John Tapp Racing

We spoke to Brett only a week after he’d learned that his brilliant Kosciuszko winner It’s Me had sustained an injury during the race. He handled it philosophically. Brett reveals he jumped at the opportunity to take over the Scone training complex previously occupied by Greg Bennett. He takes us back to his childhood in the Queensland outback town of Augathella when he lived with his maternal grandfather- a wily veteran of a tough era. The lessons he learned remain with Brett to this day. Brett recalls his boyhood friendship with Peter Moody. He looks back on his first trip to Sydney where his stepfather was a well respected horse breaker. He looks back on the stable rounds he made with a prominent veterinary surgeon. The trainer takes us back to his complete change of lifestyle when he became a shearer in WA. His adventures took him to remote Karratha where he met a very special person.   Brett looks back on his very first training base at the border town of Tocumwal, and a subsequent move to Albury

A long overdue chat with a hard working jockey who would have competed at the highest metropolitan level had he so desired, but Greg Ryan preferred life in the bush. He talks about his early life in Wellington NSW and his days as a motor mechanic. Greg talks of his introduction to thoroughbreds at the Macquarie Stud and the conversation with another jockey who encouraged him to consider a riding career. He talks of his first apprenticeship in Wellington and the battle he had to lose 10kgs before he could get started as a race rider. Greg recalls his very first winner in 1991. It was really only half a win as he dead heated with a horse ridden by another legendary country jockey. He reveals that he had to go way out west to get started. The veteran jockey pays tribute to some wonderful country riders who became role models. He looks back on a brief stint in Sydney in 1998. He rode winners for some top stables but couldn’t adapt to city living. He acknowledges the support he got from legendary bush traine

Great to head bush this week for an interview with Wagga based Tim Donnelly. He begins with a summary of his winning treble at a recent Wagga meeting- his only runners on the day. The astute trainer highlights some of his best horses since returning to Wagga sixteen years ago. Tim acknowledges some of the jockeys who’ve contributed to his success in recent years. He takes us back to his very first job in a racing stable. He started at the top when he landed a job with Tommy Smith who was on the crest of a wave in the Kingston Town era. Tim looks back on his close association with the champion. Tim talks of the owner who got him on his way as a trainer. He fondly remembers his early days training at Canterbury. He pays tribute to Volcanic Prince, the horse who launched his training career. Tim also reflects on the beginning of his great partnership with jockey Mark De Montfort. The trainer pays tribute to the special horses who’ve helped shape his career with special emphasis on the brilliant Quick Flick

A special podcast with veteran harness horseman Dennis Wilson who’s about to celebrate his 70th birthday. Dennis talks about the knee and hip replacement that put him back on his feet. He explains that he’s not out of the woods yet. He remembers his decision to quit race driving in 2006 when he became disillusioned with the sport. Dennis fondly recalls the glory days at Harold Park. He talks about the handful of drives he had when the action moved from Harold Park to Menangle. Dennis remembers his earliest days working horses at Granville Showground and his apprenticeship to Katoomba trainer Stan Bond. He recalls the thrill of his first winning drive at Maitland in the late 1960’s. Dennis reviews the achievements of the special horses he got to train and drive during his rewarding career. He makes special mention of Soky’s Gidget- a horse that could have been the best he ever trained until injury ended his career. Dennis looks back on the controversial photo finish that went against him in the 2000 M

Great to catch up with a brilliant young Victorian jockey who’s just beginning his second season. He rode 75 winners in his first season. Cam talks of his famous Dad, multiple Group 1 winning jockey Nash. He looks back on his early fascination with the AFL code. Cam recalls the day his father won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on More Joyous. Owner John Singleton got him to make the victory speech. The young jockey talks of school days in Hong Kong during his Dad’s time as a Club jockey. Cam remembers his mornings at trackwork in Hong Kong and the people he befriended. He explains that he tried hard to find new mounts for his father. He talks of his apprenticeship opportunity with Mornington trainer Logan McGill and the thrill of his first winning ride at Moe. Cam looks back on the day he and Nash rode in the same race at Bendigo. The jockey talks of his first metropolitan win at Sandown, and two wins for the Price/Kent partnership. Cam talks of his delight in winning the Rising Stars 2019/202

The outstanding Victorian jockey talks of the fainting spell at home that signalled his impending medical condition. James was in disbelief when Doctors explained the likely ramifications of syncope- a disorder that would be aggravated by the ravages of wasting. He talks of the support of family and friends when the inevitable decision had to be made. James talks of the offers he’s had to work for RSN 927 and the Ten Network during the Spring carnival- just what he needs at this time. The fourth generation jockey looks at the race riding dynasty from which he descends. James pays tribute to Brawny Spirit, the million dollar earner trained by his late grandfather Mick. He looks back on his original apprenticeship to his grandfather, and his brief stint with the late Max Lees at Newcastle. James remembers his very first winner and his first time in the winner’s circle on a metropolitan track. He talks of his great association with the Danny O’Brien stable with special mention of Gr 1 winners Star Witnes

Like most racehorse syndicators Victoria’s Peter Creighton has an unbridled passion for the racing game. He talks of early days when he part owned a few bush horses and his transition to the syndication business. Peter recalls his first visit to a racetrack with his father and an uncle at age 14. He was instantly smitten. He talks about his distant relative Norm Creighton who rode a Victoria Derby winner before going on to great success as a trainer. The respected syndicator looks back on his University degree and the jobs he had before being overpowered by the racing bug. He remembers the complex conditions he had to meet before United Syndications saw the light of day. Peter looks back on his modest start in the syndication business and an early association with champion Riverina trainer Richard Freyer. He clearly remembers the day he decided to offer Mick Price the job of training the United Syndications horses. Peter tells the story of the first time he went to the Inglis sales at Newmarket with th

Great to catch up with former jockey Darryn Murphy who is enjoying his role as a mentor and coach of young racing aspirants in South Australia. Darryn talks about his job with the employment and training company Skillinvest which specialises in the education and career guidance of people across a range of industries including horse racing. He also explains his role with Thoroughbred Racing South Australia. Darren talks of early days in Ballarat and his initial indentureship to local trainer Ron Bones. He reflects on his transfer to Murray Bridge trainer Ray Paech for whom he rode many winners. He looks back on a spectacular crash at Victoria Park. Darryn couldn’t believe his luck when he crashed again in a track gallop not long after getting back into the saddle. The tough as teak Murphy talks about a retainer with the Rob McGuiness stable and his friendship with the veteran jockey who guided his career. Darryn pays tribute to Ian Saunders the Epsom trainer who gave him tremendous support. He tells a

We’re delighted to present a lengthy chat with one of the greatest jockeys of his generation. Mick Dittman retired from the saddle eighteen years ago after a stellar career which brought him 1700 wins including 88 Gr 1’s. He looks at a likely date for his return to Singapore where he manages the extensive  racing interests of Lim Siah Mong. The former champion jockey talks of childhood days in Rockhampton and the story behind his christian name. Mick reflects on the starting gate injury he suffered towards the end of his career. He looks back on a short stay in Macau where he had his final race ride. He explains how his new job came up. The distinguished horseman reflects on his two phase apprenticeship, and his very first winning ride.   He looks back on a few early Queensland Gr 1 wins, and a rewarding trip to Sydney in 1981 to win the first of his three Golden Slippers.   Mick clearly recalls his association with Gurner’s Lane and the Melbourne Cup win in which he defeated a racing idol. He talks

Great to catch up with Queensland’s second oldest active jockey. He’s not long back from a nasty shoulder injury that should have finished his career, but Cyril Small has no intention of stopping. He talks of his ambition to chalk up 50 years as a jockey. Cyril talks of the wonderful support of the trainer who tried to put him on a first up winner at Gatton recently. They ran second. The veteran jockey talks of the simple trackwork accident last October that put him out for 11 months. Cyril talks of his early days in Casino(NSW) and his indentureship to a local trainer. He reflects on his very first win at Casino. He’s never forgotten his first city win and another one shortly afterwards which was the medium of a solid betting plunge. Cyril spent the second half of his apprenticeship in the city with Jim Marshall. Once he moved to town opportunities came from leading trainers. The evergreen jockey pays tribute to his once in a lifetime horse. Cyril won 22 races on the freakish galloper Vo Rogue includin

This brilliant young Sydney jockey is entitled to think he’s used up all of his bad luck. He looks back on the nasty fall at Rosehill on July 25th which left him with a long list of injuries- his second major race fall in fifteen months. Andrew expresses his sympathy for the owners of his mount Hot ‘N’ Hazy who had to be euthanised after the accident.  He talks of the concern shown by Hugh Bowman who incurred a 6 weeks suspension following a stewards investigation into the fall. The apprentice tells of the surprise visit he had from a fellow Sydney jockey. Andrew looks back on early years living in a house situated adjacent to the hometurn of the Port Macquarie racecourse. He talks of his first apprenticeship to a local trainer and a very successful start to his riding career. Andrew couldn’t believe his luck when Ron Quinton agreed to sign him up as  stable apprentice. He actually stopped off at Newcastle on his way down and rode a winner for his future boss. He looks back on his first city win, and t

The former brilliant jockey discusses the higher scale of weights in the current era. He says today’s heavier jockeys get their chance to stay in the game for longer periods. Lenny looks back on the nightmare years when he’d have to lose 4-5 kgs in a single day. He takes us back to childhood days in Wollongong when a neighbour loaned him a little grey pony. Later he got his own pony, but it didn’t have the nicest disposition. Lenny talks of his first indentureship at Gulgong, and his second with Kembla trainer Bernie Howlett. He reflects on his first winner at Queanbeyan and his initial city success. Lenny looks back on his apprenticeship transfer to Kerry Jordan at Rosehill. The former top jockey remembers his first Gr 1 win down Flemington’s famous “ straight six” course. He pays tribute to some outstanding horses who contributed to his Gr 1 CV, with special mention of Belle Du Jour’s unforgettable win in the 2000 Golden Slipper. Lenny looks back on amazing twists of fate that saved him from involve

This is an absorbing chat with one of Perth’s all time favourite media personalities, and a man who gave trots commentary a new twist. John Hunt stepped away from the microphone in 2008 after twenty years as Sky and Gloucester Park’s resident commentator during which time he put some zing into the job. John was only 51 and right at the top of his game, but he had further horizons to explore. He reviews his first two books- one about a champion WA race mare, the other about his life in the media. John takes us back to his teen years when he won 200 junior tennis titles, and looked set for a career in the pro ranks. He talks of the injury that decimated his dream. He pays tribute to his sister Lesley, who was once ranked number 6 in the world. He looks back on his favourite harness horses and the people behind them. John talks of the satisfaction he derived from producing video documentaries on the careers of his favourite horses. Few people would be aware that John Hunt played a key role in the formativ

Great to catch up with the man who won last year’s Kosciuszko with Handle The Truth and hopes to do it again with the same horse next month. Keith talks about his great day at Wagga last week when he dominated the programme. He talks about the thrill of winning the rich Kosciuszko last year and the training regime he’s following with Handle The Truth this time around. Keith talks about the bad habits the gelding displayed early in his career. The veteran trainer talks about the line breeding theory that brought Handle The Truth into the world, and the racing name suggested by breeder Louie Mihalyka. He looks back on his first job as a rouseabout in a Dubbo shearing shed and later involvement as a concrete truck contractor. Keith looks back on the valuable lessons he received from a veteran Canberra trainer. He reflects on the deeds of his very first winner, and the good horses that eventually came into his stables. Keith remembers the time he overspent his budget on a colt he selected with syndicator

We catch up with a former Hawkesbury trainer who surprised friends and clients when he  slipped away from racing four years ago. Warwick explains the reasons for his departure. He gives the impression he hasn’t completely dismissed a return to training down the track. Warwick looks back on his childhood days in the saddle, and gives great credit to the work being done by the Pony Club movement around Australia. He remembers his transition to showjumpers. He recalls riding trackwork for his father at Hawkesbury , and a brief career as an amateur jockey.  Warwick looks back on work experience in the Ray Guy stable, a short stint on a stud farm and his first experience as a trainer in his own right.   He looks back on a decade operating his own poultry farm at Kellyville.   The sixty six year old recalls his modest start as a full time trainer and pays tribute to a few special horses who got him on his way.   Warwick capsulises the career of Prince Trialia, the horse who didn’t attract a bid at the yea

Delighted to catch up with outstanding Sydney trainer John Thompson who’s coming off a great 2019/2020 season. John acknowledges the deeds of his “war horse” Dreamforce and the exciting Mamaragan who’s gearing up for an ambitious Spring campaign. The trainer pays tribute to some other stable favourites who did their bit in 2019/2020. John shares memories of his late grandfather Vic Thompson Snr, one of the most astute horseman of his era. He looks back on his father’s appointment as head trainer when Jack and Bob Ingham opened their lavish Crown Lodge complex at Warwick Farm. The trainer reflects on Vic Thompson Jnr’s split with Crown Lodge . His Dad decided to train a small team of his own, with John as his right hand man. John talks about his later decision to spread his wings and work for other trainers. He enjoyed his time with Bill Mitchell who sent him interstate with a very good horse in 1999. He speaks with great reverence of his 8 years with the maestro Bart Cummings.  John tells the story of the ph

The champion jockey talks about his decision to base himself in Sydney at the expiration of a 15 months disqualification incurred in Hong Kong. Nash will never forget his return to race riding at Kembla Grange in July 2019. He says it was a day of high emotion. He talks of the exciting Randwick wins that put him straight back into his position among Sydney’s best jockeys. The forty five year old talks of the influence of his father Keith, a remarkable horseman who’s still riding work in his mid 70’s. Nash makes special mention of his jockey siblings. Nash recalls two apprenticeships- one to his uncle Stuart, the other to John Sadler. He pays tribute to two trainers who gave him great support when he came out of his time. The jockey looks back on his association with the brilliant Elvstroem who took him all over the world. Nash remembers exactly what he was doing when a life changing phone call came from Gai Waterhouse. He reviews the special horses to take him to racing’s dizziest heights, with special mentio

John recalls the tragedy that dealt the cruellest of blows to the Ledger family- the Corowa race fall that claimed the life of twenty five year old son Adrian. The trainer acknowledges the tremendous work being done by the National Jockeys Trust to assist the families of jockeys killed or injured in the racing industry. John reflects on his acquisition of a nearby property he named in honour of his late son. He talks of the support he receives from sons, Chris,Brad, Travis and wife Kerri. The outstanding horseman looks back on the special horses who’ve shaped his training career, and makes special mention of valued client Mick Price.   

In part 1 John talks about his decision to move the training operation from Yarrawonga to Wangaratta  when the travelling started to wear him down. He looks back on the establishment of his state of the art  complex on twenty acres behind the Wangaratta racecourse. John takes us back to childhood days at Mulwayla where his love affair with horses began. He looks back on his time in the show jumping arena and one special horse who took him to lofty heights. John pays tribute to his late brother George who died much too soon in 1998. He talks of Rich Fields Lad, the best horse George ever trained. He explains why he was forced to take out a trainer’s licence, and the special horses who kick started a new phase of his career. John talks of the horse he inherited after George’s passing. He went on to win 15 races with the free striding Brave Chief including 11 in town. He recalls the frightening colic attack which could have taken Brave Chief’s life.

The popular caller and radio host talks about his recent retirement from the airwaves, and his intention to continue with another of his skills- the art of auctioneering.   Kim talks about his reaction to calling home a winner at Walcha recently at odds of $126.00- he remained composed even though he part owned the mare.   He talks of his love of riding and his first lesson at age 4.   Kim talks of his education at the famous Scots College where one of his mates was the future father of a champion jockey.   The versatile commentator has never forgotten the day his uncle took him to an Inglis sale. It had an enormous impact on the teenager.   Kim looks back on frequent visits to the greyhounds and his race calling practice sessions at Harold Park and Canterbury.   He looks back on the country clubs to get him started as a race caller, and the chance meeting with a former NSW Premier that led to a job with a Sydney radio station.    Kim reflects on the tragic road accident that claimed the life of