble Jockey Club. He remains deeply humbled by the Jockey Club’s gesture in lending his name to the racecourse grandstand.
Brian reflects on the dawn of his new career as CEO of the Hawkesbury Race Club which was also in financial strife in 1989.
He takes us through the amazing list of innovations and initiatives he was able to generate in his 28 years at Hawkesbury. He had a long battle before being able to announce the introduction of the first provincial stand alone Saturday meeting in Australia. Perhaps this was the achievement to give him the most pleasure.
Brian recalls another unlikely project he was able to get off the ground- the construction of a motel on Hawkesbury Race Club property.
He pays heartfelt tribute to the key people whose friendship and consultation influenced his career.
Brian nominates the racehorse he believes is the best he’s seen in action on the historic Clarendon course.
The administrative dynamo pays heartfelt tribute to wife Wendy and daughters Sonya and Adele.
Brian Fletcher will turn 70 on Xmas Day 2023. He outlines plans for the future.
This is a rousing yarn with one of the most successful sports administrators of his generation.