John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Twenty months ago Adam Campton was still working for the Hong Kong Jockey Club unsure of his next career move. He made the snap decision to return to Australia and take out a trainer’s licence. A winner with his very first starter at Warwick set the scene for his immediate future. Since then he’s reeled off more than forty wins and is deadly serious about his future as a trainer. Adam begins by reviewing the short career of Deepour who’s won 5 from 7 since being sourced from the Inglis Digital On Line Sale.
The young trainer talks about his blueblood racing pedigree with special mention of his father Neil, a multiple Gr 1 winning jockey and successful trainer.
Adam talks of his relationship with maternal grandfather, the late Les Coles rider of Even Stevens who won the Caulfield/Melbourne Cup double in 1962.
He talks of several other notable racing achievers in the immediate family.
Adam takes us through the many and varied things he tried before settling on a training career. He talks of a short stint working for the Darley operation under Peter Snowden.
He looks back on a lengthy involvement in the hospitality industry. He finished up as bar manager at a western Sydney pub.
The thirty five year old looks back on his time with Rosehill trainer Tim Martin.
Adam then moved into the on- line betting industry where he would spend four valuable years.
He then talks of a very happy four years with the Hong Kong Jockey Club looking after the interests of racehorse owners and young members. His partner Tayla Whalley accompanied him to HK.
Adam explains that his decision to return to Australia happened overnight.
He talks of a low key start as a trainer, and pays tribute to Lord Markel, the former Victorian horse who turned up in his Gold Coast stable. This was the horse to give him a dream start in his new role.
Adam talks of the purchase of his own stabling complex and the facilities on offer.
He acknowledges the support he gets from partner Tayla Whalley, a Queensland born girl who has a great affinity with horses.
The trainer talks about the regular video presentation he and Tayla compile for stable clients.
He acknowledges the support of two special work riders.
Adam pays a heartfelt tribute to Lord Markel, the horse he never expected to see in his stable.
He talks of the heartbreaking disappointment he experienced a short time after beginning his training operation.
Adam acknowledges the horses who’ve helped launch his training career.
He talks of the talented Brazilian jockey who made a big impression during a short stay in Queensland.
He has nice things to say about apprentice Yvette Lewis who came to him from the Tamworth stables of Sue Grills.
A little encouragement goes a long way. Adam says his Sydney based mother Trish is the unabashed leader of his fan club.
The trainer talks about his brother-in-law by marriage, the champion Queensland jockey James Orman.
It’s a laid back chat with a young horseman who took a while to sort out his career path. There’s no holding him now.
Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
Great to catch up with a man who’s had a more diversified background with horses than most Australian trainers. The former Olympic show jumping gun and respected horse breaker Greg Eurell turned to the training of thoroughbreds thirty years ago. Nine Gr 1 wins including a Cox Plate are testimony to his talents. Greg talks about the bustling Cranbourne training centre and the facilities available to trainers.
He talks of his successful training partnership with Jim Mason.
Greg talks of the availability of work riders and the time required to get 60 horses worked.
He acknowledges he talents of his wife Danielle who rides daily trackwork before heading off to her day job in Melbourne- a very unlikely day job at that.
Greg talks about the accessibility of his preferred race meetings.
He takes us back to early days in Sydney’s Hills District and his involvement in pony club.
The talented horseman is reluctant to talk about his inclusion in the Federation Equestrian team as a teenager.
Greg was selected for the Australian squad bound for the Moscow Olympics in 1980. He and team mates were shattered when the Aussie equestrian team withdrew for political reasons.
He says it was a long wait for the 1984 LA Games, but he made the squad again and actually took two horses of his own to the USA. One of them didn’t make it into the arena.
Greg speaks with great reverence of the champion show jumper Johnny Mac, his once in a lifetime horse. He says the horse was discovered by another competitor.
He looks back on Johnny Mac’s stunning success in elite company, and fondly remembers the presentation of a prized trophy by an iconic figure.
Greg discusses Johnny Mac’s pedigree and his unlikely colouring.
He talks of his late father’s busy Sydney plumbing firm.
A qualified plumber himself, Greg decided to move away from the family business and set up shop as a horse breaker in Victoria. He finished up in keen demand and breaking horses for some high profile trainers.
He talks of his modest transition into training and the horses to kick start his new career.
Greg pays tribute to Princess D’Or, the talented mare he brought to Sydney to win an important stakes race at Warwick Farm.
He recalls the first time he laid eyes on the spectacularly marked Apache Cat. He still can’t believe the brilliant sprinter gave him 8 Gr 1 successes.
He talks of the horse’s obscure pedigree and his exceptional temperament.
The trainer takes us through Apache Cat’s amazing career. The horse gave him two major scares during a 19 win career.
The former Olympic competitor talks with great affection about the mare who would become Apache Cat’s successor at the elite level.
Greg remembers the nightmare that unfolded when Pinker Pinker suffered a fatal reaction to a commonly used injection.
The Cranbourne trainer acknowledges a handful of special horses who flew the flag with distinction for the Eurell stable.
It’s a laid back chat with a master horseman.
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Always nice to catch up with one of the many young hopefuls trying to establish themselves in the training ranks. The hours are long and the disappointments are many. Ballina’s Ethan Ensby has the right mix of determination and talent to make a go of an unforgiving business. Ethan begins by reviewing his recent run of success on northern tracks.
He talks of the promising Maximum Vortex who came to town after two brilliant Grafton wins. Ethan says the horse wasn’t mentally equipped to handle the task.
The young trainer talks of life in Ballina, and the rapport between local trainers. There’s been a recent arrival from Scone.
Ethan says there is no racing in his family background other than his mother’s role as a Racing NSW swab steward.
The twenty eight year old talks of his pony club days in Casino and the young local horseman he knew, who was destined to become one of Australia’s elite jockeys.
Ethan reflects on his early experience as a trackwork rider and the trainers with whom he was associated.
He looks back on the many ways in which he was able to generate an income from the local racing industry.
Ethan talks of the legacy left by his late great grandmother which enabled him to get on his feet as a trainer.
He talks about the first racehorse he ever owned. The gelding won his first race at Casino in the care of another trainer, but it wasn’t long before Ethan produced him to win on the Gold Coast. A heavy track dimmed the young trainer’s confidence.
Ethan remembers with affection the horse he thought would provide his first city win. After a sequence of country wins Ethan brought Vitervo Star to Rosehill with very high hopes. The story had a sad ending.
He talks of his stabling situation at Ballina and the facilities available to local trainers.
Ethan remembers his early association with the young NZ girl destined to become his partner.
He talks of Jade’s family connection to a famous NZ trotting dynasty, and to her talents as a trackwork rider.
Ethan acknowledges the happy association he’s had with Japanese born jockey Noriyuki Masuda, who’s ridden more winners for the Ensby stable than any other jockey.
He pays tribute to northern rivers veteran Peter Graham whose daughter Cejay is one of his “go to” jockeys.
Like many smaller stables, Ensby Racing utilises the resources of the bi-monthly Inglis Digital Online Sale. He’s had some excellent results, and highlights some recent acquisitions.
Ethan leaves no doubt he’s in the training business for the long haul.
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Great to catch up with a highly qualified lady who couldn’t imagine a life without horses. Despite holding a Bachelor Of Arts and a Degree in Accountancy, Natalie Jarvis opted for a career as a horse trainer. Natalie and husband Luke are currently running a successful training operation at the beautiful South Coast hamlet of Moruya. She talks about Thorotek Racing’s headquarters.
Natalie says she likes to keep all horses in an outside environment.
She talks about the grass track facilities, beach and river swimming availability and the peaceful bushland riding trails.
The trainer acknowledges husband Luke’s role in the operation.
She’ll long remember the thrill of producing four winners on Moruya Cup day with 130 stable clients in attendance.
Natalie takes us back to childhood days at Terrey Hills where she and sister Stephanie were riding horses from an early age.
She talks of her parents who had little interest in horses as their daughters were growing up. Today they’re keen followers of Natalie’s horses.
Natalie looks back on her two stints at Sydney’s Macquarie University.
She remembers her two years in the Racing NSW Finance Dept.
Natalie recalls her visit to an open day at the Hawkesbury TAFE equine management school and the good advice she received. She was directed to Muskoka Farm at Gunderman where her education with thoroughbreds began.
She remembers a learning stint at the Hawkesbury Valley stables of trainer Warwick Hailes.
Natalie fondly recalls the experience gained at the Ingham’s Belmont Park spelling and pre-training farm at North Richmond. During this time she met her future husband.
She looks back on the horses who got her training career under way.
Natalie talks of her regular use of the Inglis Digital platform and the handy horses she’s been able to source.
The trainer explains that she and Luke are prepared to travel to distant meetings within a five hour time frame.
Natalie acknowledges the jockeys with whom she’s enjoyed successful associations. She’s still riding the lion’s share of trackwork herself.
Had racing not gotten in the way, this lady would probably be running a busy accountancy firm by now. Like so many before her, Natalie Jarvis is totally “hooked” on racing.
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
The popular north coast jockey knew something was wrong the moment she hit the ground in the early part of a Port Macquarie track gallop in April. She’d been back in the saddle for just three weeks following a lengthy break for the birth of her first baby. Belinda says she’s making good progress seven weeks after the spill.
Belinda expresses her appreciation for the skills of her orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Cree.
She says the horse she was riding in the track gallop was the quietest in the stable.
Belinda outlines the cause of the fall, and her decision to remain completely still.
The jockey talks of her first few rides back following extended “maternity leave”.
Belinda says she’d been riding work for Port Macquarie trainer Paul Shailer for many weeks before taking race rides.
She shares the remarkable story of her birth in Kempsey in the early 1990’s. Her arrival caught everyone by surprise.
Belinda talks of her early life in Perth and a move back to Kempsey in 2002. When she made the decision to become a jockey, her mother Julie took out a trainer’s licence simply to apprentice her daughter.
She recalls her first race ride and her first win at Taree on Melbourne Cup day 2008.
The jockey remembers the ill judged ride on one of her mother’s horses that triggered the transfer of her indentures to another trainer.
Belinda reflects on time spent with trainers Gordon Yorke, Ross Stitt, Marc Quinn and latterly with John Morrisey on the Gold Coast.
This recent fall isn’t her first. She looks back on the time when she spent twenty months on the sidelines in a four year period.
Belinda says her mother Julie is now out of racing and running a business in Grafton. She talks of other family members.
She looks back on two wonderful seasons which brought her a total of 115 NSW winners.
Belinda remembers some of her best country wins and acknowledges the support of one particular northern trainer.
The talented jockey pays tribute to the veteran northern jockey who became a valued early tutor.
She says he hasn’t had the good fortune to ride a top class horse, but makes mention of a few talented “bushies”.
Belinda speaks of fiance Drew Smith, a former north coast Chairman of Stewards and currently the manager of several prominent jockeys and one leading northern rivers trainer.
She says she won’t even contemplate her likely future until her recovery is complete.
This is an interesting chat with one of the best of a strong group of female jockeys in northern NSW.
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Great to catch up with an ever enthusiastic Todd Smart who’s based at Canberra’s Thoroughbred Park with his fifteen horse team. A welder by trade, Todd graduated from bull riding to thoroughbreds when he sustained a serious shoulder injury. He’s sure it was meant to happen. He talks of early mornings in the bleak Canberra winters.
Todd says he began his training career at Wagga but was talked into a move to Canberra by a fellow trainer.
He talks of his early life in Gundagai and early education on his favourite pony.
Todd pays tribute to the local trainer who taught him the basics of horse management.
He remembers his reluctance to join the family butchering business, and the completion of his welding apprenticeship.
Todd looks back on an unlikely connection with bull riding and his relocation to Canada in quest of big prize money. He doesn’t remember a lot about his major accident.
The trainer talks of his return home for surgery, and a subsequent trip to London with a group of mates. This is where he deployed his welding talents.
Smart hasn’t forgotten the phone call to Randwick trainer John O’Shea which would set him on the path to a life in racing.
He talks of his introduction to riding trackwork, and fondly recalls a couple of special horses on the O’Shea team.
Todd remembers a move to Melbourne and a job with a leading trainer which lasted only four days.
He remembers the chance phone call to a Melbourne based friend who told him of a job opportunity destined to change his life.
Todd regards himself as extremely lucky to have known and worked with the recently retired Colin Little.
You’ll enjoy the Canberra horseman’s reminiscences about his time at the unique Macedon Lodge training operation.
Todd remembers Macedon for another special reason. One night at the Macedon pub he met the remarkable lady who would become his wife and the mother of his son Harry. Todd and Jayann are a great combination.
When it was time to launch his own training career, he was fortunate to acquire boxes at the Wagga racecourse. He knew the going would be tough but was in for a major shock. He was close to quitting before he started.
He pays tribute to the former John O’Shea galloper who got him up and running.
Todd speaks of the history behind the acquisition of his dazzling stable colours.
The dedicated horseman runs through some of the talented horses who’ve helped him along in recent years with special acknowledgement of Love Shuck who recently provided his career highlight at Scone.
Todd speaks of a promising unraced horse he has in the stable currently. Might be one for the punters to watch.
It was nice to catch up with the trainer once described by Colin Little as a “gun horseman”.
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Tuesday May 30, 2023
In a way it’s a pity this podcast was recorded ten days before Crafty Eagle’s brilliant win in Saturday’s Midway. I’m sure syndicator Steve Vardy would have been very excited by the dominance of the win. Steve worked for some years as a plumber and car detailer before biting the bullet and acquiring his syndicator’s licence as recently as 2020. Steve begins by revisiting the magical morning at Warwick Farm trackwork when he fell in love with thoroughbreds.
He talks about his years in the trades, and the nagging desire to do something in the racing industry.
Steve recalls his very first venture into horse ownership- a small share in a horse called King Lear who was destined to win seven races.
His admiration for King Lear led him to the purchase of a half brother. He syndicated the youngster among friends and associates and had the thrill of seeing him win at Port Macquarie for trainer Kristen Buchanan.
He talks of another Port Macquarie win provided by Kristen, who’s one of Vardy Thoroughbreds’ regular trainers.
Steve fondly recalls his very first serious appearance at the Inglis Classic Sale where he bought a Star Turn filly for $50,000. She’s already a two time winner and very promising. He looks back on the whole exciting experience, and acknowledges Marc Quinn’s involvement in the syndication of the filly.
Steve looks back on the acquisition of Crafty Eagle at the Inglis Ready To Race Sale. He summarises the promising gelding’s career so far.
He talks of the progress made by a filly called Hellbent On You who’s been showing great promise at the trials for trainer John Thompson.
Steve talks of other young horses he currently has in work with his “go to” trainers- John Thompson, Kristen Buchanan, Marc Quinn and Brad Widdup.
He acknowledges the support of business partner Gavin Clugston who’s actively involved in the operation of Vardy Thoroughbreds.
Steve pays a heartfelt tribute to his wife Louise and their young family. He makes special mention of Brook and Matt, elder children from his previous marriage.
The syndicator issues an invitation for interested parties to join him on Sunday June 4th at Hanover Lodge Wilberforce, where five yearlings will be paraded.
Steve expresses the intention of his company to find a suitable home for horses when their racing careers are over.
He acknowledges the support he receives from Paringa Stud at Gresford.
Steve endorses the work of syndication companies who endeavour to make ownership a reality for the smaller players, in a very expensive business.
It’s a laid back chat with a man who knew what he wanted in life, the moment he saw track workers emerge from the fog at Warwick Farm more than four decades ago.
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Craig Rixon was one of those jockeys who flew under the radar for most of his twenty year career. He concentrated largely on provincial and country tracks, but lacked nothing against the top riders whenever he came to town. He quit the saddle in 2006 and immediately joined the ranks of jockey agents. He took to his new career with ease. Craig talks about some of the jockeys he’s managed in recent years.
He makes special mention of talented apprentice Anna Roper who was making headlines before she suffered a complicated knee injury last November.
Craig speaks highly of Donovan Yeo, a former South African jockey who’s getting close to making his Australian debut.
He says he was very small when he began his apprenticeship with Kevin Wallis at Hawkesbury.
Craig had more than the required number of barrier trial rides before applying for his ticket to ride in races. He was shattered when he got a refusal at the first attempt.
He looks back on his first race ride at Newcastle.
Craig talks of the ten year old boy who helped him with his riding gear in the jockey’s room.
His first winner came at his 17th race ride in 1984. He has a photograph on the wall at home. It’s the only racing photo he displays.
Craig has never forgotten his first city win on a horse trained by the remarkable Betty Lane- the first female trainer to be licensed by the AJC.
He recalls the transfer of his indentures to Rosehill trainer Ted Stanton.
Craig looks back on the wonderful support he received from Stanton. He remembers some of his winners for the stable and the tuition he received from veteran jockey Cliff Clare.
Rixon talks of the WA filly Ted Stanton looked after during a Sydney preparation. He handled her in all of her trackwork and is adamant she’s the best horse he ever rode.
He remembers the part he played in a Randwick win on a Stanton trained horse which landed a huge plunge.
The former jockey talks about his rewarding association with astute Hawkesbury trainer Jack Jury. Together they won a string of races with the precocious two year old Dapper Magic in the early 90’s.
He recalls winning rides on other Jury trained horses.
Craig talks of the support he received from high profile trainers during his years at Rosehill. He makes special mention of Barry Lockwood.
He looks back on two winning quintets on country tracks.
Craig talks of his “sea change” in 2003. He actually built a house at Port Macquarie and spent three happy years riding on the North Coast. He won many races including a string of country Cups.
Nowadays Craig not only manages a handful of jockeys from his Newcastle office, but actually supplies form analysis to fellow jockey managers.
He concludes with one special memory from a Rosehill meeting over twenty years ago. He got a handshake and a greeting from the man who held the highest office in the land. He was stunned.
It’s a laid back chat with the man they call “Cricket”.
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tracey is still punishing himself over a momentary lapse of concentration which could have cost him his life. The former jockey and multiple Gr 1 winning trainer committed the sin many horse people are guilty of when trying to cut corners. He got in the way of a cranky mare whose double barrelled kick missed another horse and connected with him. Eight weeks and five operations later Tracey is relieved to be back at work and making a good recovery. He’s the first to admit the accident shouldn’t have happened.
Tracey says he learned what pain was all about in his riding days, and when he suffered a serious medical issue in 2006. He says the pain resulting from his recent accident was the worst he’s ever experienced.
He shudders to think of the likely outcome had his wife not come to the rescue.
Tracey looks back on his tiny stature when he first became apprenticed to the late Frank Penfold. He says he weighed 36 kgs when he rode his first winner.
He says he wasn’t the first jockey in the family.
Tracey pays a heartfelt tribute to the man who taught him the fundamentals of horse management. He now realises that he couldn’t have been with a better teacher.
He says another Rosehill trainer provided his very first winner.
The respected horseman looks back on his first metropolitan win on the Penfold trained Folkestone Bay. He says he was merely a passenger on the giant gelding.
Tracey hasn’t forgotten the publicity sparked by the win and clearly remembers a Channel 9 News Story the following day.
He talks of the transfer of his indentures to Kerry Walker when Frank Penfold relocated to Queensland.
The Wyong trainer says the Walker trained Dinky Flyer was the best horse he’s ridden. He also won a race for Tommy Smith on Dinky Flyer’s full brother Rajahmah.
He looks back on half a dozen rides on the notable stayer Lord Hybrow which included a win in the listed Stayer’s Cup at Rosehill.
Tracey reflects on the thrill of riding two high profile horses in trackwork.
He talks of the Narromine race fall that brought his riding career to an abrupt halt. His injury list was horrendous.
Tracey says he was 42 and just beginning to gather momentum as a trainer, when stopped in his tracks by a cancer diagnosis. He won the battle and was enjoying good health until his recent setback.
He says 2006 was a year of fluctuating fortunes. He was barely getting his life back on track after the cancer scare, when his once in a lifetime horse walked into his stables.
Tracey fondly remembers the early career of Snipers Bullet and the gelding’s thrilling Stradbroke win as a three year old.
He looks back on the remainder of the horse’s stellar career which featured two more Gr 1 victories.
Bartley speaks highly of Slick Sniper with whom he won 13 races and posted 14 placings. He was Sniper’s Bullet’s full brother.
With the two day Scone Carnival just over, Tracey recalls his trilogy of black type wins in 2018.
He looks back on the career of talented mare In Good Time whose best days came after a horror accident in the Wyong equine swimming pool.
Tracey presents an insight into the career of Kiss Sum, winner of the inaugural Four Pillars in 2021. He’s looking forward to the gelding’s next preparation.
The trainer brings us up to date with the progress of his brilliant apprentice Anna Roper who’s been on the sidelines since November with a complicated knee injury.
It’s a laid back chat with a first class horseman and a first class bloke.
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Great to catch up with a lady who’s more than making up for her late start in racing. Connie dabbled with show horses during the decade in which she worked as Bakery Manager at Woolworths Emu Plains. She later gained a job with a Hawkesbury thoroughbred trainer and her life changed dramatically. Connie talks about her frantically busy lifestyle at Dubbo.
She explains that she and business partner Michelle Jones own most of the horses in the stable.
The trainer says she rides many of her horses in trackwork but is ably assisted by jockey Ken Dunbar.
Connie talks of her commitment to keeping her horses outdoors.
She talks of recent wins at professional race meetings in the west.
Connie explains her move to the picnic circuit and comes up with some interesting statistics. She acknowledges the welcome increase in amateur prize money in recent years.
She talks of the one anomaly confronting picnic racing- a worrying shortage of jockeys.
Connie acknowledges the successful partnership she’s formed with Brazilian born Liandro Ribeiro who’s in huge demand on the picnic circuit. She talks of Liandro’s full time job with Sydney trainer Gary Portelli.
The trainer acknowledges the talents of Ribeiro’s partner, fellow jockey Julia Presits.
Connie talks of her exciting win in last year’s Picnic Championship Final on her home track at Dubbo.
She makes special mention of Sally Faulks who only recently joined the ranks of picnic jockeys. Sally rode her first winner at Tullibigeal in March, and made it a double later in the day.
Connie says she enjoys the relaxed atmosphere of picnic racing and talks of one venue where all participants are treated to a sumptuous feast.
She talks of her trusty Mercedes truck and the long hours she spends on the road.
Horse loving Connie looks back on her job at the Hawkesbury Valley stables of David Keegan and her scary introduction to trackwork.
She recalls with affection her association with 8 time Gr 1 winner Apache Cat. Simply by being in the right place at the right time she got to ride him trackwork on his first Sydney campaign. She later accompanied the legendary sprinter to Brisbane.
Connie talks of the $1000 mare who launched her solo training career. That mare was called Lay Down Sally for very good reason.
She says she combined racehorse training with the pre-training of young horses for trainers like Graeme Begg and Gerald Ryan during the Hawkesbury years.
Connie endorses the Inglis Digital On Line Sale which has brought her some surprise results.
She speaks with great affection about an evergreen member of the team who races under the curious name of Billy Bent Ear.
The trainer makes no apology to the western race callers who have to work hard to cope with multiple runners in her spectacular yellow and purple stable colours.
Connie talks of the talented galloper Deel Street and the brilliant apprentice Anna Roper who will resume shortly from injury. Anna rides regularly for the Greig stable.