John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
Episodes
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.
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Tuesday May 02, 2023
This is an interesting chat with a 43 year old from Foxton on New Zealand’s north island who’s been around thoroughbreds all his life. He started life as an apprentice jockey under the tutelage of Kevin Gray, a man who could be likened to the late Theo Green as a master tutor of apprentices. Paul begins by talking about his good fortune in securing boxes at Port Macquarie racecourse where his solo training career began eighteen months ago.
He talks of his current team and the availability of beach facilities at the popular north coast location.
Paul says nowhere is too far to travel if the right horse comes along.
The former jockey is counting the minutes to the arrival of the twin sons he and partner Michelle are expecting.
He looks back on the barrier trial he contested as a thirteen year old in NZ.
Paul has always thanked his lucky stars that he gained a start with the legendary horseman Kevin Gray. he remembers Gray’s private training property at Patea near Waverley in the Taranaki district.
He talks of the wonderful filly Gray brought to Australia to win the Oaks at Randwick in 2009. He says his old boss is still training in his mid 80’s.
Paul looks back on his brief professional riding career on the flat, and a fleeting experiment over the jumps.
He talks of Chris Waller’s early education with renowned trainer Paddy Busuttin at Foxton.
Paul recalls Waller’s successful stint in Sydney with a mare called Party Belle. He confirms that he and Stephanie Waller are first cousins.
He recalls a four year stint as a work rider for Chris Waller at Rosehill, which led him to later roles as foreman and assistant trainer.
The Port Macquarie trainer looks back on his return to NZ and a successful training partnership with his brother Kris.
Paul talks of the surprise invitation he received from Chris Waller to supervise the operation of a new Gold Coast stable.
He talks of a few special horses he got to look after during his time on the Gold Coast.
Paul talks openly about his much publicised split with Chris Waller following media reports about a staff party which took place after Shaqero’s Magic Millions win.
He says he felt obliged to resign in the wake of ongoing media attention.
Paul acknowledges the support of some high profile Queensland owners who rallied to get him started as a trainer in his own right.
He talks of the time required to get a commercial training venture on its feet.
Paul endorses the good results he’s having with Pryde’s EasiFeed products.
He talks of the jockeys he’s most admired in Australia and New Zealand.
Paul makes special mention of a couple of horses on his current team
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
This is a breezy chat with a little lady who has endeared herself to many in just six years as a professional jockey. She’s based at Port Macquarie and is a regular at most meetings in the region, but just lately Cejay has been sneaking to Brisbane where she’s come under the notice of trainers like Tony Gollan. Cejay talks of life as the daughter of respected jockey Peter Graham, and her late decision to become a jockey.
She begins by talking about a freak accident at a recent Doomben meeting.
She talks about her home base at Port Macquarie and the property she shares with partner, jockey Kirk Matheson.
The apprentice says she was in no hurry to become a jockey but suddenly the spark ignited.
Cejay explains the origins of her christian name.
She talks of her apprenticeship to respected local trainer John Sprague and her good fortune in being coached by her father Peter, rider of more than 2300 winners.
Cejay delights in heaping praise on Peter Graham, the horseman and the dad.
She looks back on her first race ride and the thrill of winning her first race at Armidale.
Cejay remembers the trauma of her first race crash at a time when she was on the crest of a winning wave.
She was elated to hold onto country apprentice premiership honours despite months on the sidelines.
Cejay was thrilled to be invited to spend some time in Sydney with the powerful Snowden stable. She stayed 18 months and rode more than 50 winners. She reflects on several landmark achievements.
She talks of partner Kirk Matheson’s amazing comeback from serious injury. He’s currently in strong demand on the NSW north coast.
The 24 year old talks of the nightmare experience on a veritable “buckjumper” at a Lismore meeting. It was to be nearly a year before she was back in the saddle.
Lady Luck again deserted the talented young jockey when Emma Rosa crashed to the turf at Grafton in April 2022. Another broken wrist, and many more frustrating months out of action.
Cejay talks of a thrilling return in February with a winning double at Port Macquarie for her old boss John Sprague.
The popular jockey closes with special mention of mother Karen, sister Rori and brother Jesse. A nice chat with a vibrant young lady.
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
When we wound up our podcast with Stan Aitken last September he suggested we should consider talking to his great mate and former fellow Melbourne jockey Paul Jarman. Stan supplied the phone number and we made contact with Paul who was a little shy about doing the interview. We talked him into it, and I hope he enjoyed it half as much as I did. Paul Jarman more than held his own among an elite group of jockeys and won some very famous races along the way. Paul talks about his decision to quit the saddle at just 39 years of age.
Always a bloke who tended to make things happen, Paul enrolled for a building and construction course at TAFE. He looks back on the beginning of his new career.
Paul says the Gold Coast was the place to be for any aspiring builder in the late 1980’s. His judgement proved correct.
During his busy twelve years in the building trade he found the perfect diversion in fishing and crabbing. He talks about his passion for both pursuits.
The former top jockey talks about yet another offbeat hobby. Paul is an experienced apiarist of all things.
Paul talks of childhood days in Melbourne and his apprenticeship to Jack Besanko at the famous Epsom training centre. He talks about the trainer’s popular nickname.
He revisits the occasion of his first race ride on one of the Besanko team at Mornington.
Paul says he had 32 rides before his first winner came up. He’s never forgotten the 13fls race at Werribee. The horse was trained by Des McCormick.
He looks back on his first city winner at Caulfield in 1964. The horse started at 100/1.
The multiple Gr 1 winning jockey was champion Melbourne apprentice three times in the 1960’s. He credits the support of many trainers.
His premiership wins earned him a start in a jockey’s invitation race at Morphettville in 1966. He still can’t believe he stole the prize from some of Australia’s most elite riders.
Paul looks back on the thrill of being offered the ride on Savoy in the Victoria Derby by respected trainer Ken Hilton.
He cherishes the memory of his 1970 W.S Cox Plate victory on the Geoff Murphy trained Abdul. He and Murphy devised a daring plan which came off in spectacular fashion.
Paul looks back on his association with Murphy whose talents as a trainer were matched only by his fiery post race disposition.
Jarman talks of another Murphy trained horse who was at the centre of perhaps his greatest disappointment. He has no doubt severe interference cost him the 1971 Golden Slipper.
Paul remembers his great friendship with the legendary Roy Higgins. He says Higgins once presented him with a special gift.
He looks back on a memorable winning day at Woodend on horses trained by his future father-in-law Bill Warke.
He acknowledges his fifty years of marriage to the former Lyn Warke.
Paul looks back on his twelve or thirteen Melbourne Cup rides. He managed two fourths. He says it was a privilege to go around so many times in the iconic race. One of his Cup rides ended in disaster.
He cherishes the memory of race rides on legendary horses Tauto and All Shot.
Paul looks back on an unexpected opportunity to ride in Ireland for trainer Kevin Prendergast. He and his new wife Lyn enjoyed the experience for two seasons. He won an Irish St Leger and enjoyed the experience of riding in some famous English classics. He even had a brief brush with royalty.
On returning to Melbourne he hit an unexpected low point at Pakenham. He’s very open in his recollections of a disqualification. He still believes he was hard done by.
In the late 1970’s the astute Andy White entrusted him with the ride on emerging stayer Big Print. In winning his second Vic Derby, Paul defeated the legendary Kingston Town.
Paul has fond memories of his association with the legendary trainer Bob Hoysted. He highlights a couple of talented horses he got to ride for the champion horseman.
The former ace jockey enjoyed a Tasmanian Derby win on Sobrikay in 1984.
He looks back on a surprise Ascot Vale Stakes win on 140/1 “pop” Zephyr Cross in 1986.
Paul talks of a career ending fall at Sandown in 1987. He decided on an early exit from race riding.
Paul pays tribute to son Ben, daughter Tammy and six grandchildren. The entire family are together in Queensland.
This is one for those who were around in the heady days of Melbourne racing in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and for younger people who are curious about the skills of the top jockeys of the era.
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Lee Curtis has been training racehorses in Sydney since the mid 90’s when he was based at Canterbury. He was forced to relocate to Rosehill at the end of the decade when the STC decided to develop the precinct as a quarantine station for overseas horses. Cherie joined his staff twenty years ago from Berry on the South Coast. The couple married in 2015 and became training partners in 2020. We begin the podcast with Lee who explains that he has no intention of increasing the stable numbers.
Lee talks about the family training partnership. He says he and Cherie might disagree from time to time but invariably reach the best conclusion.
He talks of his continued insistence on relocating horses who are not paying their way.
Lee acknowledges the effectiveness of the Inglis Digital twice monthly auction.
The Gr 1 winning trainer talks of Dalchini and Achira, two talented mares he’s currently training.
He expresses thanks to the two trainers who taught him the basics of horse management.
Lee remembers his first training complex- the little backyard operation at Canterbury which housed his first few winners.
He looks back on the relocation of Canterbury trainers to other places. Some decided to terminate their training careers.
Lee acknowledges some of the handy horses to get him up and running in the early days.
He speaks with reverence of the horse who took him to another level as a commercial trainer. Lee actually bred Mistegic, the colt who would compete with distinction against some of the best sprinters of the era. Mistegic provided his first Gr 1 triumph.
Lee pays tribute to popular owners Frank and Christine Cook who have given him tremendous support since his move to Rosehill.
The Lasqueti Spirit story is a fascinating one, and nobody tells it better than Lee Curtis- the story of the one paced filly who was bred to sprint but finished up winning the historic Victoria Oaks over the Flemington 2500m. Lee says every avenue should be explored before a horse is given its marching orders.
He talks of the progress of Lasqueti Spirit’s progeny to date.
Most trainers have a story about the “one that got away.” Lee’s story concerns a brilliant mare who retired with a record of twelve wins including three Gr 1’s and $3.4 million in prize money. He put a lot of work into the education and development of Private Steer but trained her for only six runs. Her 3 wins for Curtis included the listed Reginald Allen Hcp Randwick. He’s happy to talk about the biggest disappointment of his training career.
Lee talks of his six children whose ages range from 27 down to 3.
He says the elder three are very interested in the racing careers of the horses.
Lee hands the phone over to Cherie who says her interest in horses began when her parents dabbled in ownership.
She recalls being delighted when her parents purchased a property at Berry which they established as a spelling farm. She was soon surrounded by horses and quickly took to the saddle.
Cherie talks of her friendship with a famous Berry family who had enjoyed top level success with thoroughbreds and harness horses.
She recalls her move to Sydney and a new job with the Lee Curtis training establishment at Rosehill.
Cherie says the combination of her stable commitments and the demands of motherhood make for some pretty hectic days.
It’s a laid back chat with a popular Sydney racing duo.
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
In looking for a horseman who has a close connection with the Queen Elizabeth Stakes we plucked from the archives, a podcast with Craig Carmody. The former successful jockey is now training a small team at Randwick, hoping another Intergaze will walk into his stables. Craig rode the talented chestnut in his two Queen Elizabeth Stakes wins in the late 90’s.
Craig reflects on his decision to retire after returning from Singapore in 2005.
He looks back on his transition into the training ranks.
Craig speaks of the plight of the smaller trainers who don’t have access to the spending power of wealthy owners.
The former multiple Gr 1 winning jockey talks of a few special horses who got him on his way as a trainer.
He acknowledges the talents of Sydney’s female jockeys
He talks about his final riding contract in Singapore which brought him in touch with his future wife.
Craig looks back on his starring role in a Telecom TV commercial. He was one of several young Sydney jockeys who auditioned for the part. His screen test blew the others out of the water.
He remembers the first moment he sat on a horse’s back. A spark was ignited.
Craig reviews his apprenticeship to Rod Craig and the enduring friendship they continue to share.
He reflects on his long association with Les Bridge- an association which led to his first Melbourne Cup ride.
Craig reminisces about his winning rides on quality gallopers Stylish Century and Angst.
He remembers the retainer he held with the vast Nebo Lodge operation at Rosehill.
Craig speaks with great affection of his once in a lifetime horse Intergaze. He reviews some of the stallion’s best performances.
Craig and his wife Keline are the proud parents of Liam and Mandy. Both children show exceptional sporting talent. Liam was a member of the under 12 Cronulla team in last year’s Div 2 Little League baseball competition. His team won both the state and national titles after which they participated in the Warboys Cup. Formerly known as the Sydney Cup this is an individual competition offering an amazing incentive- a trip to Cooperstown in New York state for a World Series in junior baseball. Not surprisingly Cronulla won the Warboys competition, with Liam one of the star players.
Craig and Keline have opted to take their first holiday in fifteen years and will fly to NY with Liam and his sister Mandy in July. A win for Liam’s team would mean as much to Craig Carmody as his dual Queen Elizabeth Stakes victories on his old mate Intergaze.
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
It would have been a massive shock to his family had Cody Morgan not pursued a career with horses. With a mum and dad who were wizards in the saddle and a brother who could ride a rampaging rhinoceros, it was unlikely Cody would ever become a ballet instructor. We talk to the young Tamworth horseman about his start as a bronc rider, the transition to professional race riding and finally to the training ranks. Cody begins by talking of Talbragar who shapes up as one of the top chances in the Country Championship Final.
He talks of his on course location at Tamworth and his reluctance to leave there.
Cody looks back on his very first phone call from Australian Bloodstock’s Luke Murrell. He could have wrecked the partnership there and then.
He talks of his favourites among the Australian Bloodstock horses. One of the horses featured in a memorable Rosehill double.
The thirty two year old says his aspiration to become a jockey was triggered by his first ride on a mechanical horse.
He looks back on the thrilling experience of his first win at Quirindi, and a funny recollection from his days at Quirindi High School.
Cody looks back on a transfer to the late “Pud” Davies at Cessnock. He speaks of the famous jockey who drove him to countless race meetings and gave him wise counsel.
He looks back in awe on his time with Tony McEvoy at the famous Lindsay Park training operation at Angaston. He talks of life on the farm, and the great horse he got to ride on the training track.
Cody says his weight was on the rise when he arrived back in Tamworth. He knew his riding career was coming to an end.
He talks of father Glenn’s wonderful achievements as a saddle bronc rider, and his subsequent experience as a specialist announcer on Foxtel rodeo telecasts.
Cody talks of the serious Quirindi race fall that could have ended his career. By a freak of nature he rode the following day.
He looks back on another nasty accident only two years ago when riding one of his own horses in trackwork.
Cody takes us back to the occasion of his last winning race ride, and the low key commencement of his training career.
He looks back on the online purchase of a mare destined to kick start his training career. It wouldn’t have been possible without some financial assistance from brother Luke.
He pays tribute to his “go to” jockey.
Cody is still abuzz with the excitement of a major Gold Coast win early this year courtesy of Ezekeil and Jamie Kah.
He acknowledges a few special horses who’ve helped his career along the way, and lauds the regular TAB Highway races.
Cody’s happy to talk about the lowest point in his training career- a two year disqualification on a race day treatment charge. He says it gave him a massive shake up.
He talks of two apprentices who’ve been through his “school” and his ambition to reach a special milestone on his home track at Tamworth.
It’s an enjoyable yarn with a great young bush trainer, who knows how to win a race in town.
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Luke Pepper joins the ranks of smaller trainers who only need the right horse to showcase their talents. Until Opal Ridge came along Luke had been achieving consistent results with average horses. Suddenly he’s in the big league with last start stakes winner Opal Ridge, who’ll contest the Gr 3 P.J Bell Stakes on Saturday.
We go right back to Luke’s early days in pony club and the wide experience he gained before taking out his own trainer’s licence.
Luke begins by talking about his reasons for relocating from Canberra to Scone in the middle of last year.
He has high praise for the facilities offered by the Scone Race Club and speaks of the multi million dollar stabling complex already under construction.
Luke talks of Opal Ridge’s purchase from the Inglis Classic Sale at a bargain basement price.
He talks of the amazing attitude displayed by the young filly as far back as the breaking in stage.
Luke talks of her amazing growth spurt and the ease of her first win. He wasn’t quite as buoyant the morning after her Canberra success.
He takes us through her eight start racing career right up to the Darby Munro Stakes on Slipper day.
Luke heaps praise on young jockey Tyler Schiller, Opal Ridge’s regular rider. The trainer says his talents were obvious in the Riverina.
Luke’s talks of his introduction to thoroughbreds during his time at Meringo Stud on the NSW South Coast.
He talks of the foal born at Meringo destined to become a world class sprinter.
Luke looks back on his time with Canberra trainer Barbara Joseph who’d already made her mark at Gr 1 level. He remembers with affection Barbara’s top mare Ain’t Seen Nothin’.
He looks back on a short but successful stint as an amateur jockey.
Luke talks of his time as stable foreman for Nick Olive and his reconnection with the special foal born on the Meringo Stud.
He looks back on two memorable overseas trips he had with Takeover Target- one was a career highlight, the other a disaster.
Luke talks of his entry into professional training at Thoroughbred Park. He talks of his unforgettable first win, and the horses who have helped to establish him as a well respected trainer.
Luke acknowledges the support of partner Tahnee who landed the job she wanted soon after arriving in Scone.
The trainer tells the story of the surprise yearling he stumbled upon in a Tasmanian sales catalogue last year. That horse is now in his Scone stable.
Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
The fate of retired racehorses has never been under more scrutiny, and Jo McKinnon couldn’t be happier. The respected media contributor recently launched her own website designed to monitor the post competitive lives of thoroughbreds and performance horses. Jo joins us to talk about the creation of “offthetrackhorses.com.au” and to look back on her own exciting life in media and in the racing industry. She talks of the origins of her independent on-line platform.
Jo outlines her ideas for regular content on the site.
She acknowledges the support of some special behind-the-scenes people.
The talented media veteran takes us back to her very first job with the Herald and Weekly Times and the thrilling scholarship win that got her there.
Jo talks of her duties with the major Melbourne newspaper.
She looks back on her exciting transition into television as a sports reporter with Network Ten in Melbourne. She was on her way.
Horse loving Jo was thrilled to join the team being assembled for Sky’s history making home racing channel. She was the first female presenter to be seen on the satellite coverage. Today there are many.
She reviews the many roles she filled in the early days of the burgeoning media giant.
Jo talks of a sea change and a return to her hometown of Melbourne. She landed a plum role with the Moonee Valley Racing Club.
She recalls an enjoyable stint as Marketing Manager for Aushorse which was in the process of rebranding. The role took her to Asia several times.
Jo looks back on a brief association with the Nine Network and a return to Sky Racing. This time around she was chief anchor for the popular Sunday morning programme Racing Retro.
True to form the versatile personality felt the need for a change of direction. Before she knew it, Jo was working for the Hong Kong Jockey Club as a presenter at Happy Valley and Sha Tin.
While in HK Jo’s ability to adapt to different roles landed her a job as “food writer” for the famous Tasting Kitchen magazine.
Back in Australia in 2014 she landed a role with the VRC as head of PR for the famous spring carnival.
Jo looks back on enjoyable stints with Racing.Com and Equestrian Australia.
Perhaps the most rewarding of her many accomplishments was the creation of a documentary with brother Lachie as her co- producer. Jo looks back on the five episode series called “A Racetrack Somewhere” which received excellent reviews.
The talented McKinnon talks of her involvement in racehorse ownership. She part owned a pretty smart mare a few years ago.
Jo talks of her participation in a recent RSN programme called Talking Horses, and her current role as guest columnist for the on-line publication ANZ Bloodstock News.
Fast forward to 2023 and a new life on a 3500 acre property at Quirindi with her partner Andrew Talbot. Jo talks of Andrew’s long time association with Elders Ltd. He manages the famous Killara Feed Lot operation from the Quirindi property.
She says an invitation to join the committee of the Quirindi Jockey Club proved impossible to decline.
It’s a laid back chat with a lady who’s just as comfortable astride a show horse as she is in front of a television camera.