John Tapp Racing

It was mid October when I invited Ray Hadley to be special guest on the occasion of our 500th podcast episode. Never once during the conversation did the legendary broadcaster so much as hint that he was contemplating calling time on his 2GB morning programme. We made arrangements to record the interview on the afternoon of Thursday November 5th. Like many of his listeners and colleagues I was stunned, when less than an hour into his programme on Thursday Ray made the shock announcement that December 13th is to be his final day in the 2GB studios. Television news crews were setting up in the building long before he finished his on air shift at midday. The broadcaster was inevitably “swamped” by media outlets for several hours. I wouldn’t have been one bit surprised had he requested a postponement of our podcast interview, but I should have known better. True to his word Ray was ready to go when I called him as arranged at 4.30pm. I reminded him  that nobody had seen this coming. He admitted it was a surreal experience to be announcing his own retirement from mainstream radio. I asked Ray to identify the likely reasons he was able to win 160 consecutive surveys. He nominated one particular story where his on air comments contributed to a better outcome. Ray made no secret of the fact that he won’t be lost to media, but says the days of 3.30am wake up calls are over.  He takes us back to childhood days as the son of hard working parents Morris and Elsie Hadley. Ray looks back on the massive impact of his father’s death at just 46 years of age. He shares some funny stories from his eight years with Steers Auctions at Parramatta. He believes his experience as an auctioneer helped to develop his commentary skills.  Ray says he was chuffed beyond belief in the early 80’s when offered the role of Harold Park course broadcaster following the retirement of Ray Conroy.  He takes us back to the days immediately after the Super League war when 2UE lost its Rugby League broadcast rights. 2UE’s Continuous Call team made history when it continued to win the ratings without broadcasting the game.  Ray pays a special tribute to the man they called “The Starmaker.” 2UE Programme Director the late John Brennan was lauded in the industry for his unique ability to spot potential talent from a mile off.  Ray Hadley’s career took a life changing turn in 2002 when John Singleton purchased 2GB. He initially poached Ray from 2UE to call Rugby League, but changed his mind soon after. The broadcaster was stunned when “Singo” asked him to take over the morning programme in opposition to 2UE’s John Laws. Ray shares the full story. The multiple award winning broadcaster says he has no regrets about missing the opportunity to call 100 State Of Origins. Ray was privileged to be a member of the commentary team for seven Olympic Games. He says Cathy Freeman’s unforgettable win in the 400m at the Sydney Olympics remains his fondest memory. He was agreeable to looking back on what he describes as the lowest point in his long career- the 2019 bullying allegations from a small group of staff members. He looks back with candour on a very unhappy time in his life. Ray talks with great affection of his children and grandchildren. Today he’s the quintessential doting grandfather. It’s a massive coincidence that Ray’s retirement announcement came just a few hours before this podcast was recorded. No wonder he was in the mood to reminisce. Great to have him on our 500th podcast episode.

The story of the Freedman era is one of racing’s all time best - four enthusiastic young brothers who made an amazing journey from the family stud farm at Yass to the establishment of a Victorian based training powerhouse. Lee held sway as trainer with Anthony, Richard and Michael handling crucial roles in the background. Together they had an enormous impact on Australian racing for three decades. Lee won seven Melbourne trainer’s premierships and was runner up six times. Today the boys are all training under their own banners with Lee opting for a much quieter life on the Gold Coast. The former leader of the FBI was very gracious with his time on this week’s podcast. He begins by berating his talents as a golfer. Lee talks about his current 31 horse team, a fraction of the number he trained in the busiest days of the FBI. He talks of the wide choice of race meetings he has from his Gold Coast base. Lee takes us back to early days at Hardwicke Stud near Yass, where he and his siblings gained sound education under the supervision of father Tony. He delights in telling the story of his first win as a trainer with a quirky but very talented grey called Sitting Bull. It was hard to keep news of the horse’s talent under wraps.  Lee says his training career actually began at Warwick Farm. He looks back on a relocation to Flemington and a mare called Sauna - the daughter of Loosen Up who put the Freedmans on the map. Lee hasn’t forgotten the thrill of a maiden Gr 1 win. He reflects on the rapid rise of the FBI and the simple theory he had about stress management. We needed to get started on Lee’s reminiscences of the many wonderful horses to come through the Freedman operation. Who better to begin with than the incomparable Makybe Diva. She arrived in the Freedman camp having won 8 races for David Hall including her first Melbourne Cup. Lee recalls his expectations.  He reflects on his first win with the mighty mare, the 2004 Melbourne Cup. The trainer recalls the mare’s dominance in the autumn and spring of 2005, and the memorable comments he made in a TV interview after her third Cup win- comments which have passed into folklore. Lee gives his view on why she was such an athlete. The great trainer looks back on wonderful journeys with crowd favourites Subzero and Doriemus, two more Melbourne Cup winners. It’s not hard to tell Super Impose was one of Lee’s great favourites. He shares some special memories. Lee puts into words his  enormous admiration for Naturalism.  The list of good horses to pass through the Freedman’s hands is seemingly endless. He sings the praises of Mahogany and Schillaci. The Golden Slipper was a mighty race for the Freedmans in the 1990’s. Lee talks about their four consecutive wins in the famous two year old race. Durbridge is another marvellous horse to get the thumbs up from his former trainer. The legendary trainer will surprise some when he says his greatest racetrack thrill came outside Australia. He looks back on his Royal Ascot journey with Miss Andretti. Lee used some of Australia’s greatest jockeys during the golden years of the Freedman reign. He’s prepared to single one of them out for special praise.  He speaks with pride of daughters Emma and Georgia. Lee pays tribute to his greatest ever supporter, late mother Del who passed just two years ago. He pays tribute to Anthony, Richard and Michael who have each forged great individual careers. A podcast with Lee Freedman is long overdue. We’re delighted to finally get it done.

A hat trick of recent country wins by improving gelding My Last Hooray rekindled memories of Frank Cleary’s glory days in Australian racing. The popular trainer wound down his training operation following two health scares in 2020, and has been training only a handful of horses in recent times. He even hinted that he may walk away from a business that took him to racing’s biggest stage. On learning that My Last Hooray isn’t the only horse on his books, we decided to investigate the immediate future of the Queanbeyan based trainer. He certainly doesn’t confirm likely retirement. Frank talks about two unraced young horses currently in his care. He reflects on the chest pains that sent him to hospital in 2020, and a second ailment that followed closely on his heart scare. Frank talks of the racing involvement in his family background. It’s well known that a young Frank Cleary showed great promise as a rugby league player in pivotal positions. He says he actually started in the Aussie Rules code. Switching to league in the late 60’s he quickly gained a spot in the Queanbeyan Blues Under 18’s side. He looks back on two encounters with a touring British test side. Frank says several niggling injuries eventually finished his football career and sent him in the direction of a new livelihood. You won’t believe some of the things he did for a living in his pre horse training days.   He says his life changed dramatically the day he attended an Inglis Tried Stock sale and came away with a $1400 unraced gelding. That horse shaped Frank’s destiny. The trainer says he had to wait a long time for his first Gr 1 win but it happened to be in one of the oldest classics on the AJC calendar. Select Prince was by Imperial prince as was another Cleary favourite Friend’s Venture. Frank says he was an amazing horse. The trainer thought someone was “pulling his leg” when he got a phone call from a man purporting to be an American owner asking him to train a horse. Frank remembers the late Ken T. Jones who continued to support his stable for several years. He remembers the unsound horse who motivated Jones’ original phone call. Cleary has never forgotten a day at the Gold Coast Sale when Ken Jones had to be talked into buying a Zoffany colt who was destined to become one of Australia’s best two year olds of 1992. Frank remembers Clan O’Sullivan’s impressive early form and his defeat in the 1992 Golden Slipper when he got no favours. Fast forward some six years and Frank recalls the purchase of a Danehill colt who would atone for Clan O’Sullivan’s Slipper defeat. Frank takes us back to the events of Slipper day 1999 when the hot pre post favourite was a late scratching from the famous two year old race. He pays tribute to jockey Mark de Montfort. He looks at a few other good money spinners to carry the Ken Jones colours. Frank looks back on a bold move he instigated in the late 1990’s. He decided to give training a try in the big smoke when stables became available in a new block at Rosehill. His neighbour was a young Kiwi trainer who was testing the water in Sydney. The veteran trainer says there were no stars in the stable during his Sydney stint, but a few handy horses kept him ticking over. He talks of a flying visit to Melbourne with a horse called Shot Of Comfort. It was a good result for the stable and for owner Dominic Beirne.  Frank was chuffed to win his only hometown Cup with Bomber Command in 2009. He reflects with delight with his all time top training effort- six wins  on the Forbes Cup programme in 1994. The trainer pays a heartfelt tribute to his wife Sue. Frank gives a shout out to his four sons with special mention of Joe who’s rapidly gaining recognition as a trainer in his own right. It’s a lovely trip down memory lane with one of the real characters of the Australian training ranks.

With the Sydney jockey’s room virtually a closed shop, other talented riders are obliged to carve themselves a niche in one of several strong NSW regional centres. With no shortage of race meetings, these jockeys are able to pursue a healthy livelihood, sneaking to town from time to time when an opportunity arises. One such jockey is Billy Owen who’s services are in regular demand in the Southern Districts. Bill’s first stint as a professional rider was halted by weight problems in 2013. He spent the next five years on the amateur circuit winning more than a hundred races. He was thrilled in 2018 when his weight stabilised, allowing him to return to the pro ranks. Bill talks about his current run of success. He speaks highly of My Last Hooray whose three recent wins have impressed the jockey. The gelding is the only horse in the stable of former multiple Gr 1 winning trainer Frank Cleary. The jockey talks of Asgarda, the mare he partnered in the Kosciuszko. Bill’s location between Canberra and Queanbeyan enables him to ride trackwork at both venues. The 32 year old takes us back to his early days growing up on the family farm near Gundagai. He says he was in the saddle at age 3. He talks of his favourite equine activities and a brief stint at the rodeo. Bill says he loved every minute of his Rugby League involvement with the Gundagai Tigers. His “jockey’s frame” came against him.  With the blessing of his parents, Billy gained an apprenticeship with Nick Olive. The jockey clearly recalls his first winning ride on the Olive trained Chirurgo Dame in 2010.  He talks of a long and happy association with the Canberra trainer. Bill was on the team during Nick’s association with classy mare Single Gaze. He never rode Single Gaze in a race, but was her regular partner in trials and trackwork.  He says the stable staff were wildly excited when Single Gaze ran second in a Caulfield Cup and progressed to the Melbourne Cup of 2017. Billy talks of Voice Commander, the horse he rates as the best he’s ridden in a race. He looks back on the decision to quit the professional ranks when his weight got out of control. Bill has fond memories of his five years on the picnic circuit and a win in the famous Bong Bong Cup. The jockey has never forgotten the morning he became aware that a return to the professional ranks was a possibility. Bill says he took a much more professional approach on the comeback trail. He’s never forgotten Nick Olive’s gesture in finding the right horse to re-launch his career. Towards the end of 2018 Billy was tickled pink when Sydney trainer John O’Shea sought his services for a horse called Dawn Raid. He fondly remembers his first Saturday metro win on Junglized for trainer Brad Widdup. Bill hasn’t forgotten his first metropolitan double- a brace of wins at Warwick Farm for John O’Shea and Gerald Ryan.   He talks of the two jockeys he most admired as he was coming through the ranks. Bill pays tribute to partner Kia, daughter of prominent trainer Doug Gorrel. His regular riding weight of 57kgs is achievable only by adherence to a strict regime. Bill acknowledges the support of a handful of southern trainers. It’s a laid back chat with a very popular southern districts jockey.

I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Lacey Morrison but I’ve been long aware of her notable  achievements. This resilient 40 year old has had a diversified career in the racing industry as a jockey, a trainer and a two year stint as a member of the Darling Downs steward’s panel. Lacey’s comeback from injury in 2021 has far exceeded her expectations. In the recently concluded 2023/2024 season she rode 101 winners to finish fourth on the Queensland jockey’s premiership ladder. She also happens to be the doting mother of nine year old Buddy. Lacey Morrison says she’s happiest when busy. The jockey talks about her good start to the new season and a recent Cluden Park treble. Lacey says she was elated to top the century of winners last season. She looks back on a quartet of wins at Townsville late in the season and her all time top score of five at a Cairns meeting. The Cairns Amateur Cup is actually a prestigious professional event run in September. Lacey talks about her recent win on Cashin’ Chex. The busy jockey talks about life in Tolga on the tablelands south west of Cairns.  She takes us through the racing circuit she supports week to week. Lacey says it takes the offer of a very good ride to get her as far away as Mackay. The talented jockey looks back at childhood days at Taroom and Springsure when riding horses was a way of life. She talks of an original apprenticeship to her father John followed by her transfer to Toowoomba trainer Russell Kirwin. Lacey recalls her uneventful debut at Springsure and that thrilling first win at Bundaberg for the Gollan stable. She says Proudly Agro was the first nice horse she got to ride. She won a metro Gr 3 on the horse. The true blue Queenslander looks back on a very successful apprenticeship with special mention of a mare called Charlotte Sound who provided her 60th metropolitan win and the end of her claiming days.  In 2003 a burgeoning reputation saw Lacey invited to spend three months with Sydney trainer Clarry Conners. Despite a battle with homesickness she won a handful of races including one memorable Randwick victory on Sadarar for trainer Paul Cave. Lacey was pretty chuffed when offered a ride in the Ramornie Hcp at Grafton in 2006. She was even more chuffed when For Valour stormed home to win the historic sprint. She pays tribute to Legal Brief who gave her a prestigious Cups double in Queensland. Lacey remembers the horrific four horse fall at Ipswich which sidelined her for ten months. This was the time she decided to try her hand as a steward. She talks of her successful comeback and the disappointment of a second Ipswich fall in 2013. Lacey got over that one fairly quickly but wasn’t keen to return to race riding. She decided to accept an offer to take over the stables of Toowoomba trainer John Dann. She enjoyed her time as a professional trainer. She talks of son Buddy’s premature arrival in 2015. Lacey was working for a local produce store when asked to ride some trackwork by Tolga trainer and good friend Sharlee Hoffman. Predictably the bug bit again. When she decided to don the silks again in 2021 stewards demanded a rigorous barrier trial schedule. Lacey’s versatility knows no bounds. She’s currently juggling her many race riding commitments with an online Tafe nursing course. This will be her long term future. She says when it comes to her eventual retirement from race riding, partner Taron leaves it entirely up to her. Great to catch up at last with a multi talented Queensland racing achiever.

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Darren Beadman many times but not so much in recent years. Spotted him at Graham McNeice’s recent funeral service, and it occurred to me that “Shadow” would have insisted I feature the former star jockey on this podcast.  Darren’s a busy boy these days in his role as Race Day Operations Manager for Godolphin, with little time to spare. We pinned him down last Friday after he’d completed duties at the Rosehill barrier trials. It’s just a relaxed chat between two old racing mates. Darren talks about the importance of official trials in the Godolphin operation. He explains that communication with race day media has become a significant part of his role with Godolphin. Darren says he’s got a bigger advantage than most when listening to post race reports from the many jockeys used by Godolphin. He reflects on the horrific Hong Kong accident that terminated his stellar riding career. Darren outlines the complexities of his diffuse axonal brain injury and the subsequent rehabilitation period.  He names the best horse he got to ride during his time in Hong Kong. The celebrated jockey takes us back to childhood days in Canberra and his earliest association with horses. He reflects on his good fortune in having the opportunity to learn his trade under the legendary Theo Green. Darren talks about an early apprentice’s premiership win and his first Gr 1 success- A Golden Slipper on Inspired for his boss. He remembers another Slipper win 13 years later on Guineas. The 58 year old remembers his relocation to France as a 19 year old. Despite ongoing homesickness, he managed to win 50 races including the Gr 1 Prix Morny at Deauville.  Darren takes us through the remarkable story of his Melbourne Cup win on Kingston Rule in 1990. The royally bred stayer carried the Kingston Town colours and elevated his fresh faced young jockey to racing’s biggest stage. This man was privileged to ride some of the greatest horses of his generation. He talks with great affection about Saintly, known colloquially as “the horse from heaven”. Predictably he lights up when asked to pay tribute to the amazing Octagonal. Darren pays an even bigger tribute to Octagonal’s son Lonhro. He rates the champion’s two best wins. Another great horse Beadman got to ride was Super Impose. He won seven races on the versatile champion. Darren remembers the 1991 Epsom when Super Impose did the impossible to complete a staggering quartet of Gr 1 mile victories at Randwick. He had  only two rides on the great mare Let’s Elope. One of them resulted in a stunning Australian Cup win. He looks back on his bombshell decision to leave racing at the top of his game to join the Christian Life Centre as a Minister. He recalls his many duties for the church, and his role as a Skychannel presenter. Darren confirms that wife Kim recently began her quest for a PHD in Psychology.  The family man talks of daughters Rachel and Jessica who’ve each provided their parents with a granddaughter. Darren brings us up to date on the current activities of son Mitch who himself rode more than 100 winners in a very brief riding career. I’m embarrassed to confess this is Darren’s first appearance on our podcast. I deserve a severe reprimand.

If pedigree has any bearing there was always a strong likelihood James Orman would become a jockey. His father Michael showed some talent in a very brief career before increasing weight terminated his aspirations. His mother Caroline Allardyce has been a trainer for forty years, and increased her team numbers when James became her stable apprentice in 2013. Young Orman’s emergence as one of Australia’s best jockeys has been spectacular. He begins by talking about his flying start in the new racing season. James, or Jimmy as he’s popularly known, talks about life on his Nudgee property with Heidi and their children Floyd and Hallie.  The talented jockey talks of childhood days at Forest Hill, his involvement in pony club and a passion for gymnastics. He outlines some highs and lows from his time as a gymnast. Jimmy says riding was second nature to him by the time he elected to become indentured to his trainer/mother. He looks back on his very first race ride at Nanango. He finished third but believes he should have won the race. He remembers his first winning ride on the same track. James says his first metropolitan win was one of the most thrilling of his career. The horse was trained by his mum and won with ease. The jockey says his first three rides in the city were all winners. Jimmy says he’s ridden more winners for Kelly Schweida than he has for any other trainer. He acknowledges Schweida’s unwavering support. He acknowledges the ongoing backing of some of Brisbane’s high profile stables. The twenty seven year old remembers a special deal he made with his mother should she allow him to leave school. He says people are never quite sure what they should call him. He prefers “Jimmy”. James takes us through his impressions of the best horses he’s ridden in recent years with special mention of Niccanova, Prince Of Boom and Far Too Easy. The outstanding jockey looks back on his opportunity to win a stakes race for the powerful Godolphin operation.  Jimmy rates Antino as the best horse he’s ridden to date. After nine Queensland wins on the Gollan trained galloper he was retained for the ride in the black type Tontonan Stakes in Melbourne.  The experience turned out to be a nightmare.  He hopes for an opportunity to get another crack in Melbourne. Orman talks of a surprise invitation from expat Queensland trainer Michael Costa to spend two weeks in Dubai late last year. The experience turned out to be everything that Melbourne wasn’t. He created a huge impression with five wins on one programme. He also rode a winner at Meydan which boasts a spectacular jockey’s room. Jimmy pays tribute to the jockeys who’ve influenced his career. He talks of two debilitating injuries sustained in racing accidents. The star jockey says his weight is fairly stable at 56 kgs provided he observes all the rules. Jimmy hints at a few immediate goals. It’s a nice chat with yet another champion horseman from the sunshine state.

I first met Josh Fleming when he visited the Sky Studios with family members in 2000. He was just 15 at the time, but already a professional race caller in Queensland. He’d debuted at Longreach a year earlier and had subsequently called the action at several far flung tracks. He was too young to take part in Sky’s first “young race caller scholarship” but landed a job in his own right three years later. He’s come a long way from that nervous start at Longreach, and the story makes for an interesting podcast. Josh recalls that brief visit to the Sky studios almost 25 years ago. He pays tribute to the grandmother who lived long enough to see him make his race calling debut. Josh cherishes memories of his meeting with the late Graham McNeice on that Sunday morning in 2000. The 39 year old calls regularly from Doomben, Eagle Farm and the Sunny Coast. He rates the popular tracks. Josh has just returned from his 21st visit to the Birdsville Cup. He talks of the unique two day carnival on the edge of the Simpson Desert. He says he was horrified in 1995 when his school teacher mother Alison announced her transfer to Barcaldine 1000 kms from his beloved Brisbane.  Josh talks of his friendship with stipendiary steward John Wallace who took him to several outback meetings, and was instrumental in getting him the Longreach “gig”. His debut was impressive enough to generate a few more race calling opportunities in the region. It was back to Brisbane in 2001 and some work experience at 4TAB. Josh looks back on his many “practice” calls at Doomben and Eagle Farm. He had invaluable input from Wayne Wilson and Alan Thomas. The dedicated broadcaster remembers with affection the beginning of his Sydney role with Skychannel. He was ust 18. Josh looks back on the experience he gained on provincial and country tracks. He seized the opportunity to cover city meetings for three months on Sky Racing Radio. He has some precious memories from that chapter in his career. He was thrilled to be offered the full time Brisbane role when Alan Thomas decided to pull up stumps. He’s never forgotten Alan’s final day on the Gold Coast. Two weeks after Alan’s retirement Josh got to cover the Magic Millions meeting- a $10 million dollar race day. He called the easy win by Capitalist. Josh got a bonus on the day when he called the great sprinter Buffering in a $1 million dollar race. He remembers the special day in 2008 when he met his future wife Gabrielle at a Queensland picnic race meeting. Josh speaks with pride and affection about his two children Olivia and Jackson. He chooses to live in the picturesque Darling Downs township of Warwick. Josh says he doesn’t mind the travel involved. To say he was born to be a race caller might seem to be a fanciful phrase- in Josh Fleming’s case the old cliche holds true.

Aaron Bullock has emerged in the last five years as one of Australia’s most consistent jockeys. In the 2022/2023 season his astounding strike rate saw him win the national jockey’s title with 207.5 winners. He’s due to return to the saddle at the end of the month following a two month injury layoff. While he had a little spare time on his hands the father-to-be was happy to talk to us about his meteoric rise in the riding ranks. Aaron says he can’t wait to get cracking again.  He says his weight is under control as he nears a return to the saddle. The heavyweight jockey talks about the Newcastle fall in July which aggravated an old injury. Aaron talks about the impending birth of his first child with wife Amelia (nee Denby). He gives Amelia much of the credit for his continued success. Aaron talks of childhood days in Tumut and his first glimpse of thoroughbreds at the local races. He recalls the family’s move to Singleton and his subsequent apprenticeship to trainer Todd Howlett whose career was just getting under way. Aaron has never forgotten his first serious gallop at Muswellbrook. He says he couldn’t get the hang of it. There was one particular morning when everything fell into place. Young Bullock suddenly felt he was a jockey at last. He remembers his first ride and his initial win. Sadly his enthusiasm didn’t last, and he made the decision to walk away from racing. Fast forward to 2019 when Aaron hit a major hurdle. He remembers a positive test to a banned substance and a six month disqualification. Aaron says his transformation began in the 2019/2020 season. He’s ridden 644 winners since with a national premiership thrown in. He talks about his duel with Queenslander James Orman in the closing weeks of the 2022/2023 season. Aaron says his commitment to clients on provincial and country tracks keeps him away from city meetings. Every now and again he’ll be lured to town to ride a promising horse. Know Thyself is one of those horses. He also gives a thumbs up to English mare Clear Thinking. The jockey acknowledges some of his favourite horses and horsemen. Aaron pays a special tribute to the jockey he most admires. He makes special mention of Amelia’s successful riding career. It’s a laid back chat with an inspirational bloke.

Many racing people were predicting a bright future for Dylan Gibbons long before he made his debut at Taree in July 2020.  Son of successful jockey Andrew Gibbons,  the lanky youngster had been taken along quietly by his master Kris Lees and was the complete package by the time he was let loose. Dylan hasn’t let his supporters down. In just four seasons of race riding he’s approaching 400 winners including two Gr 1’s. Caught up with the talented young rider last week for a comprehensive chat about his career so far. He talks about four seasons of success he never expected. Dylan talks about the workload of the modern day jockey with special mention of the barrier trial schedule. He talks of partner Nevada and the decision to stay in his hometown of Newcastle. The young jockey talks of his hectic 2023/2024 season and the holiday he was badly in need of. He admits he was late in making a decision to become an apprentice, but says his interest in racing was obsessive.  Dylan reflects on the many days he spent at race meetings where his father had riding commitments. He says he found a way to keep occupied. He talks of his admiration for two Sydney jockeys in particular. He remains very friendly with Tommy Berry and Kerrin McEvoy. At one stage he was acting as valet for both riders. When Andrew Gibbons could see his son was deadly serious about becoming a jockey he took him to a local riding school. Dylan talks about the education he gained in the Kris Lees operation, and talks of his very first day at the races. He hasn’t forgotten the magic of his first winning ride at Coffs Harbour. Dylan looks back on his first metro success and the unforgettable thrill of a Gr 1 win so early in his career. The jockey looks back on his second Gr 1 win. This time the winner was trained by his boss and staunchest supporter. Dylan acknowledges the part Semana has played in his brief career- only two wins but several Group placings. One of them was oh so close! He talks of a Brisbane Cup win for Bjorn Baker and his association with smart sprinter Buenos Noches. Dylan talks of his association with talented horses like Brudenell and Loch Eagle and a four race association with multiple Gr 1 winning mare Montefilia. He talks of brother Ryan and three year old half sister Hayley. Dylan pays tribute to his father’s longevity and the great winning trot the elder Gibbons has been enjoying. He admits it’s a tough road ahead competing against so many top riders on equal terms but says he’s up to the task.

Steve Hart was just 23 years old when he joined the ranks of Sydney’s race photographers in 1983. It didn’t take him long to showcase the flair, the creativity and the energy needed to chase the right shots through a long day at the races. Most importantly he made a million friends along the way. We got Steve to sit still long enough to record a special interview about his life and the career he chose above all others.  He begins by looking back on his final day at the races. The inevitable emotion was put aside until he’d “fired off” his final shot.  Steve says he’s been a stickler throughout his career for an early arrival at the track. He talks of the miles he’d cover getting from point to point on race day. Randwick was the toughest venue. Steve talks of the amazing advances in camera technology. The 64 year old takes us back to his English childhood and the long sea voyage to Australia with his parents and two brothers. He recalls his father John securing a job in the building trade just two days after arriving in Sydney. Steve talks about his time at Manly High School and his burgeoning interest in photography. He talks of his first job in the trades.  The gun photographer remembers with clarity his first trip to a racecourse- a day at Gosford with the family. The die was cast on that fateful day. Steve talks about his application to the AJC for a photographer’s role and the nerve wracking interview with the club’s CEO. He recalls his very first day of operation on a Sydney track and the established photographers he worked alongside. Steve looks back on a couple of casual jobs necessary to supplement his income. He looks back on a couple of dramatic changes to the landscape in the photographic ranks and talks of an enduring friendship with Mark Bradley.  Steve acknowledges the support of one particular journalist in those early days. Of the thousands of finishes he’s photographed over forty years he has a personal favourite. Steve never got to photograph Kingston Town but the champion remains his all time favourite.  The respected professional decided in 1984 to gain accreditation to work through the Victorian spring carnival. He got some unforgettable photos of the champions right through to the Covid pandemic. Steve says he always took three or four cameras to the races, and explained his technique in photographing race finishes. He explains the importance of monitoring camera settings from day to day. Photographers often walk backwards in search of the right shot. Steve has never “bitten the dust” but knows of one who did. The veteran photographer talks of his two children with wife Mary. He pays tribute to Adam and Rachel and gives his only grandchild a special mention. Steve talks of his two favourite achievements without the camera. He talks of his diversion from race day photography. From time to time Steve switches his camera to video mode, and goes on the road to interview some of racing’s best known names.  The Steve Hart story is an inspiring one. The young English lad who came to a new nation and followed his dream.

As a regular watcher of racing from all parts of Australia I’ve heard Tony Wode calling the Townsville meetings many times. I’ve been a fan since I first heard his clear, concise race calls. At last we get around to profiling the career of a man who recently called his 40th Townsville Cup. How he got to where he is today makes for a great story and an even better podcast. Tony begins by talking about his occasional trips away from Townsville when smaller race clubs are stuck for a race caller. He reveals that he also has two brothers who’ve made their marks as broadcasters. Tony says he has more time to study the race form since quitting his local government job a few years ago. He tends to dabble on the punt more than he did through the busiest years. He reflects on childhood days at Southport as one of nine children. He talks of the guidance and inspiration he received from his father Phil. He talks of his dad’s talents as a greyhound trainer.   Tony talks of his entry into journalism with the Townsville Bulletin. He covered many subjects for the broadsheet which was rated at the time as Australia’s leading regional daily.   At this stage of his life Tony’s interest in all three racing codes had become obsessive. He talks of his love of the leading racing publications of the era.   His race calling life began when appointed understudy to local greyhound commentator Richard Cowell. He tried the gallops for the first time at Ingham.   Tony recalls he was just 18 years old when invited to fill in for the  regular Cluden Park caller. He says nerves got the better of him.    He reflects on the creation of the amazing Townsville harness racing venue by Queensland Racing Minister Russ Hinze. Sadly the concept died a natural death.   Tony looks back on his overseas stint in the mid 1980’s. During the trip he formed a deep admiration for a special racehorse.   The 62 year old talks of his return to Australia and the beginning of a relationship with his adored wife Shelley.   Tony talks of his recent coverage of the Townsville Cup- his 40th call of the famous NQ event.   He pays tribute to son Declan, daughter Gabrielle and two grandsons.    Like most north Queensland racing enthusiasts Tony acknowledges the deeds of three time Cup winner Party King.   He talks of two time Townsville Cup winner Namazu. The gelding’s attempt to make it three wins this year went terribly wrong.   Tony pays homage to the best trainers and jockeys of his era.   He pays tribute to his all time favourite, the pony sized Tyzone.   The veteran broadcaster says he’s had opportunities to work in other places, but was always reluctant to leave the famous coastal city.   Tony expresses his admiration for the work of Sky Thoroughbred Central north Queensland correspondent Michael Charge, himself a recent podcast guest.    It was a delight to catch up with a very talented north Queensland media man.

After just 14 years of race riding Don Terry was clearly established as one of the best country based jockeys in Australia. He was approaching 700 winners when involved in a life changing race fall at Grafton. After six months in Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital he settled on the NSW north coast, and began the long road back. His achievements have been extraordinary. It’s a privilege to welcome him as a very special guest on this week’s podcast. Don talks about the way he manages his problems day by day. He says his temper is not as volatile as it once was.  Don talks about the layout of his Lennox Head home. The former outstanding jockey talks about his role as the manager of Brisbane rider Justin Stanley. He proudly describes his curiously named fishing boat. Don acknowledges the support of his loyal fishing mates and talks of the sea miles they travel to find the best location. He talks about some of the fish species they encounter. The resilient Terry enjoys nothing more than driving his car. He talks about a marathon trip to the Riverina recently to visit his elderly mother. He takes us back to childhood days on the family farm and remembers the days when he taught himself to ride. Don talks about his apprenticeship to leading Riverina trainer David Heywood. He shares clear recollections of his first winning ride at Wagga and his initial city win on an amazing old horse. Don talks of his association with Ken Callaughan and pays tribute to some special horses he got to ride for the top trainer. He recalls a Rosehill win on the day of the infamous “flag start” at Rosehill. Don looks back on some important country wins and his two SDRA premiership wins. The former jockey talks of his relocation to northern NSW and the fateful day he rode at the South Grafton Cup meeting. He describes the way the accident unfolded. Don looks back on the aftermath of the fall and his many months in the Princess Alexandra Hospital. He says he was anxious to get back into circulation and talks of his first foray into jockey management. Don remembers the surprise invitation he received to train a couple of horses. He decided to give it a go, and met with immediate success. The ever courageous Terry took part in early trials for a revolutionary concept called “robotic legs”. He takes us through the procedure involved and the side effects he encountered. Don pays tribute to daughter Laura Kate and son Lyle who are doing well in their chosen careers. This is an inspiring podcast with a very special bloke.

Kevin Sweeney was one of those ever reliable jockeys who did his job with total dedication for an amazing 46 years. Had it not been for a high spirited horse dumping him at a Nowra meeting in 2015, he may well have pushed on for a bit longer. Kev spent the bulk of his career at Canberra and on southern districts tracks, where he forged strong associations with many stables. Despite a few current health issues the seventy year old pays us the honour of joining the podcast for a good, old fashioned trip down memory lane. Kev begins by revisiting the occasion of his last race ride when he was unceremoniously dumped by a quirky horse. He recalls a winning treble at Wagga just two days earlier. Kevin talks about his move to the far NSW south coast, and the health issues he’s been battling for the last four years. He remains philosophical. The former respected jockey takes us back to childhood days, and the love he received from his single mum and a doting grandfather. He’s never forgotten the day his family took him to Randwick races. He’s happy to admit that his aversion to school brought much grief to his mother Grace. Kevin remembers his apprenticeship to Reg Cook, brother of Bill and uncle of Peter. He shares his memories of the famous Cook family. He remembers his first two wins on a horse trained by Reg Cook. Both wins were at Hawkesbury. Kevin has never forgotten his first city win. His second metropolitan success figured in a little piece of racing history. The  veteran takes us back to Reg Cook’s move to Canberra in the early 70’s. He talks about a switch of stables to Terry Rutzo who would become a staunch supporter. He explains the reasons for his sudden relocation to Wyong at the invitation of local trainer Ron Tilley.  Back in Canberra Kevin forged a great association with trainer Keith Dryden. He believes he rode 220 winners for the Dryden stable. Sweeney reflects on his association with talented Dryden trained mares Coolroom Candidate and Bacchanal Woman. He went to NZ with Bacchanal Woman. He acknowledges another Dryden runner De Lightning Ridge. He won four races on the mare including two in the city.  The dedicated jockey pays rightful homage to the ageless gelding Digger Stakas. He rode the veteran on many occasions, and actually gave him a home in his twilight years. Kevin fondly remembers 13 wins on the consistent Comanche Prince. He talks about his long association with the John Morrisey stable with special mention of an AJC Country Cup win on China Garden.  Kevin remembers another ride on China Garden which landed him in hot water. He was given three months by the stewards for an unsatisfactory ride. Sweeney’s commitment to country racing deprived him of opportunities in feature races. He says he was 49 before he won a decent race.  He looks back on the days when he was the “go-to” jockey for bush trainers who were bringing their horses to Canberra meetings. He tells the story of a win on a plunge horse at Canberra trained by a man destined to reach dizzy heights on the turf. Kevin reflects on his good fortune when it came to injuries. He and partner Michelle were the parents of three boys. He says only one has made a career in racing. The former jockey pays tribute to later partner Libby who’s doing a great job on the Keith Dryden team. Libby is close to commencing a new role in the stable. This is an overdue acknowledgment of a long and distinguished riding career.

It’s just over three years since Molly Bourke won her first race on Mouse Almighty at Wagga. Another 131 wins have followed, complimented by an SDRA Apprentices Premiership. Molly’s talents were clearly evident when she skilfully nursed $58.00 “pop” Secret Plan over the line at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. She’s now with John Sargent at Randwick and rode 20 city winners last season. Great to catch up with the little girl from Tumbarumba who has to pinch herself to believe she’s competing successfully in one of the world’s toughest markets. Molly talks about her move to the big smoke just over a year ago. She looks back on her first taste of Sydney racing when she won on bush galloper Zakeriz at Canterbury late in 2022. Molly talks of her first win for new master John O’Shea at Wyong. She acknowledges a recent story about her career by Ray Hickson in the Racing NSW magazine. The apprentice looks back on the shock of her relocation to the bustling city of Sydney. Molly says it’s quite an experience to ride regularly against some of Australia’s best jockeys. She pays tribute to two Sydney female role models. The talented young rider takes us back to childhood days on the farm at Tumbarumba, and her early education on stock horses. She looks back on other riding pursuits. She says it was her next door neighbour who alerted her to the excitement of horse racing. Molly remembers her first experience of trackwork and an apprenticeship to local trainer George Dimitropoulos. School wasn’t Molly’s favourite place, but  she did well in one particular subject. Sport was a different matter. She showed plenty of ability in several endeavours. Molly vividly recalls her unimpressive race riding debut at Leeton on Mouse Almighty, and the magic of her first win at Wagga on the same little mare. She looks back on her transfer to a much busier environment at Canberra with trainer Doug Gorrel. Molly talks of the great support she received from another well known Canberra trainer, and the thrill of winning the SDRA junior title. The young jockey takes us through the freakish accident in which she was involved on the way to Albury races with Doug Gorrel. Molly has no doubt the fact that she was asleep in the passenger seat, may have saved her life. She talks about Doug’s serious injury and the sad loss of a promising filly in the accident. Molly gives high praise to a select group of southern districts jockeys who helped her along the way. She makes special mention of valuable tutelage given by former jockey Darryn Murphy of the Skillinvest Employment and Training Company. Molly acknowledges the support of her master John Sargent, and the well known training talents of the expat Kiwi horseman. She was gobsmacked when given the opportunity to ride in this year’s Doncaster. She talks of a few special horses to help her along the way since moving to Randwick. The Tumbarumba product says she’s had to deal with one particular problem in her race riding technique. Molly says she enjoys sneaking back to her old stamping ground from time to time. Her mother Jacqie lives at Bega nowadays.  The 21 year old speaks of the downside of living in Sydney with her partner Ed Waters still in Wagga. He expects to join her at the completion of his electrical trades apprenticeship. Molly isn’t a movie buff but there’s one she’s seen many times over. Not surprisingly it’s about a horse. The apprentice expresses her gratitude for having no weight problems. It’s a nice yarn with a most amiable young lady from a tiny town near the Snowy Mountains. Is it any wonder this girl can ride!

Pioneers like Pam O’Neill have taken great pride in watching the enormous progress made by female jockeys in recent years. Wendy Peel is Dubbo based these days but has had several addresses during her first seven years of race riding. The 31 year old is unwaveringly passionate about her chosen career path and travels huge mileage to honour commitments.  She’s already a role model to many of the younger girls coming through the system. Wendy joins us on the podcast to look at the female clean sweep of a recent Inverell meeting, and to look at the future role of women in the Australian riding ranks. She talks of the impact being made around the nation. Wendy believes the generational growth of male jockeys is the main reason for the ever increasing number of female riders. She predicts the likely future of the girls in Australian racing. Wendy says the majority of new apprentices have learned the fundamentals in pony club, eventing and show jumping. The dedicated jockey looks back on her very first involvement with thoroughbreds. She talks of a horse management college course which led her to two overseas adventures. Wendy looks back on an early job on a NZ stud farm. She was asked to ride some trackwork by a local trainer and the die was cast. She reflects on her boldness in asking Gai Waterhouse for a job as a trackwork rider at Randwick. Wendy remembers her first apprenticeship to Peter Robl who supplied her first race ride. The jockey looks back on her transfer to Sue Grills at Tamworth. She still can’t believe her first win was in a Cup race. It didn’t end there. Wendy remembers being one of five riders to crash in a race at Tamworth in 2019. Her injuries were nasty. She was leading the Rising Stars points score at the time. She talks of Cody Morgan’s kindness in giving her a great opportunity in the Gulgong Cup when she returned to the saddle. Next step was a loan out to Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb at the peak of a disastrous drought. She says some of her most memorable achievements materialised during her time with Robb. Wendy talks of her transfer to Paul Butterworth in Brisbane. It was Butterworth who supplied her first metropolitan winner. She talks of the broken hip sustained in a Deagon jump out, just 18 months after her Tamworth “buster”. The respected rider remembers a win in the Battle Of The Bush Final at Eagle Farm on Rather Salubrious. The opportunity was the result of great loyalty shown by trainer David Reynolds. Wendy talks of the enormous goal she set herself in August 2020. She rode at three race meetings in the space of eight or nine hours. Thankfully a Toowoomba winner made it all worthwhile. She rates Rather Salubrious the best horse she’s ridden but also has praise for Seat Of Power. Wendy speaks highly of jockeys Blake Shinn and Matthew Cahill. She talks of her daily chores at Dubbo which often include a helping hand for partner Duncan Edwards, a well known horse breaker. Female jockeys need to be dedicated to make their way in an unforgiving business. They don’t make them any more dedicated than Wendy Peel.

It was Coffs Harbour based jockey Jon Grisedale who alerted me to the fact that Trevor Hardy was getting close to retirement. The veteran horseman will call time on his 50 year career when his only horse, seven year old gelding Aheadofhistime loses his zest for racing. For twenty years Trevor combined horse training with the running of his small transport business, but had to choose between the two following multiple bypass surgery in 1996. He plumped for full time training, and hasn’t regretted the decision. The 83 year old joins us on the podcast to talk about his life in racing. He’s a little nervous about the dramatic change in lifestyle. Trevor says Aheadofhistime has extended his training career.  He talks about Aheadofhistime’s early career in Queensland and subsequent deeds on the northern rivers, including an emphatic win in last year’s Kempsey Cup. Trevor acknowledges the support of Neil Osborne who purchased his Coffs Harbour stables but made a box available for Aheadofhistime. The veteran is a true north coaster. He was born at Wingham in 1940, but moved to a Coffs Harbour farm with his parents at age 3. He remembers those early days on the farm. He talks of his introduction to horses at local pony club and a subsequent involvement in the rodeo. He sustained one nasty injury. Trevor talks of his first venture into the trucking business and the purchase of his lucerne farm at Tamworth. He ran that farm for a decade. Finally it was back to Coffs and the establishment of another trucking business, this time delivering smallgoods to supermarkets and restaurants. He trained a few horses at the same time. Trevor talks about two uncles Ron and Bob Gosling, both successful trainers in their own right. He remembers his very first win with Poplar Prince at Coffs in 1976 and Sunny Regent, the first nice horse to enter his stable.  Trevor pays tribute to Jack Howe, his first major client. Jack owned a Hunter Valley stud farm where he stood former top stayer Passetruel. Trevor went on to train many of the stallion’s progeny. The trainer talks of the heart condition that gave him a massive wake up call in the mid 90’s. Major surgery was required. Trevor talks of the early history of the Coffs Harbour Cup and its huge prize money boost in 1971. He profiles some of the best horses he’s had the pleasure to train over the years. At the top of his list is Elite Ted, winner of 13 races including 9 in Brisbane. Trevor acknowledges the deeds of Johann Lover, Symposium, Elite Score, Elite Dubleo, and several others. He looks back on the timely arrival of Glen Colless into his care at a time when he was juggling two jobs.  Trevor pays a heartfelt tribute to the Coffs Harbour born jockey who went on to great success in Queensland.  The trainer looks back on the arrival of his next star apprentice. Zac Purton weighed 33 kgs and had to start from scratch. Trevor says his late wife Trish not only mothered the tiny apprentice but acted as his manager when Zac became a jockey. Trevor and Zac caught up in Hong Kong a couple of years ago. He pays tribute to daughter Joanne whose training achievements include a Country Classic win at Rosehill in 2021. Trevor talks of the five Asian apprentices to spend time in his care a few years ago.  He makes special mention of partner Wendy Howe, a long time massage therapist whose patients won’t let her retire. It’s a great pleasure to acknowledge the achievements of a highly respected country trainer.

Whenever Ken Callaughan brought a horse to town from his country base, bookies were wary and punters had a very good look at the animal’s credentials. Ken’s success rate on metropolitan tracks was consistent over many years. We gave him a call recently and the veteran horseman accepted our invitation to join us on the podcast. Ken talks about the horse transport business he launched after quitting the training ranks.  He says much of his work is generated by Goulburn trainers who like to run horses in the weekly TAB Highway races. Ken talks about his early years in the tiny village of Delegate near the Victorian border. He says his father George was a tough taskmaster when giving his son riding tuition. Ken pays tribute to his late brother Brian. He looks back on his first trip to an Inglis Tried Horse Sale. He came away with the unraced gelding who would launch his training career. Ken acknowledges some of his very early winners. He remembers Stormy Guest who was showing great promise before he suffered a career ending injury in a track gallop. At this point of the interview Ken pays a heartfelt tribute to former outstanding jockey Don Terry whose career was terminated by a Grafton race fall more than twenty years ago. They are still in regular contact. The former trainer looks back on his years at Capricorn Park, a 500 acre property near Canberra from which he trained many winners. All of his trackwork was done at home. For many years Ken combined horse training with the breaking of yearlings. One of his regular clients was owner/breeder Sandy Tait. He talks of the Nassipour colt who gave him many a headache during the breaking in process. He acknowledges the talents of some of the best horses he got to train in a forty year career. Ken talks of the well known horsemen to come through the system at Capricorn Park. He says wife Margaret was an outstanding trackwork rider in the early days of his training career. He makes special mention of daughter Fiona and son Peter. Fiona does most of the driving in his transport business. A special group of country horse trainers have gained legendary status in NSW racing. Ken Callaughan is one of them.

Joe Bowditch has been a familiar face on major Australian racetracks for more than 34 years. He’s still plying his trade from a Victorian base at 47 years of age, and still riding winners. The evergreen jockey has crammed a lot into more than three decades of race riding in four states. The Joe Bowditch story makes for an interesting podcast. Currently under suspension,   he was happy to give me some time on the phone last weekend. He spoke to me from a Bundalong property owned by his great mate Luke Nolen. Joe talks about his recent Flemington win on Brazen Lady and acknowledges the support he receives from the Ellerton/Moodie stable. He talks of a long and successful association he’s had with another Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths.  Joe descends from a famous Riverina racing family. He shares memories of his father Des and uncles Barry and Wally- all accomplished jockeys. He remembers a wonderful friendship with trainer Ray Guy who was to have signed him up as an apprentice. When Ray died suddenly in 1992, his son Bryan became Joe’s master. Joe recalls having been All Our Mob’s strapper when he won at Rosehill the day after Ray’s passing. The jockey recalls travelling to Mudgee to ride his first winner thirty one years ago. He looks back on his first couple of metropolitan winners.  Joe talks about a loan-out to the famous Lindsay Park operation in SA. Colin Hayes had retired but still had a presence. He talks of the quality of horseflesh he got to work with including a Melbourne Cup winner. Joe reflects on his working relationship with both David and Peter Hayes. Peter’s death in a light plane crash impacted the entire staff at Lindsay Park. He remembers two star apprentices who came through the system during his time at the famous Angaston operation.  The jockey comments on the fact that the bulk of his career winners have been on the Morphettville track. Joe looks back on his first Gr 1 success in 2004. He had to change his tactics when the pace slowed suddenly in the middle stages of the SA Derby. He’s ridden better horses than  Conservatorium but says the genuine gelding remains his all time favourite. He talks about his narrow defeat on a future multiple Gr 1 winner in the 1996 Fulham Park Plate. Joe’s had his share of nasty falls. He talks about a crash at Morphettville in 2000 that left him with a long list of injuries. He looks back on an association with On A Jeune in 2004. He won a Cranbourne Cup on the gelding and went on to ride him in the Melbourne Cup of the same year. Joe looks back on a brief stint at Corowa as stable rider for the legendary Riverina trainer Richard Freyer. He talks of a surprise phone call from his former master Bryan Guy- a call that led him to a six year stay in Queensland. Joe reviews the highs and lows of that Queensland sojourn- some major wins and one serious race fall. The veteran jockey delights in talking about his association with the brilliant mare Viddora, the highlight of his long association with trainer Lloyd Kennewell. Joe summarises Viddora’s wins in the Moir Stakes and Winterbottom Stakes. He says she was unlucky not to have added another Moir Stakes to her CV. He talks of exciting trips to Dubai and Hong Kong with the daughter of I Am Invincible. Joe finished among the tailenders on Viddora in the 2018 Everest, but won’t forget the experience. He closes by paying tribute to wife Jen and his four children from two marriages- Heidi (21), Callam (19) and the dynamic duo (Jake 5) and Frankie (3). Great to catch up with a long serving and thoroughly dedicated professional jockey.

Great to catch up with respected Dubbo trainer Peter Nestor who’s back in town training a small team of horses after a four year break from racing. A member of a legendary western districts racing family, Peter takes us back to his early days in the unique township of Gulargambone, and the family’s move to Dubbo. He talks of the serious heart ailment that stopped him in his tracks early last year. Peter admits he knew something was amiss for many months. He places most of the blame on a lifelong smoking habit. He says he really wasn’t intending to train horses again, but the bug soon bit. Peter talks of Loving Angel, the former Snowden trained mare who got him up and going again. He says she’s got a few quirks. He talks of Blue Guitar, another “hand me down” who’s been impressive in winning a couple of recent races.  The trainer speaks highly of lightly raced filly Grand Oyster, a recent winner at Narromine. Pete’s adamant that he won’t be increasing the size of his team. He pays tribute to his late father John, a former outstanding bush jockey and a successful trucking operator in later life.  The sixty five year old talks of brother Michael, a former successful jockey and current Dubbo businessman. He talks of Michael’s love of a bet. Peter says his only sister Wendy has enjoyed some luck as an owner. He speaks admiringly of nephew Kody Nestor who’s enjoyed great success in the saddle and the training ranks. He’s currently getting over surgery for an old injury. Peter talks of Kody’s retirement from the training ranks two years ago, and a return to race riding. The trainer speaks glowingly of his former apprentice Kathy O’Hara who has three Gr1 wins on her CV. He says Kathy was going to succeed from the day she walked into the stable. The NSW western districts has produced many outstanding jockeys. Peter pays tribute to the riders he’s most admired over a long period of years. He looks back on a challenging move to Sydney in the early 1990’s and talks of the Rosehill stables he occupied for several years. Peter says Shiraz was almost certainly the best horse he’s trained. He recommended the horse should be sent to Sydney after a sequence of impressive country wins. He talks of Izababe, winner of eleven races including two country Cups. He says the horse was desperately unlucky not to win a Scone Cup. The trainer speaks with great affection of a pony sized mare called Aulone Star.  He remembers the deeds of Miss Alberta who was hampered by a suspect tendon for much of her career. Peter pays a fitting tribute to his wife Nancy, son Michael, daughter Amanda and six grandchildren. It’s an enjoyable chat with a very laid back bush horseman.

Michael Charge’s passion for racing was evident to viewers the first time he appeared on Sky Thoroughbred Central. He successfully combines that passion with an in depth knowledge of north Queensland form to help punters identify winners on many tracks in the region. Caught up with the man recently to find out how it all started. Michael remembers his late mum’s frustration when her son preferred Best Bets, Sportsman and Winning Post to school books. He talks about the vast mileage he travels to cover race meetings for Sky. Early days he would drive 700 kms to Rockhampton. That’s no longer the case. Michael talks about his trackside presentations from a wide range of Queensland tracks- 26 so far with a total of 110 meetings all up. It’s interesting to hear that he’s careful not to over complicate things when analysing form. Michael’s a little different to many form students in that he tends to ignore the market until arriving at a conclusion. He believes pre-post markets can influence a tipster’s thinking. He talks of historic Norfolk Island- the place of his birth. He’ll be returning soon for a special occasion. Michael talks of a relocation to Bundaberg where his parents bought a newsagency. His late father introduced him to the magic of the turf. He remembers tipping horses to people at age 8 or 9. The Sky host looks back on three special horses whose racing styles fired his interest. Michael talks of an enduring friendship with Bundaberg horse trainer Tina Cotsiopolous. He looks back on an early involvement in the Travel Agency business. Michael talks of his induction to the Bundaberg Race Club committee at just 21 years of age. Five years later he was honoured to be elected President.  The racing devotee talks of a move to Brisbane when an offer came from Peter Harney’s Ambassador Travel operation.  During that time he negotiated sponsorship deals with the Townsville Turf Club whose CEO James Heddo decided to accept a role with the Bendigo Jockey Club. Michael bit the bullet and applied for the job. Michael talks of his marriage to Danielle and the subsequent arrival of daughter Lucy and son Lachlan. He says a massive track upgrade at Cluden Park was the highlight of his time with the Townsville Turf Club. Michael pays tribute to Party King, winner of three consecutive Townsville Cups. The third leg of the trilogy generated enormous crowd involvement. Michael still can’t believe he’s one of a chosen few tipsters to come up with a 100/1 winner. It’s a good story. He acknowledges the talents of some special north Queensland horses in recent years. Michael pays tribute to his favourite jockeys and trainers. He makes special mention of Frank Edwards who’s still riding winners in his sixtieth year. Lacey Morrison rates high praise. Michael acknowledges the talents of his great friend, ace race caller Tony Wode. He talks of a recent meeting with an old school friend at Rockhampton’s Archer meeting. That friend, now a member of the Priesthood, reminded Michael of his foray into illegal bookmaking on the 1993 Melbourne Cup. Michael concludes with heartfelt praise for partner Tina. It’s a laid back chat with a rising 50 year old whose career path was set in stone at a very early age.

In the late 1990’s Jarrod Austin walked away from racing to investigate what other career options were available in the world. He tried the hotel industry and dabbled in the building trade, but soon realised there was one key component missing. He’d been around horses all his life, and found he simply couldn’t break the bond. The story of his path back into the racing industry makes for a good podcast. We pinned Jarrod down recently and got him reminiscing about a horsey life that began on his father’s little Tamworth stud farm. The Warwick Farm trainer gives his assurance he won’t be leaving the industry again. Jarrod explains his team currently numbers 22 horses but says  two or three more would  be more than welcome in his Bull St stables at Warwick Farm. He pays tribute to his dedicated stable staff of seven. Jarrod explains why he recently made the decision to quit riding trackwork. The trainer talks at length about his stable star Terra Mater, one of the Inglis Digital “finds” of the past year. Purchased by stable client Gary Carden from a Widden Stud weanling dispersal for a mere $1750, Terra Mater has already banked $366,000 from six wins and six placings. The story is a fascinating one. Jarrod takes us through her racing career from her very first start at Wyong when she ran into a maiden who’s currently sitting on $640,000 in prize  money. She ran into some hot opposition before she finally cracked it for a win. The trainer looks back on his decision to walk away from racing in the mid 1990’s. He soon regretted that call. He was working as a concreter near Camden when he heard that a manager’s job was coming up at a nearby spelling and pre-training farm. He got the job and it was the perfect transition back into training. Jarrod talks of his happy six years at the property owned by trainer Denise McGrath. He helped in the preparation of several McGrath horses including the talented Keen Commander, who missed out narrowly in the 2008 Galaxy. He looks back on Denise McGrath’s decision to leave the training ranks giving him the opportunity to take over the Warwick Farm stables. Jarrod says he was able to get away to a flying start with three horses entrusted to his care by the retiring trainer. He actually won with his very first starter on the comeback trail. He acknowledges the talents of four time city winner Territory. Jarrod talks about a couple of veteran geldings he was able to keep going seemingly past their “use by” date. They just kept winning. Jarrod talks about his discovery of Rachel King in the days when the English girl was apprenticed to Gai Waterhouse. He was keen  to provide her first city winner but was beaten to the punch by another trainer. Austin looks back on Inanup who was a work in progress from the day he walked into the stable. He finished up winning eight races including five in town, largely due to the patience and skill of his trainer. You can hear the admiration in Jarrod’s voice as he pays tribute to recently retired Looks Like Elvis. He slipped the gelding to Victoria on two occasions and got the money both times. Jarrod pays tribute to a couple of his favourite “go-to” jockeys. The trainer gives encouraging pointers to a couple of promising horses currently coming through the grades. Jarrod Austin is one of many talented trainers who simply does his best with what he’s got. His best is of a very high level. Great to have him on our podcast.

Brian York hasn’t wasted a single minute from the day he became aware that his riding days were over. He tried everything known to medical science to overcome a knee injury sustained in a freakish fall at Rosehill in November 2002, but to no avail.The former star jockey joins us on the podcast this week to talk about his very busy and rewarding life after racing. Brian begins  by talking about a five year association with the Waterhouse/Bott stable producing videos of trackwork and jump outs for stable clients. He says border closures during the pandemic brought his business to an end. He talks about the challenge of learning a brand new craft. Brian looks back on his family’s emigration from Scotland to New Zealand. He was just ten years of age. The budding champion jockey was elated to gain an apprenticeship with respected Takanini trainer Cliff Fenwick. He recalls the thrilling occasion of his first win in March 1979 on a handy mare trained by his master. Brian looks back on the first of his 35 Gr 1 victories. He talks about successful stints in Singapore and Malaysia before accepting an offer to move permanently to Australia.  Brian clearly recalls the offer made by the late Bruce McLachlan who was looking for the right jockey to join the team at his lavish Caboolture training property. He describes the unique lay out of Thornhill Park. The former champion jockey pays a heartfelt tribute to the man who won 16 Brisbane training premierships. He believes no trainer/jockey partnership has ever been more harmonious. Brian acknowledges the talents of the special horses he rode during his time with the former Mt. Isa policeman. He reflects on six consecutive wins on the brilliant New Zealander Our Maizcay. When connections decided to run Our Maizcay in the Cox Plate with only 48.5 kgs Brian’s initial reaction was to relinquish the ride. He decided to give it a crack and turned up at the right weight on the day. His enormous sacrifice was to be all in vain. He looks back on a happy association with the powerhouse sprinter General Nediym.  Brian has fond memories of his very first ride on Filante- a stunning four lengths victory in the 1996 Epsom. He looks back on a very successful association with the Gai Waterhouse stable. Brian pays tribute to the well documented talents of trainer John Size. He regrets never having won a Golden Slipper. Circumstances kept him off three winners of the iconic two year old race. Brian won seven races on champion Might And Power including three memorable Gr 1’s. He looks back on a thrilling association with a unique horse. Might And Power’s trainer Jack Denham also prepared another of Brian’s favourites. The jockey looks back on a nine win streak with the talented Fairway. Brian talks about his association with the enigmatic Jack Denham.  He reflects on the irony of his final day at the races in 2002- a winner for the late Max Lees and a career ending accident just 90 minutes apart. Brian pays a touching tribute to Karen, his wife of 41 years.  It’s a nostalgic chat with one of the best riders of his generation.

Great to catch up with northern NSW riding legend Peter Graham who’s still going strong at 55 years of age and closing in on 2500 career wins. Peter was born and reared at Wauchope and virtually taught himself to ride at the local racecourse. When it was time to launch his professional riding career he chose Port Macquarie as his home base and he’s still there today. Peter begins by talking about younger daughter Rori who’s getting over a nasty trackwork injury. He pays tribute to daughter Cejay, currently one of Brisbane’s in form jockeys. Peter talks of son Jesse who rode a few winners before opting for a change of career direction. He acknowledges the help given by wife Karen at his Port Macquarie training property. He talks of his role as the holder of a dual training and riding licence. Peter looks back on the Wauchope trackwork accident that left him with a condition known as “frozen shoulder”. The veteran says he thought about retirement but decided on a return to race riding when his shoulder injury improved. Peter looks back on early days at Wauchope and his initial apprenticeship to Bob Graham. He says he had no real tutelage in those early days. Eventually he moved to Muswellbrook. The respected horseman reflects on his first win as a 36kg apprentice. He talks of an affinity with the Kempsey track where he’s won 6 local Cups. Peter looks back on an imposing list of feature wins on northern tracks with special mention of his Grafton Cup win on Rednav as recently as 2016. He pays tribute to Rednav’s trainer Sally Taylor. He looks back on several rewarding seasons on NSW tracks. Peter says country commitments have kept him away from city tracks, but recalls one day at Randwick that turned out to be an unpleasant experience. He talks of the ten acre farm at Port Macquarie from which he prepares his small string of horses. The versatile horseman talks about recent track improvements at Port Macquarie racecourse. Peter talks of the immense thrill he received when daughter Cejay rode her first winner for the stable. He discusses the prospects of members of his small team going forward. Peter pays tribute to some of the talented country jockeys with whom he’s ridden over the years. It’s a long overdue tribute to one of the kings of northern NSW racing.

Jim Cassidy was just 18 years old when he first made his mark in Australian racing with a Brisbane Cup win on Four Crowns. He was back eighteen months later to win the Melbourne Cup with a barnstorming run on Kiwi. Some say the gelding produced the fastest finish in Cup history. In 1984 he was offered a plumb job in Sydney and so began an adventure destined to take the Wellington born jockey to 104 Gr 1 wins. In between times there were some thrilling highs and some gut wrenching lows. In this lengthy chat Jim talks with customary candour about his life in racing- from his first win at Wairoa in 1978 to his swansong on Victorian Oaks day 2015.  He begins by explaining the origins of his legendary nickname “The Pumper”. The former jockey says the nickname came from his unique style in the saddle. Jim looks back on the publication of his widely read 2016 autobiography “The Pumper”.  He goes back to the closing weeks of his riding career. A winner at his last Sydney ride, and his final Melbourne Cup carnival. Jim agrees the Victorian Oaks was numerically his most significant Gr 1 race. He looks back on his rides over the first three days of that Melbourne Cup carnival. Jim takes us back to childhood days in Wellington when his ambition to be an All Black far outweighed any riding aspirations. He reminisces about an uninspiring education. The legendary jockey takes us back to work experience with two trainers and finally an apprenticeship with Patrick Campbell. He says he thought his first winner would never come. Once it happened there was no stopping the little dynamo. Jim reminisces about his wins in the 1981 O’Shea Stakes and Brisbane Cup on Four Crowns after which he tells the riveting Kiwi story. He’s never forgotten the phone call from Bob Lapointe and the offer to be a part of a powerful Sydney conglomerate. At first he thought the phone call was a ruse. Jim remembers the early days of his new job and the arrival of an English horse destined for a brief but brilliant campaign in Sydney.  The great jockey experienced several low points including the horror of a home invasion which came as a massive fright for himself and wife Helen. In typical fashion he turned up at the races and rode multiple winners. He looks back on his all time most satisfying day at the races- six winners at a Rosehill Saturday meeting in 1987. Jim looks back on a low key midweek meeting and a horse called Cruising. His ride incurred the wrath of the stewards who hit him with a 12 month ban. He says nobody would have been seen to advantage on the horse in question. He’s very proud of his three win record in the AJC Australian Derby. He takes us through his trio of victories in the historic race. Cassidy still rues the fact that he never won a Melbourne Cup for Bart Cummings. It still pains him that he could have ridden Kingston Rule in 1990, but stuck solid to another stable. He talks of his association with another Cummings top liner, the ill fated Shaftesbury Avenue. Jim pays tribute to Malcolm Ayoub an old fashioned masseur who got him through many aches and pains. “The Boss” also became his greatest friend and inspiration. A fitting tribute is on the agenda for the Kiwi wonder horse Rough Habit, one of Jim’s all time favourites. The former legendary jockey is happy to take us through the infamous “Jockey Tape” scandal. The story broke on the day he was to ride Flying Spur in the Golden Slipper. It cost him a win in the great two year old race and resulted in a five year disqualification later reduced to three. He was back in 21 months with a resolve that had never been stronger. The best of Jim Cassidy was yet to come. On resuming he needed a top horse to regenerate his career. He found Might And Power and his comeback was complete. Six years after being robbed of Slipper victory on Flying Spur, he finally won the great race on Gai’s filly Ha Ha.  Jim was pretty chuffed to win the Coolmore Stud Stakes on Zoustar, now a champion stall

I’m delighted to introduce a man I’ve known for six decades. Max Presnell had just returned from England to regenerate his career with Fairfax newspapers, as I kicked off with Sydney station 2GB. Max recently called time on an association with Fairfax which embraced a total of 67 years- perhaps a world record in the newspaper game. I don’t know how we can cover 67 years in an hour or so, but let’s give it a crack. Max explains the reasons for his recent departure from the Sydney Morning Herald. He talks about the evolvement of his popular 2017 autobiography “Good Losers Die Broke”- a rollicking review of his life in racing. Max, son of a publican talks about the unusual  experience of spending his early years in a famous Sydney Hotel. He tells a funny story about a lady who happened to be the sister of Stanley Wootton, owner of the hotel in question. Max talks of many well known visiting trainers who stayed at the pub when in Sydney. I’ll let Max tell you about a chirpy little regular who earned the dubious nickname of “two bob Tommy”. The legendary writer talks of his father Roy who ran the pub for 25 years. Max talks of the white cockatoo Roy brought back from a duck shooting excursion. That cocky became a legend in his own right. He talks of his feelings whenever he walks into the Doncaster Hotel today. Max takes us back to his employment as a copy boy with the old Sydney Sun. He remembers his cadetship and the thrill of becoming a graded journalist in 1961. He talks of his lifelong penchant for a punt and recalls a massive win on the Doncaster-Sydney Cup double in 1961. Max was on steward’s room duties the day Mel Schumacher was outed for life after the infamous “leg pull incident in the AJC Derby. His memories of the steward’s inquiry remain vivid.   He looks back on a sabbatical from the Sun and a long sea voyage to England where he freelanced for three years. Things got so bad at one stage that he had to “hock” his binoculars. The veteran racing scribe talks of several freelance jobs he was able to secure in England. He reminisces about a proposed plunge on a horse in the Ascot Gold Cup. The horse in question was a noted mudlark. Max was delighted when rain continued to fall but was in for a rude shock. For the first time in twenty five years, the Gold Cup meeting was called off. You won’t believe what happened to his punting bank. Max looks back on his return to Sydney in 1964 and the start of phase two of his amazing association with Fairfax. He talks of his admiration for the works of Banjo Paterson. Max remembers his very successful  transition into radio and television. A disagreement with Channel 7 Sports Director Rex Mossop saw him stand down from the popular “Punter’s Post Mortem” programme. Some time later he returned to Channel 7 in a different format. He pays tribute to some of the great journalists with whom he got to work over a long period of years. Max acknowledges some of the great horse trainers of his era with special mention of Jack Denham. He fondly remembers the days when many racecourse figures carried curious nicknames. Max was unable to recall the name of his new website, but hopes his old fans will visit from time to time. It’s my great pleasure to pay tribute to a true giant of racing journalism.

It’s a pleasure to welcome Terry Evans to the podcast- the trainer who happens to be the sole occupant of on course stabling at the Tuncurry-Forster racecourse on the NSW north coast. Terry was there when the new track was granted a licence by Racing NSW in 2009. This podcast was recorded two days before Sir Ravanelli scored an impressive win on a rain sodden Newcastle track. Terry rates the grey gelding as the best horse he’s trained to date. He begins by reflecting on the enthusiasm and commitment of the new Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club when he arrived fifteen years ago.  Terry pays tribute to the Jockey Club’s dedicated President Gary McQuillan. He remembers a conversation with a friend at a Port Macquarie meeting in 2009. At that time he was unaware a new track was under construction at nearby Tuncurry-Forster.  Terry talks about the purchase of the racecourse a few years ago by Racing NSW. The trainer talks about the facilities available to him. He explains the benefits of his 20 acre property at nearby Rainbow Flat. Terry and wife Julie had a frightening experience a few years ago when the property was threatened by the raging NSW north coast bushfires. He says the fires also got dangerously close to the racecourse stables. He was in total disbelief just twelve months later when floodwaters looked likely to inundate the stables. Terry expresses his appreciation of the talents and work ethic of Gonzalo Aguila, an Argentinian horseman who walked into the stables looking for a job. He looks back on early days in Balmain when he realised a dream by landing a sand boy’s role with the famous Balmain Tiger’s RL team. Terry pays tribute to two former Balmain legends who were his inspiration at the time. He reflects on his playing days in the Balmain Juniors and his transition to the Under 23 ranks. Memories of his very first game at the higher level remain vivid for all the wrong reasons. Terry reminisces about his entry into the thoroughbred world at a Southern Highlands stud farm. This is where he gained valuable experience working with mares and foals. A regular visitor to the property was a young lady who worked for the Horse Power Feed Company. Julie was destined to become his wife. He looks back on a move to Julie’s horse property at Dural and his appointment as a yearling handler at nearby Shillington Park. In the early 1990’s Terry and Julie established their own spelling and pre-training business near Wyong. They were delighted when the business grew rapidly but in the end it became too much for them. He says this was the catalyst for his transition to horse training. He talks of a low key start at Gosford, and the help he received from the resident CEO. Terry looks back on the magical occasion of his first training win. He reminisces about a win with Verrekeen at Gosford in 2009. It was the very last race called by the retiring Ian Craig. It was a costly exercise for winning jockey Hugh Bowman. Terry acknowledges other horses who’ve helped him along the way. This podcast was taped a couple of days before Sir Ravanelli’s impressive win at Newcastle on May 11th. Terry recalls his acquisition of the gelding on the recommendation of a NZ bloodstock agent. He talks of the care and attention necessary to keep on top of the horse’s foot problems.  The trainer looks back on Sir Ravanelli’s achievements so far. He talks of the grey’s ownership group, one of whom is ace race photographer Steve Hart. He talks of the current progress of his old football team and the emotional attachment that persists to this day. Terry talks of Julie’s return to the nursing profession and son Troy’s love of a punt. It’s a laid back chat with yet another member of that exclusive club known as the “Balmain Boys”.

This is a long overdue chat with one of the most respected riders in the Australian amateur ranks. When not competing at faraway picnic meetings, Ricky Blewitt can be found riding trackwork at Narromine before starting his full time job as the Narromine Turf Club’s track manager. The busy horseman speaks highly of the first class country racecourse.  Ricky confirms that he rides eight or more horses in trackwork most mornings for his partner Kylie Kennedy. He says Kylie competes mainly at professional meetings but occasionally takes a horse to the picnics. The top horseman speaks highly of Kylie’s father, former jockey and successful trainer Wayne Collison. Ricky says he has no problem with the 62 kg minimum weight at the picnic meetings. The jockey declares his love for the business and his willingness to drive long distances to race meetings. He talks of early days in Queanbeyan and makes the surprise admission that he had a fear of horses in childhood days. Ricky recalls his friendship with a local apprentice who went on to Gr 1 success as a jockey. He looks back on a deal he made with his parents regarding schooling, and his first job with local trainer Amanda Langlar. Rick looks back on his transfer to respected trainer Arch Turner and the nasty trackwork fall that dimmed his enthusiasm for a while. He talks of his debut as an amateur rider and the thrill of a win at just his second ride. Ricky says he has no idea of the number of premierships he’s won largely because of inadequate records. He talks of his wonderful run in Picnic Cups all over the state. He looks back on the first of his three Bong Bong Cup successes. He got a huge thrill to win his second Bong Bong Cup in the colours made famous by champions like Saintly and So You Think. Ricky’s third win at Bong Bong gave him the biggest kick of all. He was chuffed to ride a horse called Frenzied for the Waterhouse/Bott combination. Both trainers were there on the day. The jockey says the Bong Bong Cup meeting is very different to days gone by. He talks of the famous Golden Triangle picnic circuit in the state’s north west- three meetings in two weeks which all attract huge crowds. Rick pays tribute to Moree trainer Peter Sinclair who’s given him great support over many years. He says the Sinclair trained Track Flash is almost certainly the best picnic galloper he’s ridden. Ricky has no doubt the Picnic Cups are almost TAB standard races these days. He says the influence of Racing NSW has resulted in better maintained picnic race tracks. He reviews some of the many picnic tracks he’s patronised over the year, with special mention of the popular Bedgerabong course. Ricky says he’s been relatively lucky regarding injuries throughout his career but has unhappy memories of one three horse crash at Tomingley in 2019. He and Mick Gray sustained multiple injuries, while Michael Hackett had to call time on a successful career. He pays tribute to two great picnic jockeys who helped shape his career. Rick has had many memorable days of race riding. He recalls a couple of red letter days at Booroowa and Tottenham. I’ve had several requests to present a podcast with Ricky Blewitt. It was a delight to catch up with a true gentleman of the amateur riding ranks.

Five years ago Scott Singleton found that he was spending much more time on the road to country race meetings than he was at city and provincial meetings. He made the snap decision to put his hand up when boxes became available at Scone. Nowadays he has easy access to any number of country meetings, and an easy run to Sydney when the right horse comes along. Scott says relocating an entire training operation from Hawkesbury was pretty taxing. He admits there was an emotional downside to leaving his much loved Hawkesbury Valley. Scott says he explored options in Victoria before settling on Scone. He says he and wife Lucy were lucky to stumble upon an ideal property on the outskirts of Scone. Scott explains that most of his team are on course, but says some horses are happier on the property. He says a good camaraderie exists between Scone trainers. The experienced horseman takes us back to childhood days when his maternal grandfather got him interested in thoroughbreds. He recalls his transition to Hawkesbury trackwork and the former bush jockey who tutored him in the skills of riding racehorses. Scott says he dreamed of becoming a jockey but his build and weight eliminated that possibility. Encouraged by his grandfather Scott opted to do the next best thing and apply for an amateur licence. He looks back on a brief stint at the picnics and the two winners he can now dine out on. Scott says his brother Dean was also an active picnic rider. Dean kept going for some time after Scott’s retirement. He pays a heartfelt tribute to his English born wife Lucy, daughter of a Wiltshire jumps trainer and an outstanding rider in her own right. The trainer talks of Lucy’s current role in the operation. He talks of son and daughter Jack and Zoe and the things that interest the pair. Scott talks of his magical first win with Reginald at Bathurst in 2006. He talks with mixed feelings about the talented but quirky Shazee Lee who caused him many a headache during her racing career. Scott acknowledges the talents of a few handy horses who’ve helped to get him on the road. He looks back on a unique two state double in 2013. Scott remembers the brilliant but single minded Partners who never learned to conserve his energy. He was a horse without brakes. He talks about a handful of handy horses likely to win some races in the near future. Scott speaks highly of stable apprentice Mitch Stapleford, grandson of recently retired training maestro Albert Stapleford. The trainer pays tribute to two valued work riders. One of them recently quit the race riding ranks, the other continues to be a very capable jockey. Scott says he still helps out with trackwork. He acknowledges the talents of one of his “go-to” jockeys Mikayla Weir. It’s a laid back chat with a top horseman who wishes he’d made the move to the Hunter Valley long before he did.

I’ve had a number of verbal and email requests to provide a podcast with a former top Queensland jockey who enjoyed a distinguished career despite a torturous battle with weight. Unable to continue with the ravages of the sweat box, Shane Scriven quit the saddle in 2012 to pursue a brand new career with Racing Queensland. Today he’s firmly established as a counsellor and mentor for young jockeys coming through the system. Guess what! We posted a podcast with Shane almost four years ago. In view of the fact that nothing has changed in his life, we’re going to give the interview another run this week. He begins by talking about the days when he had to take short breaks from riding in order to save his sanity. Shane looks back on his childhood involvement with horses. His sister loved the more elegant riding disciplines. Her brother wanted to go as fast as possible. He says the first trainer with whom he sought an apprenticeship wasn’t interested. He eventually got a start with Eagle Farm trainer Tom Dawson. The former ace jockey reflects on the thrill of his first win. He rode a winning double in fact, and one of his mounts was a quarter horse. Shane rode his first Gr 1 winner in Sydney. The filly Tingo Tango was trained by Doug Bougoure who was destined to become his father-in-law. The former jockey pays tribute to talented galloper Prince Salieri who gave him two Gr 1 wins. He talks about a fleeting association with the outstanding racehorse Rough Habit- one ride for one win in the P.J O’Shea Stakes. He recalls every step of the race. Shane has high regard for Scenic Shot, the last topliner he got to ride. He won two Doomben Cups and an LKS McKinnon Stakes on the West Aussie. He pays tribute to favourites like Opressor, Buck’s Pride, Burdekin Blues and Consular. It still pains him, but he’s happy to talk about the “one that got away”- his desperately unlucky defeat on champion Octagonal in the 1995 Victoria Derby. Shane talks about the Ipswich “brain fade” that put him on the sidelines for a lengthy period. There’s a funny side to this disaster. He’s justifiably proud of a Brisbane jockey’s premiership in the 2008/2009 season when he had nowhere near as many rides as some of his lighter rivals. Shane closes with special mention of daughter Halle. It’s a laid back chat with a former jockey whose career would have reached dizzy heights had he been a few kgs lighter.

The Karen Owen story had potential podcast written all over it from the moment I interviewed her after a recent Randwick win with Fay’s Angels. A horse devotee from an early age, Karen was a whiz at pony club before transitioning to the eventing sport.  She dreamed of a job around horses, and jumped to attention when an opportunity came up with the NSW Mounted Police. Thirty three years later she left the force with the rank of Sergeant, and immediately embarked on a racehorse training career. Karen says she rarely has more than ten horses in work on the Killawarra property. She explains that most of her horses have been bred by clients. Karen says she’s too busy to pursue her first equestrian love of eventing, but still has a presence in the dressage arena. The trainer says she likes to keep her horses as close to nature as possible. The property offers several options. Karen says the horses are floated to the nearby Taree racecourse when a serious gallop is required. She pays tribute to veterinarian husband Adrian who had to build up a new practice from scratch when the family moved to Wingham. Karen talks of daughter Maddy who was literally born to the saddle, and wanted to become a jockey from the moment she started riding trackwork. The talented horsewoman looks back on early days in Sydney’s western suburbs and her very first pony- a gift from parents who knew nothing about horses. Karen talks of her first year as a Probationary Constable with the NSW Police. She was restricted to general duties for the first year of her new career. Most of her work was located in Sydney’s King’s Cross. She looks back on her long awaited introduction to the Mounted Police Headquarters in Redfern. She’s never forgotten the immaculate condition of the stables and gear. Karen says she was one of only three females in the mounted unit. It’s a very different story today. The former Sergeant Owen takes us through her many and varied duties with the “Mounties” including a very intimidating situation during the Cronulla race riots of 2005. She makes no secret of the fact that race day duty at nearby Randwick was easily her favourite working commitment. She says the buzz of the track whetted her appetite for racing. Karen looks back on a few notable former racehorses who found their way into the Mounted Police Unit. She talks of her first meeting with Veterinarian Adrian Owen whose duties included regular visits to the Mounted Police stables at Redfern. Karen looks back on Adrian’s  stint as a hobby trainer in the late 1990’s. She got the job as chief work rider before going off to work. Eventing was still very much a part of her life. She looks back on a trip to NZ for a Trans Tasman Challenge. Adrian came along as babysitter for first born Damian. Karen affectionately recalls a dream trip to England in 2012 when she got to ride before Queen Elizabeth. She recalls a conversation with Her Majesty and a humorous comment from the Duke Of Edinburgh. She’s never forgotten the moment she saw the Queen in the saddle at 86 years of age. Karen looks back on the thrill of receiving the Australian Police Medal, and her promotion to the rank of Sergeant. She talks of the riding talents of sons Damian and Callum. Karen looks back fondly on the thrill of her first training win at Bowraville. She talks of a Taree Gold Cup win with Sound And Vision, part owned by former Mounties working associate Ed Quilty. Karen acknowledges daughter Maddy’s clever ride on Sound And Vision. She delights in relating the story behind her first Randwick winner  Fay’s Angels. Another former work associate was responsible for Karen being given the mare to train. She says the quirky mare is well suited to farm life. Karen talks of the mare’s veteran owner breeder Ed Meadows who’s now 97 and going strong. It’s a nice chat with a lady who can’t imagine a single day without horses.

Bryan Martin was in his early 20’s when appointed number three race caller behind Bert Bryant and John Russell on Melbourne’s 3UZ in 1972.  Martin went on to a brilliant career in his own right, but not before spending countless hours with John in broadcast boxes throughout Victoria. The two became trusted colleagues and close friends. Nobody is better qualified than Bryan to pay tribute to one of the greats of the trade. He sings the praises of John Russell the race caller, and shares some wonderful stories from the life and times of a true Aussie character. Bryan looks back on his final visit to the bedside of his old friend. Bryan looks back on John’s upbringing in Warrnambool where his hard working mother ran a boarding house. He relays the stories he’d heard from John about Warrnambool’s busy SP betting trade. Bryan revisits John’s love of doubles betting at carnival time, and his all time best result. The former top caller knows the John Russell story backwards. He looks back on Russell’s first radio job with 3YB. Bryan reflects on his former colleague’s love of foot running and his own natural ability in the sport. He looks back on John’s annual coverage on 3UZ of the famous Stawell Gift. He talks of a sudden reshuffle in the 3UZ pecking order when Frank O’Brien switched to rival station 3DB. Bryan talks of the contrast in styles between Bert Bryant and John Russell.  He talks of Bert Bryant’s insatiable love of the punt. John Russell was his commission agent. Martin was right in the middle of the dramatic situation at 3UZ when Bert suffered a brain aneurysm. His return to the microphone was short lived. Bryan recalls John’s heartbreak when 3UZ dumped its racing format in 1984. He looks back on early days at 3UZ when he and John Russell shared broadcasting duties at many tracks.  Bryan recalls one hilarious incident on the way to the races one day when he realised John was wearing a hairpiece. He talks of his colleague’s  love of a drink and an uncanny ability to handle the ravages of a big night. The famous Phar Lap movie required the appearance of a 1930’s race caller. Bryan remembers John’s delight in accepting the cameo role. We switch the focus to Martin who initially retired in 2007 at just 57. Bryan talks of a comeback on new station SEN who introduced an abbreviated racing service. That comeback lasted seven years. We get Bryan to reminisce about his famous call of Better Loosen Up’s 1990 Japan Cup win. The former commentator delights in talking about the high profile horse he part owned. People still marvel at his composure as he called Fields Of Omagh in two Cox Plate wins. He talks of his involvement in the development of Living Legends Farm, home to many a retired champion. Bryan outlines his present day role of managing smaller syndicates in horses sourced from OTI Racing and Te Akau Racing Stables. The winners keep flowing. He nominates a few syndicate runners punters should keep tabs on. Great to catch up with an old mate who was among John Russell’s dearest friends.

Larry Cassidy’s sheer consistency as a professional jockey has brought him a strong fan base over almost four decades in the saddle. It’s now more than four months since Larry rode in a race, and the fans are getting restless.The ace jockey joins us on the podcast to talk about the litany of health issues and injuries he’s battled in recent years. He begins by talking about the track fall that left him with a badly broken finger last November. The complications have been endless. Larry takes us back to April of 2023 when he felt a twinge in his back during the running of a race. He battled on for a while but eventually the pain from a bulging disc made surgery inevitable. He was back at the races much sooner than expected.  He’d had only twelve rides back when a trackwork accident sent him out again. This time Doctors performed an epidural and ordered another long rest. Larry says he thought he’d used up all of his bad luck when he finally resumed last November. Lady Luck wasn’t done with him yet. The jockey was in reminiscent mood as he talked about early life in Wellington NZ. He looks back on the talents of brother Ricky who made a big name for himself as a jumps jockey. Larry talks of his first apprenticeship at Palmerston North and remembers his first ever race ride. Like most jockeys his first win remains etched in his memory. He talks of a transfer to former jockey Bruce Marsh at Woodville. Here his career took off. Larry fondly remembers a trip to Australia with Marsh who campaigned a small team of horses in Brisbane. This is where he rode his first Aussie winner. He recalls being involved in a five horse fall at Randwick during the same trip. The respected jockey looks back on a flying start when he finally settled in Sydney. Brother Jim recommended him for a prized ride. Larry pays tribute to Jim Cassidy. His comments will surprise you. With the Championships upon us it was a good time to talk about Larry’s big Easter double in 1997- the Doncaster on Secret Savings and the Sydney Cup on Linesman, He speaks fondly of Linesman and recalls the gelding’s huge run in the 1997 Melbourne Cup when battling a foot issue. Larry looks back on many rides in the Melbourne Cup without a win. A third and a fourth were his best results. The jockey clearly remembers a Victoria Derby win on Arena for the Inghams.  Larry acknowledges a number of outstanding gallopers he got to ride during his years in Sydney. Obviously he spends extra time on Sunline. He looks back on Darren Beadman’s shock retirement in 1997 and his promotion to the number one role at Crown Lodge. He says he was never officially appointed. It just happened. Larry talks of his three jockey’s premierships and his relationship with John Hawkes.  Cassidy remembers a new association with Gai Waterhouse after the parting of the ways with Crown Lodge. He explains his reasons for electing to make the move to Brisbane in 2009. He talks of a Queensland Derby win not long after relocating. His recollections of his one and only ride on Winx make for good listening. He couldn’t believe what he’d just experienced. Larry talks of a nightmare eighteen months with meniscal tearing in both knees. He eventually took his rehabilitation into his own hands. He pays tribute to wife Michelle and children Luke and Jade. Luke is on his way as a Doctor Of Medicine while Jade has aspirations in the arts, but is currently working for the wonderful organisation Guide Dogs Queensland. Larry is taking a realistic view of the future. He’d love to ride again, but hasn’t dismissed the possibility of an enforced retirement. It’s a laid back chat with an outstanding jockey who’s made a million friends along the way.

Five winners in a week when you have only twelve horses in work is a notable effort for any trainer. Port Macquarie’s John Sprague did exactly that in the middle of March with doubles at Coffs Harbour and Grafton and a single at Kempsey. John kicked off as an apprentice jockey in the late 1970’s when Canterbury was still a busy training centre. His riding career didn’t get going until he relocated to Port Macquarie. Two hundred wins later he switched to the training business, and has  maintained a healthy strike rate for the last twenty eight years. John begins by talking about his recent winning trot. He clears up any confusion about the pronunciation of his surname. Renovations to Port Macquarie training facilities have made things difficult for local trainers of late. John discusses the problems. He takes us back to the days of his apprenticeship to Jim O’Connor at Canterbury and a switch to an Orange stable. Rides were almost non existent. He pays tribute to the Canterbury trainers of the era with special acknowledgement of a popular  jockey who gave great assistance to those trainers over many years. John talks of a move to Port Macquarie where his father had set up a training stable. John Snr wasn’t in the position to apprentice his son, but Glen Hodge came to the rescue. John looks back on the thrill of his first winning ride- it was Stairway trained by his boss on his hometrack. He remembers a winning run that brought him doubles and trebles. Sprague looks back on a Taree Gold Cup win on the Glen Hodge trained Just Prince in 1980. Still on his riding career Sprague fondly remembers a country cups treble on Bold Bazza. He talks of Bold Bazza’s trainer Harry Leroy and wife Betty who’d been one of the pioneer lady jockeys in NSW. John talks of his riding days on northern rivers tracks with special mention of the unusual Bowraville circuit. He rarely rode in the city and finished his career without a metro winner. He talks of the “one that got away”. John looks back on the news that his father was about to relinquish his trainer’s licence and sell the Port Macquarie stables. Sprague Snr came up with an offer he couldn’t refuse. The experienced horseman acknowledges some of the horses who’ve helped shape his training career. He pays tribute to wife Karen who held a trainer’s licence at one stage. John looks back on the lowest point of his life in racing- a shock disqualification when one of his horses returned a positive swab after a race at Tuncurry-Forster. He looks back on a nightmare experience and the cost of his spirited defence. He pays tribute to a handful of jockeys with whom he’s enjoyed continued success in the northern region. John and Karen are the proud parents of three sons. None of the boys have pursued a career in racing, but all have successful careers. The 62 year old trainer gives a pointer to his future plans.

Always a pleasure to catch up with the bush trainers. Our podcast guest this week is Albury’s Ron Stubbs whose reputation precedes him. Ron is rarely without a handy horse, and he currently prepares Bianco Vilano who’s already safely locked away for the Country Championship Final on April 6th. Ron’s affinity with horses goes back to childhood days in the western Riverina. His training career has been spread over two successful stints. He talks about his first win on returning to training in 2016 with the curiously named Squidensqizz.  Ron looks back on his memorable day at Albury on Feb 18th- three wins including the Country Championship Qualifier. He talks of his association with Victorian jockey Craig Williams who rode all three winners. Ron talks of the progress made by Bianco Vilano.  The trainer speaks well of Bianco Vilano’s full brother Baledon who finished third in the Albury qualifier. Ron takes us back to childhood days in Moulamein and the shetland pony his father won in a raffle. He remembers the family’s relocation to Hay and his participation in pony club. Not surprisingly he later graduated to riding trackwork for his dad Pat who was hobby training at the time. Ron talks of his only sister Jenny, and brother Peter Stubbs who devoted most of his working life to racing administration. The trainer speaks fondly of his work experience stint with legendary Melbourne trainer Angus Armanasco. He talks of his decision to become a professional trainer, and the setting up of his business in Albury. He remembers the uncertain early days. Ron clearly recalls his first training success at Balranald. He speaks glowingly of the three horses to put him on his feet as a commercial trainer. Ron recalls his first meeting with Petra, his wife and staunchest supporter.  He looks back on his decision to take a job with Finemore Transport who had a busy Albury base. His sons Kurt and Nick were 10 and 7 respectively, while daughter Abbey had just arrived in the world. Ron talks of his twenty years in the transport game- some of it with Finemore Transport, some with Green Freights. He says daughter Abbey’s love of horses partly influenced his decision to return to training. Ron talks of his commitment to keeping his team at manageable numbers. He talks of good performer Tap ‘N’ Run. Ron rates his Albury Cup winner Spunlago as the best he’s trained to date. He speaks admiringly of smart mare Boss Lady Rocks who’ll race at the Albury Cup carnival. Ron pays tribute to some of the talented jockeys who’ve helped him along the way. It’s a nice “chin wag” with a respected country horseman.

The Gosford racing precinct has never had a better ambassador than Angela Davies. The amiable trainer was born and reared in a cottage opposite the racecourse float entrance and hasn’t strayed far since. This is the story of a young girl who was pestering local trainers at five or six years of age, and has never wanted to do anything else but train racehorses.  Angela had just returned from the Randwick trials when we called, and was pretty excited about one of her twelve horse team. She talks fondly of Our Kobison with whom she’s won five recent races. The story behind this talented four year old is an inspiration to racing’s smaller players. Angela takes us back to childhood days when she’d be out of bed in the dark to watch Gosford trackwork. Mum had one firm rule before she’d allow her daughter to leave the house. She talks about her father Bruce, a former on course bookie who found an alternative way to service customers. Bruce vehemently discouraged her from becoming a jockey. Angela reflects on the days when a stranger would climb onto the roof of the family home on Gosford race days. The trainer takes us back to her early days in the show ring and the little business venture she started on gaining her first job. She’s never forgotten the first horse she trained in her own right- a $1000 filly purchased straight out of a paddock. Angela remembers her first yearling sale purchase- the $1250 dollar colt who was destined to become her first winner. He had a few quirks. The devoted horsewoman started to buy cheap yearlings from low key sales. She looks back on some of the early winners to bring her talents under notice. She talks of Clipper who was in foal when she came into the stable. She didn’t have much time but managed to win at Scone and Randwick with the expectant mum. Angela talks of She’s A Stalker who won two in town and a Wyong 3YO Magic Millions. She fondly remembers the talented Waitandwatch. Angela acknowledges a few other horses  to play a part in bringing her name to potential owners. She talks of the little property at nearby Narara from which she’s been training her horses for almost three decades. Angela takes us through the background story of the Wanted colt she hoped to buy for $5000. She was stressed when she had to go to $7500. She takes us through the wonderful journey that led Through The Cracks to his win in the Provincial Championship Final, a dream result for his ten excited owners. The trainer speaks fondly of Salina Dreaming who showed great talent despite several niggling issues. Angela talks of her three year respite from racing in the late 1990’s to join the motherhood ranks. She pays tribute to daughter Georgia and son Jarred. She’s both surprised and delighted to regularly hear from potential owners seeking shares in modestly priced horses.  This is a lovely yarn with a trainer whose effervescent personality shows through from go to whoa!

I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Dominic Tourneur but I’m aware of his prominence among Adelaide jockeys and his success rate over a long period of years.  We decided to find out a little more about his journey in racing by inviting him onto our podcast, and he was happy to oblige. Dominic was originally apprenticed in Perth but by his own admission was pretty half hearted in those early years. He worked a second job for most of his time in Geraldton where he won seven local premierships. Finally he bit the bullet and moved to Adelaide in 2005. He wouldn’t change a thing. Dominic begins by talking about his Mauritian parents Marie and George. The premiership winning rider looks back on the day his mother told him about a newspaper ad calling for apprentice jockeys. Dom talks of his first master, former champion jockey Graeme Webster. He remembers a transfer to another Perth trainer Ted Martinovich who struggled to get young Tourneur focused. Dom says he finished his apprenticeship with an unimpressive CV. He talks of short stays in various towns before settling in Geraldton 400 kms from the capital. He looks back on those early days with partner Melissa by his side, and some temporary accommodation. Dominic rode at Geraldton meetings but also worked a second job at a local car yard. He looks back on his coming of age as a jockey, and seven Geraldton jockey titles. Tourneur says he felt he was riding well enough to consider a move interstate. The toss of a coin decided his future. He talks of the method he used to alert Adelaide trainers of his availability. Dom acknowledges the leading trainer who used his services at trackwork, and gave him his first SA winner. The jockey looks back on the important win that announced his arrival in the state. He was thrilled to become associated with a promising stayer who would take him to Melbourne and bring him high profile opportunities.  Dom talks of the hype associated with his Melbourne Cup mount. He couldn’t believe he was on the favourite in the iconic two miler. He takes us through that Cup of 2009. The jockey reflects on two Gr 1 seconds on the same horse three years later. Tourneur looks back on a successful association with prominent trainer Phillip Stokes, and the thrill of his first Gr 1 win. He pays tribute to Hucklebuck, one of his all time favourite horses. He rode the Elvstroem gelding in all but one of 19 starts for six wins including a memorable Gr 1 at Flemington during the 2014 Melbourne Cup carnival. Dom recalls making it a double in the final race on the same programme. He says the day was made even more special when the owner of his two winners turned up unexpectedly from Hong Kong. The jockey acknowledges the talents of two other notable winners he got to ride. He talks of a chronic back problem which required major surgery. Dom talks about the second job he instigated when Adelaide racing slipped into the doldrums a few years ago. He talks about the interests of son Blake and daughter Hannah. The successful jockey reflects on an Adelaide premiership win, and the luxury of being able to keep away from the sweat box. Dom looks back on a career that has brought him 1750 winners. He still regrets having wasted valuable time early in his career. It’s a laid back chat with a very amiable Adelaide jockey.

From the late 70’s to the mid 80’s Brent Thomson was almost certainly Australia’s most high profile jockey. As number one rider for the powerful Lindsay Park training operation, he got to ride some of the nation’s best horses in Group 1 races around the nation. Brent quit the saddle in 2000 and was quickly signed by New Zealand Bloodstock as the company’s Australian representative. He continues to fill that role from his Melbourne base. When you conduct an interview with a bloke like Brent Thomson, it’s hard to know where to start and where to finish. We give it a crack on this week’s podcast, beginning with his decision to retire at the end of a Macau stint twenty four years ago. Brent talks of the vibrant state of racing in Macau at the time, and a Derby win on a smart horse called Cheerine Champion. He recalls the final winning ride of his career on a horse with strong Australian connections. We fast forward to his current situation and the diversified role he has with New Zealand Bloodstock. The former champion jockey takes us right back to early days in Wanganui (sometimes Whanganui) and an apprenticeship to his father Kevin who rode successfully before turning to training.  Brent reminisces about his very first winning ride way over on the east coast of the north island.  He looks back on a NZ win on Fury’s Order which gained him the Cox Plate ride. He’s never forgotten the loyalty of the horse’s owner. Brent takes us through one of the wettest Cox Plates on record.  He talks about the nickname bestowed upon him by a prominent Melbourne journalist- a nickname still used by friends and associates. The former champion jockey looks back on a second Cox Plate win on Family Of Man, a horse he admired tremendously. He recalls the stallion’s swansong appearance at Pinjarra in WA.  Brent clearly recalls the day Colin Hayes called him out of the Trentham jockey’s room with a gobsmacking offer. He talks of an opportunity to repay Colin Hayes by landing So Called a winner in the Cox Plate soon after beginning his new job. Brent takes us right through his amazing association with champion Dulcify. Recollections of the great horse’s breakdown in the 1979 Melbourne Cup haunt him to this day. He looks back on a seven year association with the legendary Colin Hayes. Brent talks of the “pick up” ride on Gurner’s Lane which brought him the first of two Caulfield Cups. He was bitterly disappointed when Lindsay Park commitments prevented his riding the horse in the Melbourne Cup. He looks back on a second Caulfield Cup on freakish mud runner Lord Reims. Much has been written about Dandy Andy’s shock defeat of Vo Rogue at odds of 125/1 in the 1988 Australian Cup. He wasn’t keen to ride the horse. Brent looks back on a UK trip instigated by Robert Sangster. He talks of the super horses he got to ride in two trips to Europe. He also reflects on some notable success in Hong Kong. Before taking up his Macau contract in the late 90’s Brent spent some time on the Gold Coast. He talks of a winning run for  retired trainer Alan Bailey. Brent takes us through his background in the “marriage stakes” and pays tribute to his four children and two grandchildren. He looks back on a relatively lucky run with injury. This is a lovely trip down memory lane with the Kiwi jockey who was one of the leading players in an era of great horses and unforgettable horsemen.

I deserve a reprimand for taking so long to catch up with Jenny Duggan. There are several well known facts about this 44 year old Swedish born jockey. She can hold her own on the back of a thoroughbred at any level. She’s a hard worker, she’s as tough as teak and thoroughly reliable. She’s a great wife to Ben, and a wonderful mum and stepmother. What more can I say. Let’s hear from Jen who begins by talking about the support she receives from country and provincial trainers. She gives great credit to manager Shaun Flaherty. The jockey talks about a “near miss” on her old favourite Torrens in the recent black type Australia Day Cup. She rates Torrens as her all time favourite. Jenny talks about a happy childhood on the family dairy farm at Figeholm in Sweden. The dairy cows shared the paddocks with a handful of horses. The die was cast. She recalls her parents having to drag her off the pony at dinner time. Jen pays tribute to her late paternal grandfather, and to her parents Tony and Lisa. The former Jenny Lindgren says the majority of “horsey” Swedish kids often finish up in trotting stables. She much preferred to ride. She looks back on a memorable six month stint with NZ trainer Murray Baker. Jenny talks about an invitation to visit Australia with a Swedish friend. The friend went home. Jenny is here for life. She talks of her introduction to Warwick Farm trackwork for several stables. The jockey reflects on a new job at Port Macquarie and a burgeoning romance with a well known amateur jockey. It wasn’t long before she joined her partner on the picnic circuit. She talks of an exciting premiership win, and a meeting with Racing NSW regarding unsatisfactory amateur riding fees. That meeting would change the course of her life. Jenny made her pro debut at Port Macquarie in 2012, and what a beginning! She won at her very first ride. She looks back on a winning run that earned her the ride on a horse she still regards as the best she’s ridden.  Jen soon discovered that race riding is fraught with danger. Her winning streak was halted by a Newcastle fall which left her with serious injuries to a knee. She was out for the best part of a year. She hasn’t forgotten her return to trackwork. Mother nature put her on the sidelines again. It was another year off to get her new son up and running. Back to trackwork and you won’t believe what happened! On finally returning to the saddle, Jenny says she intended to ride trackwork only. As her weight stabilised and her rhythm came back, the desire to ride in races surfaced again. It was brother-in-law Adam Duggan who agreed to apprentice her. In selecting a few memorable wins to talk about, we reminded the jockey of a Randwick Highway win on Gumshoe for former boss Marc Quinn. Jenny was going so well by Scone Cup day 2020, she had six rides at the meeting despite the presence of top Sydney riders. She just missed a place on a Chris Waller runner in the Cup, before crashing in a later race. She has no memory of the fall. The resilient jockey lists her injuries and talks about an agonisingly slow and tedious rehabilitation. There was never a hint of retirement. She recalls the exciting return to the track, and a Port Macquarie double at her fourth meeting on the comeback trail. Jenny looks back on a very successful return hindered by a recurrence of an injury from the Scone fall. She talks of a decision to take a complete break from racing and a return to her native Sweden. She took her sons Max and Sebastian along to spend time with their grandparents. The long holiday fixed the problem. Jen resumed in December 2022 and won a race at Tamworth second day back. Then came a Randwick win which meant the world to her. The jockey doesn’t mind admitting she’s one of Australia’s most senior female riders.  She talks of her ability to ride near the limit weight, and her current trackwork roster. Great to catch up with the Swedish girl who had to be dragged off the pony when her dinner was

I first met Tony Lee when I had the honour to be guest commentator at the 1996 Wellington Cup meeting. In preparing to call a couple of races on the big programme, I received every possible courtesy from the NZ ace. Tony went out of his way to help me through a plethora of strange colours and horse names. I tuned in to hear his description of the recent Wellington Cup won by Mary Louise- his broadcasting swan song after four decades of wonderful service to NZ racing. I called Tony a few days after his Trentham send off to record this tribute to a man whose race calls whetted the appetites of generations of racing fans.  He recalls the warmth of the farewell afforded him by the racing industry. Tony says his last Wellington Cup was a tricky race to call.  He pays tribute to trainer Robbie Paterson and jockey Craig Grylls who bagged a Gr 1 double on the day. The veteran caller outlines the reasons for his surprise retirement.  Tony reminisces about the 1996 Wellington Cup meeting when he and I worked together for the first and only time.  The 65 year old looks back on childhood days on the family farm at Rongotea near Palmerston North. He says his late brother Craig was the one to introduce him to horse racing. Tony goes back to early days as a sound recordist with a local news crew. He says he loved the buzz of the media world. He talks of his admiration for the late Peter Kelly, New Zealand’s favourite race caller of the day.  Tony looks back on his race calling debut at the Hutt Park trots. Lee became famous for the passion he generated in his race descriptions. He talks about the development of his style. Tony talks about Castletown’s third Wellington Cup win in 1994. The words he used in the closing stages of his call are still repeated by racing fans of all ages. He pays tribute to the remarkable two miler Castletown, one of the country’s greatest ever stayers.  The ace commentator talks of Xcellent’s memorable win in the 2005 Mudgway Stakes, and the call that people still talk about. Horse lover Lee says he fell in love with Starcraft the moment he first saw him in the Hastings parade yard before the 2004 Mudgway Stakes. Tony talks of his affection for the Hastings track and runs through some of the other racecourses in the Central Districts.  Regrettably he saw little of northern trained Sunline, but he did get to call her final race in NZ- the 2002 Mudgway Stakes. He says local fans gave her an unforgettable send off. Tony acknowledges the deeds of a handful of other special horses. He talks of the 2012 disagreement with TAB Trackside which saw him walk away from his plum role. Eager to test the water out of NZ he spent two years with the Selangor Turf Club in Malaysia. He enjoyed the experience. Tony recalls the twist of fate that would send him back to his old job.  He pays tribute to some of the NZ trainers he’s admired over the years. In talking about jockeys he relates a funny story about the day at Otaki when he and trainer Alexander Fieldes put on an exhibition gallop. Tony talks about a business venture outside of racing. He and wife Briar run the Trax Bar and Cafe at Wellington railway station. It’s a laid back trip down memory lane with a man who’s been a great friend to NZ racing.

In order to find the right races for his horses, Ben Brisbourne makes full use of his ideal Wangaratta base to campaign in two states. He frequently has runners in rural Victoria but often appears in the NSW Riverina region. Great to catch up with a young horseman from a Shropshire racing family in the UK, who arrived in Melbourne unheralded and unsung a decade ago. He looks back on his reasons for trying the Aussie scene. Ben says he had a few contacts in Australia before making such a bold move. He looks back on track work duties for a handful of Melbourne trainers. The expatriate Englishman talks of his rewarding five years with the Lindsay Park operation at Euroa. Ben takes us back to his early life at Shrewsbury in Shropshire and the influence of his father Mark. He talks of Mark’s achievement in the riding and training ranks.  He identifies two tracks where his father enjoyed great success, and talks of his achievements with inexpensive horses. Ben says Mark was forced to walk away from training for a while, but is back in the game as foreman for a high profile trainer. Brisbourne looks back on a college degree which he attained simply to appease his parents. The Wangaratta trainer looks back on valuable time spent with a legendary UK jumps trainer. Ben looks back on his brief career as an amateur jockey.  He fondly recalls his first meeting with a vet nurse at Lindsay Park who was destined to become his partner and the mother of his twin sons. Ben outlines Heather’s short career as a jockey and the painful back injury that brought her riding aspirations to a close. He talks of their Wangaratta farm, and the twin boys who keep them busy from dawn to dusk. He acknowledges Heather’s role in the running of the business. The trainer looks at the Wangaratta training facilities and its ideal location. Ben won’t forget the trip to NSW which brought a memorable win in the famous Snake Gully Cup. He goes back to the magical occasion of his very first training win with Shoplifter at Albury, and the equally exciting experience of winning his first city win. Ben acknowledges the special horses who’ve contributed to his rise in the training ranks. He talks of the talented apprentices who’ve been part of his journey. The thirty five year old revisits the thrill of an unexpected trainer’s award in 2021. Ben discusses his immediate plans, and looks to the future. Ben Brisbourne continues to make his presence felt in the horse training ranks. He doesn’t have a single regret about leaving his native England a decade ago.

Nathan Doyle places his horses judiciously, and is rewarded with a consistent win rate. In this current season he’s sitting in tenth spot on the NSW premiership ladder. Here is a young man born and reared in the Hunter Valley who was destined for a future with horses. After several years in the employ of top trainers, Nathan kicked off at Newcastle in 2018. He begins by talking about his current number of horses. He says he tried to get started at Scone but couldn’t find enough boxes. The trainer expresses delight with his current season statistics. Nathan says more young horses are now coming into his stables. He looks back on a childhood practice of drawing horse figures on paper- an early pointer to his subsequent career. Nathan says there was no connection with racing in the family background, but his father’s best friend was a trainer. He acknowledges behind-the-scenes assistance from his only sibling, sister Hayley. Doyle looks back on his apprenticeship as a budding boilermaker, mainly to appease his parents. He was surprised to gain a trainer’s licence with a minimum of fuss. He looks back on his first venture into training, and a Narromine win with a cheap mare. Nathan recalls his commitment to learning from the best teachers. He was 24 when a job came up with Team Snowden. He looks back on a rewarding two years as Mark Newnham’s Warwick Farm stable manager. The trainer remembers the highlight of his time at Randwick- the beginning of a relationship with long time partner Melina Gissing who was on the Gai Waterhouse team. Nathan says Mel actually owned his first winner as a trainer this time around. They found the right race at Dubbo, and almost snagged a double on the day. He pays tribute to his great mate and “go-to” jockey Koby Jennings. He talks about the veteran galloper who came out of nowhere to Give him a win in his hometown Cup. Nathan outlines the reasons a mare called Strawb was potentially the best horse he’s ever trained. He has some nice things to say about the massively talented mare Norwegian Bliss. Nathan acknowledges several horses who’ve helped to establish him as a serious commercial trainer.  He admits to being a bad sleeper, and says many of his solutions to problems are sorted out in the middle of the night. A laid back chat with a young trainer whose reputation precedes him.

Shaun Guymer made the decision a few seasons back to  follow in the footsteps of Sydney based jockeys like Grant Buckley and Jeff Penza who’ve enjoyed fruitful careers away from the metropolitan area. Like Penza and Buckley, Shaun sees more sense in having five or six rides on a southern districts track than pushing a 100/1 “pop”around in town. The popular jockey talks about his current workload and his acceptance of the endless travel required to meet “bush” commitments. He talks about the predicament of having offers at two meetings on the same day. Shaun says he agonises over the offer of a good ride in town from time to time. He hates to disappoint regular clients in the bush. He talks about distances to his usual venues. The jockey pays tribute to Jeff Penza and Grant Buckley. He greatly admires the longtime dedication of the veterans. Shaun says his family background is devoid of racing. He talks of his father’s glazing business, and the support of his mother and sibling Josh. The jockey looks back on his initial work experience with top Goulburn horseman Danny Williams. He was later apprenticed to Williams. Shaun looks back on a transfer of his indentures to Canberra trainer Mark Schmetzer who became a valued friend and tutor. He’s never forgotten his very first race ride. The horse was trained by Keith Dryden but failed to flatter at any stage. Shaun’s first winning ride at Queanbeyan remains etched in his memory. The horse was trained by Rex Cole. Guymer had a long wait before his first city winner came along. The horse was trained by Jarrod Austin and started at cricket score odds.   He’s very proud of a Canberra apprentices premiership.   Shaun looks back on a three month loan out to Randwick trainer Kevin Moses. He says Moses rode work with him most mornings.   He says he thoroughly enjoyed his time with Stephen Farley at Wyong.   The 31 year old looks back on a brief association with Chris Waller who utilised his claim on a couple of talented horses.   Shaun remembers with gratitude a valuable stint with Peter Moody not long after Black Caviar had departed the stable.   He’s never forgotten a Caulfield win on a smart Moody trained mare.   The jockey looks back on a bout of depression after completing his apprenticeship. He lost his way as the opportunities diminished, but found a way to get back on track.   He talks admiringly of his wife Emma, daughter of Hawkesbury trainer Tim Walsh.   Shaun was gobsmacked when offered an opportunity by high profile trainer Tony McEvoy who had opened a satellite stable at Hawkesbury. He speaks highly of the multiple Group 1 winning trainer.   He talks of a move to the former Lindsay Park in South Australia when McEvoy’s Sydney base was closed.   Shaun has nothing but fond memories of his association with Richard Freedman who’d made the decision to train in his own right at Rosehill. They won numerous races together.   The jockey looks back on a freakish incident at Nowra in 2018. His mount Ahmad literally got off the ground to win a BM 58. The footage went viral on social media.   He talks of a Wagga Guineas win on Lion’s Roar beating a future Kosciuszko winner.    Shaun expresses appreciation for the support he receives from trainers in the southern region. He makes special mention of Natalie Jarvis.   He talks of a rare trip he made recently to Newcastle. It was worth the trouble.   Shaun says Emma closely watches his rides on the Sky service.   You can hear the “proud dad” element as he talks about three and a half year old son Fletcher.   It’s a laid back chat with a very talented jockey who drives thousands of kilometres to ply his trade.

The brilliant young Brisbane jockey is under suspension as this podcast is posted. He’s not happy about this one or the many that have preceded it in his short career so far. In the main his suspensions are the result of trying too hard to win. He’s a driven young man who harbours a desire to make his mark in the shortest possible time. Slowly but surely he’s realising the error of his ways. Kyle tells his story with total honesty and great sensitivity. He begins by outlining a new understanding of his responsibility when riding in races. The young jockey says he’s fortunate that his weight remains stable during suspension layoffs. Kyle takes us back to childhood days in Victoria and some tough times for his mother and siblings. He reminisces about his dislike of the classroom and the surprise invitation to ride a horse at a school camp. He says this was life’s defining moment. The jockey says he was only twelve years old when he first started to spend time at the Seymour stables of Lee and Shannon Hope.  He’s never forgotten the help he received from Bronwyn Upjohn at a Kilmore breaking and pre-training operation. Kyle pays tribute to the grandfather who offered him encouragement and guidance. He’s totally frank as he looks back on his attitude to life in mid teens, and a brush with drugs.  The jockey gives credit to an uncle who talked him into getting away from Victoria. From here the Wilson-Taylor story takes an amazing turn. He recalls turning up at Coffs Harbour racecourse and offering his services as a trackwork rider. Kyle has never forgotten the support offered by local trainer Brett Dodson. They’re still great mates. You can hear the delight in his voice as he reminisces about his first day of race riding. He was in disbelief when one of his three mounts greeted the judge. Kyle looks back on the Grafton race fall that decimated his confidence. He actually left racing and worked in other roles. He talks of his return to racing and a stint with Dwayne Schmidt at Grafton and the beginning of his friendship with racing administrator Michael Beattie. The jockey talks of his association with manager Glenn Courtney and a move to a new life at Toowoomba. On his very first night at Clifford Park he met his partner, aspiring jockey Angela Jones. He acknowledges the support of trainer Lindsay Hatch. Kyle recalls some of his memorable days at the races including a five timer at Doomben. He looks back on a brief association with the emerging champion stayer Incentivise. Understandably he enjoys reminiscing about his day of days at Eagle Farm last June- a Gr 1 win on talented mare Palaisipan. Kyle says he enjoys an occasional return to NSW northern rivers meetings. He reviews an outstanding day at the Lismore Cup meeting last September. He looks back on brief associations with top mares Hinged and Gypsy Goddess. Kyle talks of his total obsession with racing and his addiction to the Sky Racing coverage. The jockey looks at his only two hit and run missions to Sydney. In conclusion the young jockey offers encouragement to young people who might be on the wrong track or heading that way.

Damien talks about the strategic benefits of training at Wyong. He talks of his many trips to faraway country meetings. He says improved bush prize money is a great incentive to take horses away. The trainer talks about his resolve to personally attend as many meetings as he can. Damien pays tribute to his father-in- law, former trainer Bob Law whose input is invaluable. He talks of Bob’s success with unsound horses in the 80’s and 90’s. He acknowledges the contribution to the training operation of wife Kate who rides a power of trackwork at Wyong. Damien has nothing but praise for his stable apprentice Anna Roper who figures prominently on the NSW premiership ladder five months into the current season. He takes us back to early days in Coonamble and pays tribute to his late father, former jockey Frank Hodgson. Damien gives great credit to his uncle and mentor Cec Hodgson who’s still training a small team in Coonamble. He recalls mother Narelle’s insistence that her son complete a trade before settling on his career direction.  The trainer talks about his move to Wyong around the time of the dreaded Equine Virus. He says he worked for two local trainers in the early days. Damien says his fragile financial state propelled him into a full time job on the Wyong maintenance team. He looks back on the start of a friendship with two Victorian brothers who agreed to lease him a horse called Benny Blue Eyes- the horse to provide his magical first win. He would win another six races with the gelding. He talks of another horse he was able to lease from the same source- a horse who would become his all time favourite. He won ten races with Pirate Ben including two strong country Cups. Damien talks of subsequent veterans like All But Gone and Johnny Roo Boy who more than paid their way. The trainer says he’s been able to find good homes for the genuine old geldings. He speaks highly of talented mare Buckin’ Beauty who recently produced her first foal. Damien gives credit to fellow Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan who recommended him to loyal client Bruce McKenzie. The trainer says it’s been a pleasure to train several of the “Oakfield” horses for the thoroughly professional participant. He talks of his attachment to the famous Grafton July Carnival and the winning run he enjoyed in the Jacaranda city last year. Damien looks back on his Wellington Boot win with Sonnet Star and a subsequent crack at a Melbourne stakes race. This was the only time he’s used his namesake, crack Victorian jockey Damian Lane (slight variation in the spelling of the christian name). “Wyong Damien” says the name similarity has caused a couple of ticklish situations behind the scenes. He acknowledges the long time assistance of veteran jockey Darryl “Digger” McLellan. A nice yarn with a dedicated horseman.

We’ve had several emails from older racing fans requesting a podcast with former legendary jockey Ron Hutchinson. I’m sorry you missed the interview we posted three and a half years ago with the famous Australian jockey who also left an indelible mark in Europe. Like his compatriot Scobie Breasley, Ron reached great heights in the veteran years and won a Singapore premiership at age 53. In response to continued enquiries I’m thrilled to present once again our 2020 podcast with a great jockey and a special human being. He delights in talking about his present day racing interest and frequent visits to Melbourne meetings. Ron pays tribute to his four kids- daughters Susan and Sally and sons Peter and Raymond. He takes us right back to childhood days when his parents strongly opposed his ambition to become a jockey. Ron looks back on valuable tuition from famous old time jockey Bobby Lewis whose fourth Melbourne Cup win was in 1927. He still shares the Cup riding record with the late Harry White. You won’t believe how clearly Ron recalls his very first winning ride at Mentone in 1945, and his first major win in the Australian Cup of the same year. “Hutchy” was christened the “Cups King” long before Bart Cummings earned the tag. He talks of some of his 60 Cup wins around Australia. He looks back on his Melbourne Cup CV. He wasn’t able to win the great race in 16 attempts but says there were a couple he’d like to have over again. Ron says the opposition was so strong during his Melbourne riding days that he was happy to get away with one premiership in 1958/59. He speaks highly of two high profile horses he rode before going overseas. The former champion jockey recalls the telegram he received from Irish training whiz Paddy Prendergast offering him a stable retainer. He looks back on the early months of the new partnership and an important Irish 2000 Guineas win on Kythnos. “Hutchy” recalls a successful week at Royal Ascot in 1960 which was followed by a surprise offer from a very high profile owner. He’s never forgotten the loyalty of the Duke of Norfolk who retained him for 17 years. He says he was thrilled to be able to deliver the Duke’s dearest wish- a win in the famous Ascot Gold Cup. Ron pays tribute to three British racing icons. He looks back on his biggest racing disappointment- the loss of the ride on the 1966 English Derby winner. The legendary horseman explains that he would have been on the 1978 Derby winner Shirley Heights, but had decided to retire six months earlier. Ron recalls the pride he took in donning the Royal colours. His very first ride for Queen Elizabeth was a winner at Lingfield. He remembers his excitement when Balmerino arrived in England. He identified the talented New Zealander as the horse to bring down the curtain on his career. Ron didn’t realise at the time that subsequent tempting offers would delay his retirement plans. He remembers his final three seasons in Malaysia/Singapore and another jockey’s premiership at age 53.  “Hutchy” reflects on many a racing accident in thirty three years of race riding, but says he was relatively lucky. We look back on a lovely night I spent with the Hutchinsons in England 50 years ago. Ron and Norma were splendid hosts. You don’t often get to hear the reminiscences of a man who rode his first winner in Melbourne at the end of WW2 and went on to amazing success internationally. This podcast will always be one of my favourites.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

Tyler Schiller was always destined to make it to the ranks of Sydney’s top jockeys. After a flying start in the Riverina he was fortunate to gain a start in Sydney with Mark Newnham who had emerged as a master tutor of young riders. Tyler was champion Sydney apprentice in his second season, and has already established himself in the senior ranks. He begins the podcast by heaping praise on the flying Front Page, the horse to give him two Kosciuszko wins in twelve months. Tyler shares a funny sidelight to the Kosciuszko win on October 14th. His mum Susan found an ingenious way to gain entry to the Randwick birdcage. The young jockey talks of the first leg of his double on Everest day. He used great initiative to get Land Legend home in the historic St Leger. He expresses great gratitude for the wonderful run he’s had in his first few months as a fully fledged jockey. Tyler talks about early days in his hometown of Young, and his only sibling’s indifference to horses. He talks of father Glenn’s association with harness horses, and his own involvement with the breed. Tyler gives a shout out to grandfather Peter who’s also had a strong connection to harness horses. He talks of having attained his permit to drive in races, and says he was ready to start when the opportunity arose to become an apprentice jockey. The young jockey talks of his move to the stables of the late Phil Sweeney at Jerilderie, the tiny border town which has strong ties to bushranging history. Tyler talks of the freakish motor accident which almost finished his potential riding career. He remembers with great clarity the thrilling occasion of his first winning ride. The magic moment came at a non TAB meeting on the dirt track at Hillston in the western Riverina.  He says that Lucky Capri’s trainer has remained a close friend and associate.  Tyler recalls the occasion of his first winner at a TAB meeting. He revisits a Wagga win on Gold Touch for Luke Pepper, a trainer who has continued to support him. He says bush jockeys rarely get the opportunity to ride top class horses. He pays tribute to one such horse trained by his master. Tyler says he contacted a few Sydney trainers himself when the time was right to make the transition. The jockey reflects on a magical moment at Rosehill on Golden Slipper day this year- his first Gr 1 victory on Mariamia in The Galaxy. He says the euphoria of his breakthrough win was overshadowed by news of his father’s cancer diagnosis a few days earlier. Mariamia was one of two winners on the day. He remembers Opal Ridge’s brilliant win in the Darby Munro Stakes.  Tyler goes on to talk of Opal Ridge’s subsequent Brisbane form. He acknowledges several horses who’ve helped him to gain a foothold in the ranks of Sydney’s senior ranks. Tyler got a huge thrill to head back to the Riverina last year to win the Albury Gold Cup on Harmony Rose for his boss Mark Newnham. Tyler Schiller is still very much a “bushie” at heart which shows through in this podcast. A nice chat with one of Australia’s most talented young jockeys.

I’ve long admired Robyn Freeman’s dedication to the craft she loves. She’s one of few female riders still active from the dedicated group who were flying the flag in the 1990’s. A recent Newcastle double on two long priced horses clearly showed why Robyn is still gaining support twenty five years on. She talks about the two fillies in question. Robyn explains that her patient tactics on both winners illustrated her preferred style of riding. She talks of her two young children, and the valuable support she receives from her own parents. The dedicated jockey says she’s a regular at Kembla Grange trackwork, and acknowledges the trainers for whom she rides. Robyn looks back on her equine management course at Armidale TAFE, and her first apprenticeship to local trainer Stafford Wain. She explains the reasons for her many changes of stable affiliations. Her second job was with Gayna Williams at Bathurst. Robyn reflects on brief stints with Colin Jeffries, Leanne Aspros, the late Max Lees and Graeme Begg. Finally the move that was to give her a solid grounding and some notable success in the saddle. Robyn looks back on a long association with Gai Waterhouse, and acknowledges some of the nice horses she got to ride. She looks back on the relatively small group of girls who were battling for recognition in the early 2000’s. Robyn remembers her sudden urge to try her luck overseas. She looks back on two memorable visits to Macau and South Africa. She reflects on her return to Australia and a frustrating attempt to regenerate her career, starting off in Victoria. Robyn remains grateful for the opportunity afforded her by Brett Cavanough who was Albury based at the time. The mother-of-two remembers a return to the Waterhouse stable and her initial meeting with future husband Stuart Key. She looks back on her association with Noel and Emma Mayfield-Smith and her connection with a very special horse. You can hear the excitement in Robyn’s voice as she reflects on a surprise invitation to ride in a female jockey’s event in Sweden. It turned out to be a thrilling experience. Robyn delights in telling the humorous story of a conversation she had one morning with Gai Waterhouse. The trainer gave her some motherly advice. Following the birth of her two babies Robyn made the decision to return to race riding, but had difficulty in getting her weight back to the necessary level. She got some advice from another female rider. She pays tribute to trainer Gerald Ryan who gave her great support on the comeback trail. Robyn summarises an injury list which would have dampened the spirit of most jockeys. She talks of her delight in riding alongside the great Damian Oliver on Newcastle Cup day. It’s a nice chat with a lady who’s helped to bring Australia’s female riders to the prominent niche they enjoy today.

For the first few years of their training partnership Robert and Luke Price worked individually- Robert at Turpentine Park, a spelling and pre-training property at Cambewarra while Luke was based at the partnership’s Kembla stables. Circumstances have changed and the pair now operate in tandem from the racecourse. Rob joins us on the podcast to talk about the reasons for the change of format. Rob talks of his love for the NSW South Coast and the passion for thoroughbreds he and Luke have in common. He sees himself training horses long into the future. The experienced horseman talks of the extensive refurbishments being carried out at Kembla Grange currently. He says trainers are feeling the pressure but are excited about the future facilities. Rob talks of the unique premiership double he and Luke achieved last season. He looks back on an early aspiration to be a jockey and his apprenticeship to Nowra trainer Fred Thomason. Rob says he got as far as the trials, but the scales told him a riding future was off the table. He talks of the interim job he secured while sorting out his future. Rob looks back on the acquisition of his trainer’s licence and a low key start in the business. He talks of regular trips to the Berry Showground where he would meet his mentor and his future wife. He and Patricia produced two sons and a daughter who have subsequently provided them with a big team of grand kids. Rob pays tribute to the family. The South Coast horseman looks back on the valuable tutelage given by his late father in law Kevin Robinson. He extols the virtues of an extraordinary trainer. Rob remembers his first win as a trainer at Kembla in 1990, and the lengthy wait before that first elusive city win came along. He pays tribute to a few special horses who helped to get him up and running as a trainer. Rob looks back on the professional riding career of his son and training partner Luke Price. He talks of a nasty accident which halted Luke’s riding career in 2002, and the amazing comeback he made a year later. Rob says Luke still enjoys riding trackwork especially when his mount happens to be stable favourite Cuban Royale. The co-trainer pays tribute to bonny mare Jamaea, and reflects on some of her better performances. He talks of her recent sale on the Inglis Digital online auction. Not surprisingly we devote ample time to Rob’s reminiscences about the ill fated Count de Rupee- the best horse to pass through the Price stables so far. He comments on the bizarre reality that both Count de Rupee and his Golden Eagle conqueror I’m Thunderstruck are no longer with us. Rob says Count De Rupee’s deeds lifted the profile of the Price stable overnight. He makes special mention of the stable “war horse” Cuban Royale who’s still going strong as a nine year old. The trainer talks of a recent affiliation with the famous Australian Bloodstock operation. He’s optimistic about a Brave Smash two year old he’s training for the syndication giant. Rob gives us a “heads up” regarding a couple of unraced I Am Invincible fillies he and Luke are training. He concludes with mention of the instantly recognizable Price stable colours. Some of his owners have taken the white and tartan theme to another level.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It’s only two and a half years since we last spoke with Jon Grisedale but much water has flowed under the bridge since, and he’s approaching a special birthday- special when you’re talking about an active jockey. He’ll be 60 on October 10th, but you’d never know it as the winners continue to flow including a couple over the recent Grafton July carnival. English born Grisedale was reluctant to do another interview so soon but I was able to talk him into it. Jon and his wife Donna remain delighted with their decision to move to Coffs Harbour in 2019. The jockey talks of a Lismore race fall soon after his arrival which was more serious than reported. He talks of the warm reception afforded him by local trainers. He established contacts by riding an enormous amount of trackwork. He’s had to regulate his track commitments to a sane level but still rides work for a handful of great local supporters. Jon says the competition on the rivers is ferocious. He compliments Ben Looker who’s approaching 120 winners for the season. The jockey looks back on Donna’s early training career at Kembla Grange and outlines the reason for their move north. Jon recalls his first meeting with Donna when both were riding work for Chris Waller at Rosehill. He talks of the decade Donna spent working for the late Jack Denham. Jon talks of Donna’s Coffs Harbour horses, and describes her strong points as a trainer. It’s not widely known that Jon emigrated from England with his family at four years of age. He recalls the ocean voyage. He talks of his apprenticeship to the late Bede Horan at Rosehill, and has nothing but praise for the respected horseman. The jockey says Horan regularly took horses to bush meetings and took his apprentice with him. Jon says he literally “cut his teeth” on the western line.  He talks of the support offered by Rosehill trainer Ray Guy who supplied his first city winner. The mare in question would become a broodmare gem. Jon looks back on the special day at a Canterbury midweeker when he rode four winners. He says the media attention was unexpected. He talks of his association with Brian Mayfield-Smith. He says he was virtually number three rider for quite some time. Jon looks back on a brief association with Marauding. He has no doubt the big colt was the best horse he’s ever ridden. He remembers a Tramway Hcp win on the genuine “bushie” Moville Peter and a Rosehill stakes win on Mount Verde. Jon talks of his love of riding in country areas and the success he enjoyed in major bush races. The veteran jockey reflects on what he calls the “lost year of his life”- a battle with a rare disease called Endocarditis or a severe infection of the inner lining of the heart. The prolonged illness cost him a kidney and twelve months away from the career he loved. Jon looks back on his association with Chris Waller soon after the NZ trainer set up shop at Rosehill.  He talks of Waller’s training methods and recalls one humorous comment offered by the trainer after an unsuccessful day at Newcastle. Grisedale reflects on an injury sustained when a horse reared over with him in the Kembla parade yard. Doctors misinterpreted the initial x/rays. It’s a bizarre story. He talks of the retirement that lasted only a few months. Jon talks of the move to Coffs Harbour and the stables he and Donna were able to purchase. This is a trip down memory lane with a remarkable jockey who will soon reach the age at which most riders are long retired. Thanks to ace photographer Steve Hart we’ve been able to add some wonderful photos of Jon Grisedale at the top of his game in the 1990’s.

Michael Cahill had his first race ride on Red Affro at an obscure race meeting at Gooloogong in 1979. The horse ran second but Michael says he was beaten by pilot error. Since then he’s ridden with great skill to land a stunning total of 2600 winners in 4 jurisdictions. He’s coming up 59, and would love to ride in races until age 60. In our recent interview he talks about the style his late father Ossie helped him to develop during his apprenticeship at Cowra. Michael explains his reason for wearing two sets of goggles when riding in races. He says rides are still plentiful but the good opportunities are not what they used to be. Michael looks back on a simple fall on the Sunny Coast in December 2021 which sidelined him for seven months. Remarkably he rode a winner at Doomben on his first day back. He says he had a good run for nine months before another race fall halted his progress. This time he was back in a month. Michael takes us back to early days at Cowra NSW when he and brother Matthew were apprenticed to their father Ossie. He says their careers were carefully guided. The talented jockey has never forgotten the occasion of his first race win at Orange on Melbourne Cup day 1980. He reflects on the dedication of his mother Margaret who had the job of driving him to race meetings all over the western districts. Michael talks of his sister Kathryn who combines her day job with the training of a small team of horses. The veteran jockey pays a final tribute to his father. He recalls a win at Canterbury on a Cowra trained horse which led to an approach from a very high profile trainer. Michael looks back on the highs and lows of his short stint in Sydney. He looks back on his two and a half years as track rider and race jockey for media icon Mike Willesee based at the Transmedia Park Stud at Cootamundra. Not surprisingly Michael came under the notice of the late Richard Freyer who had attained legendary status in the Riverina. He took the job and rode 70 winners in 18 months for the Freyer stable. Tired of bitterly cold winters, Michael jumped at the opportunity to ride at the Grafton and Coffs Harbour carnivals. He says the warmer climate changed his future plans. He looks back on a surprise offer from leading Queensland trainer Bruce McLachlan. Michael says he changed direction again when Gerald Ryan offered him a plum job on the Gold Coast. The jockey talks of his marriage to former English riding instructor Maxine Harris. He looks back on his first overseas riding contract in Singapore, and pays tribute to some top NZ jockeys who were there at the same time. Michael pays tribute to the brilliant Falvelon. He has no doubt the son of Alannon was the fastest horse he’s ever ridden. Soon after his Doomben $10,000 win on Falvelon Michael accepted an offer to ride in Hong Kong. He talks of a first up win for John Moore. The jockey looks back on the circumstances that took him to Macau where he enjoyed a golden run. Michael talks of his Brisbane premiership win, and a narrow defeat in another. He talks of a Stradbroke win in 2005 for his great supporter Bevan Laming. Michael remembers wins in a Magic Millions 2YO Classic and a Winter Stakes now known as the Tatts Tiara. He remembers his nine rides on Victorian stayer Natural Blitz for trainer Doug Harrison. Michael talks of his association with NZ trainer Tony Pike which brought him a five win sequence on The Bostonian. The jockey reflects on a couple of stakes wins in Sydney, and a long list of Queensland black type wins. Michael talks of younger brother Matthew’s recent return from injury. Former jockey Shane Dye has been very vocal lately about modern day jockey safety vests. He believes there are flaws in the design and Michael agrees with him. Michael speaks fondly of daughter Amelia and son Harry who is just now showing signs of wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps. He closes with mention of his ambition to ride until age 60.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 wi

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.

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.

In the first segment Craig reflects on his decision to quit the saddle after returning from Singapore in 2005. He talks of his entry into the Randwick training ranks, and his current operation based in the Les Bridge training complex. Craig speaks of the plight of the smaller trainers who don’t have access to the spending power of wealthy owners when the yearling sales roll around. The former outstanding jockey looks back on a few special horses who’ve earned many times their modest purchase price. He talks of his few experiments as a bloodstock agent and a couple of surprise results. Craig pays tribute to some of the jockeys who’ve ridden for his stable including a few talented girls. He recalls his final riding contract in Singapore which brought him in touch with his future wife, and the mother of his son and daughter. Craig tells the story of the way his wife Keline drifted into the racing game in Singapore and her current role with Carmody Racing.

In this segment Maurice looks back on his exciting association with champion two year old colt Sir Dapper. After four straight wins he was beaten under unusual circumstances in the Todman Slipper Trial. He remembers his disappointment when he lost the Golden Slipper ride to Ron Quinton. Maurice reflects on the unexpected consolation that came his way not long after the Sir Dapper episode. His ability to ride at a featherweight earned him the winning ride on Lord Seaman in the Group 1 Doomben Cup. He makes special mention of Ima Carpenter the horse he regarded as one of the best he ever rode. He won seven races on the brilliant grey who went amiss after just ten starts. The HRNSW Welfare chief takes us through his association with the free running Roman Artist- a quirky horse who wasn’t happy if not running along in front. They won a Group 1 together. He remembers his one and only ride on the multiple Gr 1 winner Strawberry Road. Maurice talks of his days as second string jockey for the powerful Nebo Lodge operation. He looks back on ten race falls and the resultant injury toll. He’s never forgotten his final race ride in 1995. It was a winner but he knew the time had come to quit the saddle. He talks of the transition to a new career.

Great to catch up with an eminently successful jockey who quit the saddle in 1995 when niggling injuries caught up with him. Maurice Logue went straight into a tutorial role with the Australian Jockey Club. He talks of his recent appointment to the team at Harness Racing NSW as Education and Welfare Officer. Maurice outlines the establishment of Mates4Harness, a new initiative designed to help participants with any kind of emotional issue. The former successful jockey explains the concept of the new facility, and tells us a little about the structure of the team at HRNSW headquarters, and the Ambassadors who are based in regional centres. Maurice explains the function of the new initiative and how people can get in touch if in need of support. He tells one great story of his early days as a tutor for the AJC and the budding star jockey who was looking for guidance. Maurice reflects on early days in Dubbo with his parents Ian and Lesley Logue. His Dad was a battling bush jockey and his mother a trainer. Both had to take other jobs to make ends meet. Maurice looks back on the day he lost his father in a road accident. He reflects on his early education at the All Saints College at Bathurst and later at Dubbo High School where he was subjected to bullying by fellow students. Maurice has never forgotten the day he arrived at the Randwick stables of Theo Green to begin his apprenticeship. He talks of the wonderful principles expounded by his new master. He remembers with sadness the tragic death of his room mate David Green. The former talented jockey recalls the wonderful opportunity given to him by Theo Green- the prized ride on Shaybisc in an important stakes race.

Great to catch up with the voice of NSW central west racing. Col Hodges covers meetings at 25 venues and is a living legend in the region. He talks of a happy childhood at Bogan Gate (NSW) and school days at the curiously named Gunning Gap, a push bike ride from the family farm. The veteran commentator recalls his fascination with the ABC race callers of the 1950’s. Col looks back on his admiration for the shearing contractors who visited the family property. He reminisces about his thirty years in the shearing sheds of the central west. He talks of the lucky break that shaped his destiny. He was recruited by the king of the western callers Bob Gunn to look after a little meeting at Fifield, between Trundle and Tullamore.  Col looks back on his involvement with harness and greyhound racing. He highlights a few champion pacers of the era. He pays tribute to his two favourite race meetings, the Bedgerabong Picnics and the famous Wellington Boot. Col reflects on the early careers of some great country gallopers who went on to much bigger things. He remembers a handful of ageless country gallopers who became legends on the bush circuit. Col has long been an entertaining storyteller. He shares a few of his favourite yarns with us. You’ll enjoy this podcast with a country broadcasting legend.

It was a delight to catch up with an elder statesman of the Australian training ranks. Mick Robins is turning 90 in July, but sounds years younger as he takes us on a sentimental journey. Mick talks of his recent stint in hospital after a heavy fall at the Mornington stables of Tony Noonan. The grand old horseman takes us back to his first job as an apprentice butcher in wartime Broken Hill. Mick reflects on his days below the surface of the earth as he helped to mine the silver, zinc and lead that was to bring great prosperity to Broken Hill. He talks of his early attraction to horses and his brief career as an amateur jockey. Mick shares memories of his first trainer’s licence and a horse called Sir Haydon who got him up and running. The veteran recalls his move to Adelaide in the early 1960’s and his dream job with champion trainer Graham Heagney. He spent 8 years with Heagney, who trained the champion Tobin Bronze during that time. Mick reminisces about the lucky break that was destined to change his life. When Graham Heagney decided on a stint in America, Mick inherited 14 of his horses. One of them was the dual Melbourne Cup winner Rain Lover. The former trainer takes us through those two magical Cup wins, and some fascinating stories that revolve around them. Mick remembers some other nice horses he got to train in that exciting era.  He talks of his late wife Valda whose long term illness took them to the warmer climate in WA. Mick pays a special tribute to his great friend Jimmy Johnson who partnered Rain Lover in those two memorable Melbourne Cup victories.

In this segment Brad recalls his association with trainers like Malcolm Johnston, Gerald Ryan and Les Bridge. He talks of the offer he got from champion Queensland trainer Bruce McLachlan who was anxious to get him back to Brisbane. Brad remembers with affection his big pay day when he won the 2008 Magic Millions Guineas on Heart Of The Citi for trainer Pat Duff. He talks of his frustration that a Group 1 win has eluded him. He’s gone close a couple of times. Brad speaks of his admiration for the late Ken Russell and his delight in being able to win three Russell memorial events. He speaks of a happy association with Sydney trainer David Payne who occasionally flew him to Sydney for race rides. The jockey gives special mention to his son Bayley who was too small to be a footballer, but too big to be a jockey. Brad concludes by paying tribute to older jockeys like Jeff Lloyd and Michael Cahill.

This podcast was recorded two days before Brad was hurt in a starting gate incident at Rockhampton. He escaped serious injury but was taken to hospital complaining of some neck pain. We wish him well. In Part 1 the popular jockey talks of his current winning streak and the trainers who are giving him continuing support. Brad, always on the heavy side, talks of his current situation with weight. The jockey looks back on his original apprenticeship to his father Phil, who’s still training horses successfully. He remembers his very first winner at Gladstone in 1994. Brad talks of a work experience stint in Sydney with trainer Alan Bell and a later transfer to Ron Quinton at Randwick. It was Quinton who provided his first city winner, but his very first winner was trained by Kylie Gavenlock. Brad recalls a winning treble at Rosehill which included his first stakes win. He looks back with regret on a broken leg which kept him on the sidelines for a full year. The jockey reflects on an amazing partnership he had with country trainer Bob Milligan. Together they won dozens of races. The flag bearer was the remarkable bush horse Carael Boy whose wins included the 2001 Villiers. Brad tells the story of the dietary soup made for him by Mrs. Margaret Milligan. That soup kept him in business.

John talks of the tough road back as an independent trainer after three years heading up the powerful Godolphin operation. He reflects on his feelings when the Godolphin job was offered to him, and the reaction of his family. John reminisces about a quick dash to Dubai to officially meet Sheikh Mohammed. Of the hundreds of horses to pass through his hands in the Godolphin days, he was smitten by the remarkable Hartnell. He remembers a great horse. John recalls the moment he knew it was time to leave Godolphin. The trainer recalls his early life in Cairns and his love of Rugby League and Polocrosse. He talks of a University Degree which few people know about. John reflects on the day he literally walked in off the street and asked Gai Waterhouse for a job. He remembers his time with Bart Cummings and Gary Moore. John recalls his low key start at Warwick Farm and the tried horses who got him going. He looks back with affection on the talented horses who’ve helped shape his career. John comments on his admiration for a couple of high profile jockeys. Finally the talented horseman pays tribute to the Canadian girl who was happy to relocate to Australia and marry a budding horse trainer.

In this segment Steve reflects on a short riding stint in Mauritius which ended on a very sour note. He looks back on his return to the saddle after knee surgery and his new association with trainer Terry Courtney.The top horseman has never forgotten his wonderful partnership with powerhouse sprinter Mighty Avalanche. He takes us through a last to first win in the Gr 1 Oakleigh Plate. Steve remembers with affection a wonderful six year stay in Macau. He rode 300 winners and bagged a Macau Gold Cup on sand track specialist Kenny, trained by former Sydney horseman Darby Armstrong.He talks of his move to Singapore as assistant trainer to Claude Charlet. He stayed on when Charlet returned to Macau never dreaming he’d still be there 25 years later.Steve takes us through several assistant training jobs he had before finally gaining his own licence.He remembers the circumstances under which he met his second wife Julie, a former English jockey who was visiting Singapore. He tells the story of Julie’s quick trip to NZ where she rode several winners.He acknowledges Julie’s role in the Singapore stable and her talents as a track work rider.Steve will long remember his day of days in Singapore when he won the QE 11 Cup and got to meet Her Majesty and the Duke Of Edinburgh.Burridge looks back on his training career in Singapore and Malaysia and the important races he’s won.He reflects on a very successful flying visit to Dubai with a small team of horses.Steve acknowledges the jockeys with whom he’s had success in Singapore.He closes the podcast with special mention of his chief helper, grandson Charlie.

We talk to Steve about the lockdown of Singapore racing and the interim progress of his horses.He talks of the biosecurity situation and the mood of the locals as the weeks wear on.We go right back to Steve’s younger days in Melbourne and his passion for football. He was promising but way too small to make a career of it.He talks of his father Harold, a successful jumps jockey.Steve recalls his apprenticeship to Jim Cerchi and his first winning ride at Echuca.He remembers with affection his first city winner and the support he got from his mother and sister.Steve gives special mention to Jetfighter. He won stakes races on the Ian Harrison trained galloper and rates him as one of the best he rode.He talks of the days when he was a regular at the Victorian Saturday provincial meetings where he often rode the second stringers for major stables.Steve looks back on his association with Super Impose. He rode the budding champion in his first four starts. He remembers his only Cox Plate ride in 1977 for Bart Cummings. He was an unlucky fourth on Stormy Rex.Steve recalls turning down the mount on the Caulfield Guineas winner Abaridy to ride 4 horses for Bart at the Werribee meeting. Thankfully they all won.Burridge reflects on his four Melbourne Cup rides. They all finished unplaced but he loved the experience.Steve pays tribute to the champion jockeys he rode with during his apprenticeship with special mention of the great Roy Higgins.He remembers the nasty knee injury he sustained in a race fall at Terang. He ignored the pain to ride a horse he thought was a good thing at Mornington.He won the race but paid the penalty.

I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Phillip Stokes so we did the next best thing and chatted on the podcast. The trainer talks of his runners in two states last Saturday. No winners but a few super efforts. Phillip talks of the fruition of a long term plan to establish a Victorian stable, and the reason he settled on the new Pakenham complex. He describes the available facilities and the 16 acre property he purchased just 5 minutes down the road.  Phillip reflects on a happy childhood growing up on a cattle station near Marree at the top end of SA. His father Ron introduced him to thoroughbreds at an early age. He remembers his apprenticeship in Adelaide to John Hall who had been a stable foreman for Bart Cummings in the maestro’s early days. Phillip recalls his move to Alice Springs when his weight got out of hand. He remembers his new boss Viv Oldfield with great affection. This larger than life character is one of the Territory’s most famous businessmen to this day. The forty nine year old recalls his first overseas stint with top trainer John Hammond at the famous Chantilly training centre near Paris. Phillip looks back on his job with Taiki Farm in Japan and the moment he met Ayumi, the girl destined to become his wife and the mother of his two sons. He cherishes memories of his time with Hall Of Fame trainer Bill Mott at the famous Belmont track on Long Island (NY). The trainer looks back on the horses to get him up and going in the unforgiving business of horse training. Squillani, Marju Snip, Maybe Discreet, Hucklebuck and Eclair Surprise all get special mention. Phillip talks of his magical day at Flemington on the final day of the 2014 Melbourne Cup Carnival when he won three races including the Gr 1 Emirates. He runs through the future prospects of some promising horses he has at Morphettville and Pakenham currently.

Great to catch up with one of the hardest working jockeys in Australian racing. Much to his frustration, Grant is currently on the sidelines with a broken collarbone. He has an update on his likely return date. He talks of the fall on March 31st which came at a time when he was enjoying a winning run. Grant discusses the amazing statistics he’s accumulated in the last twenty years as provincial and country jockey. He pays tribute to his father Clarrie Buckley who enjoyed Group 1 success in the 1960’s and 70’s. He highlights some of the good horses his Dad got to ride. Grant talks of his early days as an apprentice in the Hawkesbury precinct and the trainers who supported him. He’s never forgotten his first winning ride on the Gary White trained Impossible Mission. He pays tribute to Paul Cave, the trainer who gave him some opportunities on better class horses. Grant looks back on his fleeting association with the brilliant mare Private Steer- a three time Gr 1 winner. He looks back on his transition to the provincial and country tracks which have become his life. Grant pays tribute to his wife Chantelle, a former jockey and trackwork rider for Godolphin’s Agnes Banks operation. He talks of Chantelle’s strong racing background. He looks back on no less than nineteen race falls- not so bad when you consider the massive number of rides he’s had. Grant outlines his association with the Godolphin operation at Newcastle and Kembla Saturday meetings.

In part 2 Gary talks of stable favourites Single Bullet and Testashadow. He tells the story of the $20,000 yearling who gave him victory in the Golden Slipper of 2017. He was thrilled to win for a large group of owners who’d been brought together by Darby Racing. Gary tells some good stories about two members of the She Will Reign syndicate who added to the whole amazing story- one of them won a fortune on the punt, while the other bought a new fishing  boat which he called the “She Will Reign”. That boat met a bizarre fate. The trainer talks of his Everest experience with She Will Reign and the mare’s subsequent sale to a Japanese breeder. Gary speaks with affection of the remarkable veteran Marwin Gold who won 20 races for the stable. He reveals the old warrior’s current home. He talks of his eleven year marriage to Kelly and her strong racing background. Kelly and Gary have an eight year old son Harper whose current interest in horses is far from obsessive. Gary gives Kelly credit for getting him back on track when he “hit a flat spot” a few years ago. This is a good yarn with a hard working Aussie horse lover who’s had a fantastic journey in an unforgiving business.