John Tapp Racing

It’s always a delight to welcome country horse people to the podcast and this week we go to the NSW mid north coast. We introduce a great all round horseman from idyllic Wauchope, a pretty little town of 6,500 on the Hastings River just under 20km from Port Macquarie. Colt Prosser grew up in the town and learned about horses from parents Grant and Debbie Prosser. Debbie was a very successful trainer, and Grant one of the most respected farriers in the state. Colt gained experience under two astute outside trainers before going solo in 2010. More than 300 winners later he’s firmly ensconced as one of the best bush trainers in NSW. He begins by talking about Bjorn Ironside, one of his recent winners at Port Macquarie. He says the October 10 meeting was a great day out for the whole family. Colt speaks highly of Bjorn Ironside’s rider Luke Rolls who’s just back from injury. The trainer takes us back to the altercation he had last year with a runaway Angus cow. He came off second best in the unlikely collision.…

When Simon Marshall was booting home Gr 1 winners at the rate of knots he was lauded by experts as one of Australia’s best jockeys. Behind the scenes he was jeopardising his health to stay in the game he loved. Simon’s worst fears were realised in the Caulfield jockey’s room one day in 1997 when he collapsed following a long session in the sauna. He heeded the advice of specialists and retired immediately. Over the next five years he made his mark in racing media but the urge to give race riding one more shot never left him. He discusses that comeback and many other aspects of a fascinating career on this week’s podcast. He tells the story in his usual entertaining style beginning with a summary of his current involvement in three popular Racing.com programmes. Simon talks about his long time ambassadorial role with Sportsbet. The former ace jockey talks about parents Len and Gael and siblings Grant and Trent. He looks back on his father’s successful riding career with special emphasis on 1977 Golden Slipper…

To mark our 600th podcast post I’m delighted to welcome my former colleague and long time friend, the one and only Ken Callander. Now in retirement at a very sprightly 81, Ken is no longer a regular at the track but continues to observe every development in the industry and nobody watches more races on television than this eagle eyed racing tragic. What a career he had! Journalist, radio and TV presenter, punter, bookmaker, and racehorse owner. A unique style and a big personality endeared Ken to punters and racing fans all over Australia. He never lost touch with his humble start in life and he’s the same bloke today that he was more than seventy years ago when he was a regular visitor to his Aunt Bertha’s SP Betting Shop. Kenny begins by talking about his current role as an armchair jockey. He responds to the special honour of having a feature Randwick race named after himself and colleague Max Presnell. Ken takes us back to childhood days when he was introduced to the “buzz” of an inner Sydney SP betting…

A history making feat by Angela Jones to win the 2024/2025 Brisbane jockey’s premiership has been a source of inspiration to female riders around the nation. Twenty year old Bella Youngberry created her own little piece of history last season by becoming the first female rider to win both the junior and senior Gold Coast premierships. She has carried the momentum into the new season, and is currently a handful of wins in front of Ben Thompson on the Brisbane metro ladder. Bella’s story is similar to that of many female jockeys in Australia- pony club, show ring and a gradual transition to riding trackwork. Initially apprenticed to Allan Chau, Bella subsequently spent time on loan-outs to Mel and Billy Johnson at Barcaldine, and Brett Bellamy at Coffs Harbour. She’s currently back on the Gold Coast with Adam Campton who supports her well, as do an increasing number of Brisbane metro trainers. It’s a delight to welcome Bella Youngberry to this week’s podcast. She begins by talking about the short suspension…

As his 37th birthday approaches Stirling Osland has already garnered a very sound reputation among NSW country based trainers. He’s one of only four trainers to use the facilities at the historic Armidale racecourse, and couldn’t be happier. With rarely more than twenty five horses in work Stirling has maintained a healthy strike rate over the past decade. He also manages to complete the breaking and education of around twenty youngsters every year. The young trainer has the happy knack of knowing when one of his horses has sufficient talent to warrant a trip to Sydney or Brisbane. From a limited number of runners he’s saddled up five TAB Highway winners. Stirling’s story to date makes for an interesting podcast. He begins by talking about a very hectic recent schedule. Stirling says he enjoys the quiet environment of the Armidale training precinct as do most of his horses. He talks of the available training facilities and his own involvement in trackwork riding duties. Stirling speaks of his 100 acre…

Had Billy Charles elected to stay in his very first job with the National Bank he would have soon been up to his knees in carpet in the CEO’s office. But, as much as he enjoyed the challenge the eighteen year old couldn’t shake the unrelenting urge to seek employment in the racing industry. He broke every record getting to Elizabeth St in the city when the progressive Sydney Turf Club advertised for a clerk in the racing office. Bill landed the job, and for the next seven years earned recognition as a burgeoning talent. His journey through to 1996 brought him into great repute as a versatile administrator in Australia and overseas. He opted for a change of direction in that year when Bart Cummings “head-hunted” the 49 year old for the role of Leilani Lodge Racing Manager. He was destined to stay with the maestro for 17 years. Bill is now semi-retired but continues to assist behind the scenes for high profile trainers John Thompson and Matthew Smith. His journey in the racing game makes for a very interesting…

Sky Racing’s Greg Radley spends time with Craig Sant at Darwin Cup time each year. He called me after this year’s NT carnival with a strong suggestion that we should invite Craig onto the podcast. We put the wheels in motion and Craig is our special guest this week. The 57 year old son of former trots trainer Allan Sant was brought up with standardbred horses and in mid- teens looked likely to follow in his father’s footsteps, but his nagging desire to become a race caller refused to go away. It took a long time and the disappointments were many, but his sheer persistence finally landed him behind the microphone at Alice Springs where he called the action for four years. Today Craig’s firmly ensconced in Darwin where he covers 40 thoroughbred meetings a year at the famous Fannie Bay track, and more than 70 at the Winnellie Park greyhound circuit. Craig talks about his annual get-together with Sky’s Greg Radley. He talks about the month long Darwin Cup carnival which attracts horses and visitors from all over…

As a youngster Tony McEvoy looked forward to a long career as a jockey. As it turned out he was just 19 when increasing weight put an end to that dream, but not before he’d topped a century of wins. His talents in the saddle and devotion to duty saw him rewarded with two amazing opportunities at Gr 1 level in 1977. Young Mc Evoy rode a copybook race on Deesse to win the South Australian Oaks. He went tantalisingly close to completing the 3YO classic double when So Called went under narrowly to Stormy Rex in the Derby. His training career began under tragic circumstances when appointed head trainer for Lindsay Park following the death of Peter Hayes in a light aircraft crash in 2001.Tony’s subsequent journey has been one of racing’s greatest stories. The master horseman takes us on a sentimental journey on this week’s podcast. He begins by talking about he and son Calvin’s dual operation at Flemington and Ballarat. Tony looks back on Calvin’s early fascination with racing. He says racehorses dominated his…

Youngest jockey to win a metropolitan premiership in Australia last season was Tasmania’s 27 year old Erica Byrne Burke. Second youngest was 29 year old Ben Thompson who was dominant in winning the Brisbane title. 34 year old James McDonald predictably won the Sydney honours, while 40 year old William Pike claimed yet another Perth premiership. 49 year old Craig Williams was superb in winning his tenth Melbourne title, but it was Adelaide veteran Jason Holder who dominated the headlines by winning his fourth metro premiership at the remarkable age of 50. “Stubby” Holder hasn’t been on the podcast for six years. He was happy to join us again to talk about his new lease of life. He says this was the most satisfying of his 4 premiership wins. The popular jockey talks about his good start to the new season. He recalls the origins of his longtime nickname of “Stubby”. Jason talks of three stakes wins last season, one of them on Air Assault. He’s won nine races on the Andrew Gluyas trained gelding. Stubby says…

It was champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy who strongly recommended Shane Green as a potential podcast guest. The two became friends when Shane was working for the Darley organisation and Kerrin was under retainer as stable jockey. It’s taken a while to make it happen, but we have the ever versatile Mr. Green on the podcast this week. He begins by talking about his enduring friendship with the multiple Gr 1 winning jockey. Shane says his current role as an NDIS carer came out of the blue. He talks about Darwin’s many appealing features. Shane was just 10 years old when he became a regular at Dapto dogs. He recalls standing outside the broadcast box hanging on every word uttered by a famous caller of the day. He says he was almost 16 when given the opportunity to call the Moss Vale dogs at very short notice. His father got him the job. Shane has never forgotten the persistent kid from Sydney who regularly attended Moss Vale meetings pleading for the chance to call a race or two. He finally relented and unwittingly…

A calm and composed riding technique with a demeanour to match, are the attributes that have endeared Koby Jennings to many trainers in his fifteen year career. After spending the latter part of his apprenticeship in Sydney the heavyweight rider joined the fully fledged ranks knowing his opportunities would be restricted by weight. Nevertheless he rode winners consistently, earning the respect of some of Sydney’s most astute trainers.Koby’s CV is highlighted by wins in a Provincial Championship Final and a Golden Eagle. Two years ago he returned to his hometown of Traralgon and the winners have continued to flow across the region. He’s currently taking a break from the sweat box and trying his hand as a businessman. He’s on the podcast this week to bring us up to date. Koby begins by assuring us that he has no intention of abandoning his beloved thoroughbreds. In fact he’s still riding regular trackwork. He talks of his association with Will Hayes who runs Lindsay Park’s Pakenham stables. Koby says it took…

I couldn’t believe Katelyn McDonald had actually found the time to join the podcast until we were five minutes into the interview. As it turned out she took more than an hour out of her hectic schedule to cover a wide range of subjects. From a celebrated family of Victorian jockeys Katelyn Mallyon enjoyed a rewarding eight years in the saddle which brought a string of black type wins including a coveted Gr 1 success. Her life changed direction abruptly in 2017 when she met a talented young NZ jockey at a Melbourne dinner party. Today Mr. and Mrs. James McDonald are the proud parents of two delightful little girls. James works hard to maintain his reputation as one of the world’s most elite riders. His wife works equally as hard in her multifaceted life. Katelyn begins by talking about her young daughters, Evie almost 4 and Mia who recently turned 2. She pays tribute to her NZ mother-in-law Diane who now lives in Sydney. She talks about a couple of her husband’s habitual idiosyncrasies. She says James thinks…

Activities like pony club, showjumping and eventing were not on Shannen Llewelleyn’s radar during her teen years on the NSW Central Coast. That’s not to say she didn’t like horses. In fact the idea of buying herself a suitable steed one day had crossed her mind more than once. A job at a local Woolworths Supermarket allowed Shannen to save diligently, and it wasn’t long before she had enough spare cash to buy the horse of her dreams. That horse turned out to be a standardbred who’d never made it to the racetrack. She named him “Shadow” and began the slow, tedious process of teaching herself to ride from scratch. Not surprisingly there were a few anxious moments. Memories of old “Shadow” are beginning to fade these days as she boots home winner after winner on NSW racetracks- 150 winners in fact since March of 2024. Shannen joins us on the podcast to talk about her rapid rise. She begins by talking about her recent transition to metropolitan racing. Shannen talks about the crowded lady jockey’s rooms these…

John Sadler’s coming up 72 next birthday and can look back on a fascinating career. He’s possibly more content currently than he’s ever been, working a team of just thirty horses at the widely lauded Pakenham training centre. Half the team are pre-trainers for good friends, the other half racehorses owned by valued clients old and new. It hasn’t been all beer and skittles for the Terang born trainer with recurring bouts of depression and one unfortunate run in with a senior steward during the infamous Aquanita Racing scandal that came to light in 2017. That misdemeanour cost John six weeks on the sidelines. You’ll hear his side of the story on the upcoming podcast. John begins by acknowledging the merits of the state of the art Pakenham training precinct. He talks about his team of thirty horses and the pre-training support given him by fellow trainers. The veteran horseman talks of life on the farm at Terang in the 1950’s. John talks of Terang’s history in both thoroughbred and harness racing. He pays…

Few trainers have had a busier week than Brett Dodson. He left Coffs Harbour on Thursday July 9th with his bonny mare Petticoat who was to start in a BM78 at Randwick two days later. It was a case of so near but yet so far as Petticoat went down by a whisker to Zouripper. As soon as Petticoat was ready to travel Brett embarked on the arduous journey back to Coffs. He had good reason to feel a little the worse for wear by the time he arrived at the Grafton track on Sunday with Miss Midas Touch for the 1400m maiden. Despite copping a hefty bump at the 300m, the mare grabbed the lead for a few strides before finishing third to You Are Mind and Occupation. No wins, but good runs by both Petticoat and Miss Midas Touch. Brett Dodson rarely has more than a dozen horses in work and is prepared to take them wherever they have the best chance of earning prize money. Tamworth born Dodson became “hooked” on racing in his early teens and resolved from the outset to seek a future in the industry. He recorded 13 wins and…

Almost without exception successful horse trainers are hard workers. There’s a 35 year old Grafton based Mum who’s in accord with the quote made famous by former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who said “hard work won’t always get you to the top but with ordinary luck will get you pretty near.” Samantha’s been around horses from the toddling stage. After notable success in the pony club and campdrafting pursuits, she transitioned to thoroughbreds by becoming a trackwork rider at the busy Grafton training precinct. A successful two and a half year stint as a jockey triggered her interest in the training of the animal and that’s where we find her today. Sam works a team of twenty horses from Hosier Lodge right on the Grafton track and has already established a reputation as a very serious young trainer in the northern region. Samantha and husband Matt McGuren live 20 kms outside Grafton requiring very early starts for both. Matt is currently having a break from the rigours of the sweat box but still has a…

Bob and Jenny Vance train a very small team at Ardmore in Auckland but boast a healthy strike rate with a Gr 1 win already on the board. I have vivid recollections of Bob winning the 1993 W.S Cox Plate on The Phantom Chance- the first of five Cox Plates I got to call for the Nine Network. Just three years after winning the famous Moonee Valley feature, Bobby Vance decided to call time on his stellar riding career and join his wife Jenny in the training ranks. Swedish born Jenny Moller had also enjoyed a very successful career in the saddle. We tracked Bob down last week and he agreed to join us on this week’s podcast. He begins by talking of the Ardmore training complex and says he and Jenny run the operation unassisted. He reflects on the thrill of a Gr 1 training win at Te Rapa in 2021 with an expat Hong Kong galloper. Bob looks back on he and Jenny’s initial reaction when daughter Maija announced her intention to become a jockey. He talks of Maija’s immediate success in NZ and a subsequent five year stint…

When an Adelaide podcast listener contacted me recently about a potential interview with Glynn Pretty, I couldn’t get things under way quickly enough. In the 60’s and 70’s this man’s reputation was as solid as any top jockey in the nation. He spent a lot of time out of Australia fulfilling contracts in Singapore and Hong Kong, but whenever back in Adelaide he promptly reminded owners and trainers why people like Bart Cummings were so lavish in their praise. A dreadful fall in Hong Kong in 1978 was expected to terminate his career. Six years later he made a comeback and rode 50 winners in a year before quitting for good. Glynn put a lot back into racing following his official retirement, and at age 80 is still involved with the SA Racing Appeals Board. He’s also enjoyed the thrill of horse ownership, especially an involvement with talented mare See You In Heaven. The daughter of Divine Prophet won six races for her ownership team, all at stakes level. We begin by talking about Glynn‘s love of the game of…

I get regular enquiries about the current whereabouts and activities of Michael Wrona, the young Queensland race caller I got to introduce to American horse racing thirty six years ago.The now defunct Hollywood Park Race Club was anxious to try out the Australian style of race calling on the big on course crowds and simulcast viewers of the era. Michael and I were invited to cover a total of six race meetings in a ten day period during which time public reaction was to be closely monitored. Should the experiment prove successful, Michael was all but assured of an offer to become resident Hollywood Park broadcaster. Two weeks later 24 year old Michael Wrona had made the quantum leap from a fair way down the “pecking order” on 4BC Brisbane to become the voice of Californian racing on one of the world’s most iconic racetracks. The past 36 years have taken the Brisbane boy through many valleys and peaks- amazing highlights and devastating lows. He’s been tempted to call it quits and scurry home to Australia…

You don’t see too many $61.00 “pops” generating ovations like the one Rothfire and Brad Rawiller got after the recent Doomben $10,000. The horse all but written off when he broke down almost six years ago, and the tough-as-teak veteran jockey served up a fairy tale story in winning the famous sprint after a very wide run. It was Gr 1 number 26 for the hard working Rawiller who hadn’t won at the elite level since scoring on Elite Street in Perth’s Winterbottom Stakes five and a half years ago. Brad, who makes a habit of “walking racetracks” when track conditions are suspect, went out with a set plan. He answers all of the questions that people have pondered in this week’s podcast. He begins by explaining how he secured the ride from a stable he hasn’t ridden for previously. The jockey takes us through the tactics he employed in the big sprint. He talks of Rothfire’s unlucky seventh in the Kingsford Smith Cuptwo weeks later. Brad pays tribute to his remarkable dad Keith, a versatile horseman who enjoyed…

Simon Price hasn’t ridden in a race for five years but still spends plenty of time in the saddle. He’s at Morphettville trackwork three mornings a week, and has a regular presence at the barrier trials and jumpouts. With sons Will and Ben both forging successful riding careers in Adelaide, Price Snr is content to take a back seat these days. Simon’s CV credits him with close to 2000 winners including a host of black type features. At the height of his career he had regular support from many leading stables and a strong public following. In response to several requests for an interview with the talented horseman I’m pleased to say job’s done! Simon joins us on this week’s podcast to look back on his very rewarding career. He talks about his Morphettville trackwork involvement three times a week for some discerning trainers. Simon says he also works a “day job” at a prominent landscaping business owned by an old friend. He looks back on a snap decision in 2020 to relocate to NSW at the request of former South…

The girls have had an extraordinary impact on Australian racing in recent years. A current emerging talent is twenty five year old Coriah Keatings who just recently won her first race at black type level. Coriah, apprenticed to Nick Olive at Canberra has a very impressive 135 wins on the board after just four years of race riding. Born and reared on her family’s farm just outside Albury, Coriah was in the saddle at a very early age and went on to become highly successful in many equestrian pursuits. Her entry into the racing industry happened almost by accident.This is an absorbing chat with a country girl who would have excelled in any one of several sports, but her innate love of horses influenced her decision to become a jockey. Coriah says she’s still on cloud nine after winning her first stakes race on Spicy Lu at Eagle Farm. The young jockey explains the origins of her intriguing given name. Coriah says her early passion for horses was encouraged by mother Kerrin, herself an avid horse lover. She says…

Andrew Gluyas had a huge pair of shoes to fill in July of 2023 when he took over the running of French Cotton Lodge at Morphettville. The stables had been home base to legendary trainer Leon Macdonald for more than four decades. Andrew had been married to Leon’s daughter for five years when he went to work for his father-in-law in 2002. Seven years later he was delighted to formulate a partnership with the veteran which would generate 560 wins up to the time of Leon’s retirement. Andrew got away to the best possible start as a trainer in his own right, when he won the Victoria Derby with Goldrush Guru the following year. The winners have continued to flow. Delighted to have him on the podcast this week.Andrew begins by explaining the origins of his unusual surname. He looks back on his father-in-law’s retirement in 2023, and recalls the freak accident at Morphettville trackwork when Leon was bowled over by a spooky horse. Andrew talks of the 21 year association with Leon that shaped his future. Gluyas looks…

Please forgive my deviation from our usual interview format but the discovery of some very old broadcast tapes has set me upon a sentimental journey and rekindled memories I’d like to share with you. The centuries old proverb “handsome is as handsome does” has never been better exemplified than it was by the celebrated racehorse Tobin Bronze. He ticked every box as a thoroughbred type and endeared himself to racing fans in four magnificent seasons on Australian tracks. His few disappointing performances always came with a legitimate excuse. His finest moments are still revered by those who were around in the days of the horse they called the “Bronze Bullet”. We’ll get back to our usual podcast format next week, but for now I’d like to invite you to join me on a trip down memory lane as we look at the racing life of a deep chestnut stallion who captivated Australia’s thoroughbred lovers in the 1960’s. Sincere thanks to Melbourne historian Dennis Najin who made available Bill Collins’ graphic calls of Tobin…

I was thrilled to meet David Taggart for the first time at the recent Sydney premiere of the “J.Mac Story”. Like many Aussie racing fans I was well acquainted with his story. The story of a distinguished riding career being abruptly halted in 2007 by a freakish fall at Stony Creek- a career which had brought him more than 800 wins including 48 black type races. Included in that impressive tally are six Gr 1’s. “Tags” as he’s affectionately known, suffered years of post accident trauma before a stroke of good fortune changed his future direction. He’s still battling a few issues but occupies his mind with the task of preparing and presenting four weekly segments on Melbourne’s SEN Track. I quickly pinned him down to a podcast and we got the job done this week. David begins his inspirational story by talking about his current immobility problems and the way he overcomes them. He talks about the lucky break that led him to a radio career. David pays tribute to his SEN sidekick Gareth Hall. The former successful…

The first bloke to give me a wrap for the talents of Justin Sheehan was John O’Shea. It was 2000 and John’s solo training career had just begun at Warwick Farm. Sheehan was then 28 and although struggling with weight issues, was quickly establishing himself with some very discerning trainers. O’Shea described him as an “innately talented rider.” Just eight years later Justin’s career was all over as the ravages of the sweat box began to affect his health. In his relatively short time as a professional jockey he stamped himself as one of the best in the land. The 54 year old Queensland born horseman joins us on the podcast this week to look back on the highs and lows of an amazing twenty one year career as a professional jockey. Justin begins by talking about some recent health issues. He looks back on fifteen years as an in demand trackwork rider at Warwick Farm. Justin has clear recollections of his final day at the races- two unplaced rides at Rosehill in 2008. His final win at Kembla Grange remains near…

Col Hodges’ absence from western districts race meetings of late has been a talking point among his legion of friends. It’s taken a nasty fall and a fractured hip socket to keep him away from the races after fifty six years behind the binoculars. He’s not feeling quite well enough to handle an interview at this early stage of his rehabilitation, but has given me the green light to replay a podcast recorded in May 2020, almost six years ago. Col was in a reminiscent mood on the day and began by taking us back to his very first professional race call. He talks of a happy childhood at Bogan Gate and school days at Gunning Gap, a push bike ride from home. Col remembers his fascination with the ABC race callers of the 1950’s. He looks back on his admiration for the shearing contractors who visited his family property, and the three decades he’d later spend in central western shearing sheds. Col recalls the lucky break that would shape his destiny. He’s never forgotten the day he was recruited by prominent race…

Brett Robb made the call to go solo as a trainer when his father Rodney decided to cut his team back to five horses in 2020. He’d been working as stable foreman for Rodney for a number of years, and was happy to continue in that role. Rod’s decision prompted Brett to bite the bullet, and launch his own training career. From a Dubbo base Brett has 273 wins on the board including a Country Championship Final. He currently has 48 horses in work and is prepared to travel to find the right races for them. Brett can ‘t see himself doing anything else. He joins us on the podcast and talks firstly about his well known nickname. He talks about a winning double at the first day of the Wellington carnival last Friday and pleasing runs from his two fillies in the Wellington Boot. Brett looks at the performances by two stable runners in the recent Country Championship Final. “Snow” pays tribute to his dad Rodney Robb, a legend in Western Districts racing for half a century. He acknowledges the talents of stable jockey…

Eighteen year old apprentice Jett Newman had a huge number of trial rides before being signed up by northern rivers trainer Matt Dunn. She debuted in February 2025 with two rides for her boss at a Murwillumbah meeting. The first one ran second, the other Without Parallel led all the way to win. The gifted young jockey hasn’t stopped riding winners since. She brought up the century when Tomba stormed home from a rearward position to win a 3&4YO event at Doomben on March 28th. In January Jett made a huge impact when she had two rides for two wins at a Rosehill Gardens meeting. Both horses were trained by Matt Dunn who’s since kept her away from metropolitan tracks. He wants to preserve her provincial and metro claims for a little longer. Jett TALKS ABOUT HER SPECIAL DAY AT DOOMBEN She hasn’t had time to reflect on the achievement because she’s been riding all over the place ever since. The apprentice talks about two more wins to come her way at Grafton and on the Gold Coast. Jett explains that she and her…

I’ve had several emails requesting a podcast with Gratz Vella in the wake of his thrilling third placing in the TAB Golden Slipper with Music Time. The Maltese born trainer drifted into the racing game by pure chance and has held a licence for more than three decades. He’s enjoyed a notable measure of success from his Canberra base and is widely respected by all sections of the industry. Gratz secured Music Time for just $45,000 at the 2023 Inglis Classic Sale and soon discovered that he’d bought a very promising young horse for long established clients. Music Time probably cost himself a win at his first start but quickly made amends with a hat trick, culminating in the Black Opal on his home track. The Gratz Vella story is one that needs to be acknowledged on our podcast. The trainer says he’ll be pinching himself for quite a while yet. Gratz says he asked his jockey Pierre Boudvillain to ride Music Time as close as possible without overdoing it. He explains the reason why the gelding got a little bit lost…

Kris Lees was thirty three years old when his father Max passed away in 2003. He’d been training a handful of horses in his own right while working as stable foreman for his very respected trainer/dad. He was left reeling when a sudden illness claimed Max’s life at just 63 years of age. Kris made the instant decision to carry on where the multiple Gr 1 trainer had left off. The team totalled 50 horses and Kris was humbled to learn that almost every existing client had decided to leave their horses exactly where they were. Twenty three years on Kris has established a stellar training record and boasts some amazing season by season statistics. It’s seven years since Lees Jnr has been a guest on this podcast and it’s high time we invited him back. The trainer says very few call him by his birth name of Kristen. He talks about his horse numbers at Newcastle and on the Gold Coast with acknowledgement of the people who look after his Queensland operation. Kris is justifiably proud of his training stats over more…

With another edition of the historic Sydney Cup coming up on April 11th, it seems an appropriate time to catch up with a man who won it twice as a jockey in 1959 and 1961. Bernie Howlett’s riding career lasted only seven or eight years but was followed by a long innings as a successful trainer. In more recent times Bernie has earned recognition as a very astute breeder of horses. In fact he’s one of a chosen few to have ridden, trained and bred Gr 1 winners. He’s now a healthy eighty eight year old, living in Canberra and content to reflect on his very rewarding life in racing. Bernie does us the honour of joining this week’s podcast to take us on a trip down memory lane. He brings us up to date on plans for his future in racing. Bernie goes right back to childhood days in Tamworth and many trips to local race meetings with his dad Jack. He acknowledges the deeds of older brother Arthur, himself a talented jockey and trainer. Bernie recalls the early tuition he received from legendary country trainer Arthur…

It’s just over six years since Scott Darby last appeared on our podcast. At the time his popular racehorse syndication company was gathering momentum. Today Darby Racing is a front runner in a very tough business. Seventeen and a half years after its launch, the company looks back on 1500 wins by syndicated horses including 79 at stakes level and 9 at Gr 1. To mark Darby Racing’s first week as one of our valued sponsors it makes good sense to get its founder and managing director back on the podcast. He takes us back to early days when he was overpowered by an ambition to become a jockey. When his riding aspirations fell by the wayside Scott looked for an activity that would keep him in the framework of the racing industry. He got involved in the syndication of two horses owned by friends, and enjoyed the experience. The rest is history. When Scott joined us on the podcast on Monday March 9th he was still walking on air after a Gr 1 Newmarket win with Caballus at Flemington -Gr 1 number nine for Darby…

Blake Spriggs answered immediately when I tried his mobile number one day last week. What a delight it was to hear such clarity, sparkle and fluency in the voice of a man who this time last year had his Doctors gravely concerned. Medical professionals who played even the smallest part in the former jockey’s rehabilitation continue to marvel at his attitude, determination and rate of recovery from an endless list of injuries. Blake had prepared himself well by the time neurosurgeons delivered the heartbreaking news that his riding career was over. The articulate thirty three year old joins us on the podcast, to look back on an ordeal that all jockeys hope will never befall them. Blake says every member of his medical team has expressed surprise at the rate of his recovery. You’ll be amazed to learn what he can do just one year on from the worst kind of race fall. He says more than two weeks passed before he had any knowledge of the damage to his body. You might feel squirmish as Blake recounts the long list…

This week we catch up with another member of the “bush trainer brigade” - those remarkable people who continue to bring the very best out of horses of limited ability while paying just as much for chaff, oats and associated supplements as their city counterparts. This week’s podcast guest recently relocated from one country location to another. After many successful years at Bendemeer near Tamworth, Jane Clement and husband Rob recently moved to a 50 acre farm at Mendooran. The new location will afford Jane and Rob easy access to many western and northern meetings. The Jane Clement story makes for a very interesting podcast and we’re delighted to have her join us this week. Jane explains the reasons she chose to move out west after a lifetime at Bendemeer. She says her previous training property embraced most of the long defunct Bendemeer racecourse. Undulating terrain gave her horses a beneficial change from flat track training. Jane looks back on childhood days on the family farm at Bendemeer where horses…

Richard Litt’s entry into the Sydney training ranks materialised under very sad circumstances. He’d barely settled into a training partnership at Warwick Farm with his father Jim when news came from NZ of the premature death of his older brother Jay. Jim Litt made an immediate decision to return to NZ but resolved to leave his small team of horses in Sydney. Richard was quickly granted a training licence by Racing NSW and launched his training career under less than ideal circumstances. Some months later he paid his first visit to the winner’s circle when a mare called Klissta won the Braidwood Cup. As Richard gratefully received the Cup trophy he couldn’t have imagined that just two years later he’d be on the dais at Royal Randwick receiving the trainer’s trophy after the Gr 1 Champagne Stakes. That trophy was won by Castelvecchio, the Dundeel colt who’d catapulted Richard Litt to racing’s biggest stage. He joins us on the podcast to talk about his first magical decade in Australian racing. He talks about…

Former champion jockey Wayne Harris speaks glowingly of his former “stablemate” Neil Rae. Both were apprenticed to the late Pat Farrell, and while Harris concentrated on metropolitan racing for most of his career Rae opted to stay in the Hunter region where he enjoyed a productive 23 years- productive enough to give him a total of 8 Hunter and North West riding premierships. Wayne Harris suggested I call the former lightweight jockey and talk to him about a possible podcast. A little reluctant at first, Neil finally agreed to join us for a chat about a career that brought him a very impressive 1370 wins. He begins by talking about the excavators and compactors he operates for the Lake Macquarie City Council. Always a natural lightweight, Neil says he’s still pretty fit. Rae was given a nickname by workmates very early in his career. He says it’s still widely used by racing people. Neil talks about a racing accident at Gosford that left him with a shocking ankle injury. He talks about a short lived comeback.…

The enormous genetic influences in Kerrin McEvoy’s background were obvious from a tender age. In fact the native of Streaky Bay on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, wanted to do nothing else but ride racehorses from age 9 or 10. Initially apprenticed to grandfather Bill Holland, Kerrin had a brief stint with Russell Cameron in Adelaide before seeing out his time with the legendary Hayes family. After 29 years as a professional jockey, Kerrin McEvoy boasts an amazing record- 2348 wins including 85 Gr 1’s, 83 Gr 2’s, 146 Gr 3’s and another 160 at listed level. In five seasons overseas he won 323 races in the UK and Europe with another 40 in Dubai. The 45 year old father of four, was enjoying his job more than ever when a recent starting gate accident left him with multiple fractures in the right foot. That little hiatus has given him the time to talk to me at length on our weekly podcast, and I can’t tell you how delighted I am. Kerrin begins by explaining the circumstances of the mishap and the extent of his…

Ashlee Grives nee Siejka left a big imprint on the NSW race driving scene with an impressive tally of 800 winners. She trained many of them in her own right. In more recent years Ash has dabbled in the training of thoroughbreds largely with online purchases. It’s well documented that she has won a race or two with most of them. During her years in the trotting game the gifted horsewoman worked as a veterinary nurse for the famous Randwick Equine Centre, spending much of her time assisting in the operating theatre. Her interest in the anatomy of the horse has remained with her ever since, and played a part in her recent decision to go full time into Equine Rehabilitation. Ash joins us on the podcast to look back on her outstanding career in harness racing, a brief but successful stint as a gallops trainer and a recent transition into a brand new phase of her life. The Bathurst born horsewoman talks about the grind of horse training and travelling in recent years, interspersed by the arrival of daughter Dulcie…

Lee Magorrian had never been on a horse’s back when he got a stablehand’s job with Joe Byrne in his native County Meath in 2009. He continued to work on the ground when he later transferred to legendary horsewoman Joanna Morgan. Lee’s life took an unexpected twist when he was encouraged by a friend to visit NZ where he made the snap decision to become an apprentice jockey. One hundred winners later, young Magorrian won a much sought after scholarship which springboarded him into a trip to Australia and a stint with premier trainer Chris Waller.The much travelled young jockey is now firmly ensconced as a popular “go-to” jockey on the NSW provincial circuit. It’s a pleasure to share Lee’s story on our podcast. Lee says he’s been surprised by the ongoing support of Chris Waller and several other trainers who patronise the Newcastle and Kembla Saturday meetings. He talks about his patient style of riding and his efforts to look busy in tight finishes. The jockey takes us back to childhood days in County Meath…

With his team of gallopers now in single digits, Terry Robinson has few city runners these days. It seems like yesterday when he and a handful of fellow trainers were dominating the TAB Highway races on Sydney tracks. So great was Terry’s win rate in the first few years that he still occupies fourth place on the Highway trainer’s table with 21 wins. Prior to turning his hand full time to the training of thoroughbreds, T.JRobinson was one of the most respected drivers at the regular Friday night meetings at the now defunct Harold Park Paceway. His late father Kevin Robinson had also excelled as a dual code trainer over a long period of years. Terry was in the winner’s circle again recently when $51.00 “pop” Tai Lung greeted the judge in a midweek race at Warwick Farm. I gave him a call to offer congratulations and you could have knocked me over with a feather when he hinted at retirement. I couldn’t get him on the podcast quickly enough. Terry talks about his Warwick Farm winner and says Tai Lung is a high…

It’s been a pleasure to welcome a sequence of popular country trainers to the podcast lately and we’re going “bush” again in our first interview for 2026. Our guest is respected horseman Paddy Cunningham who’s currently the only trainer based at the Glen Innes racecourse in the NSW New England district. He and wife Kathy achieve consistent results with a team of just twelve horses, and are happy to travel long distances to find the right races for them. Paddy Cunningham put together a tidy record as a race rider before ongoing weight problems saw him transition to the training ranks. After two lengthy stints at Grafton and another at Caloundra, Cunningham returned to his native Glen Innes in 2016 and you’d need the army to shift him again. Paddy talks about the well appointed property he and Kathy share close to the Glen Innes track. He looks back on his early days at Ben Lomond, a unique little village situated so far above sea level that snow isn’t uncommon in the winter months. Paddy talks of his parents…

Great to chat with a man who co-founded Hyperion Thoroughbreds, one of the very earliest racehorse syndication companies in Australia. We find out what Allan’s been doing since a crippling recession brought Hyperion’s operation to a halt in 1990.Allan takes us back to his childhood in Gravesend near Warialda when radio was a way of life to country people. He fell in love with the theatre of racing, the day he listened to the broadcast of the 1956 Melbourne Cup.He talks of school days in Inverell and his first job at the Valuer General’s Department in Sydney. A job transfer to Moree led him to a friendship with Terry Mulhall, destined to become his business partner in later years.Allan reflects on the creation of Hyperion Thoroughbreds and the concept of forming larger syndicates than those offered by predecessors.He recalls the creation of the famous black and pink silks which signalled the emerging popularity of syndication.He reflects on the tough guidelines introduced by the Corporate Affairs Commission…

It’s always a pleasure to talk to a dedicated bush trainer from any part of the nation. This week we go to the busy training hub at Dubbo and to one of its most respected participants. Dar (that’s his official christian name) was one of a family of jockeys from the tiny village of Carinda in the Walgett Shire. He spent more than 35 years as a respected member of the western riding ranks before having to quit following a serious kick from a nervous young horse. Dar has been training for some 14 years from a Dubbo base and has no intention of trying any other job. Right off the top he appeases the curiosity about his first name. Dar talks about his infrequent trips to town and says it takes a pretty handy horse to warrant a crack at the city slickers. He made a rare appearance at Randwick on Saturday where his two runners were out of a place, Saint Philomena and Elson Boy who had a pretty tough run. Dar says he travelled the horses to Sydney the day before in heatwave conditions. He talks about a horse called…

Ray Thomas’ recent decision to quit his high pressure role triggered a flood of tributes for the hugely popular media identity. Ray’s many fans were pleased to learn he’ll still be appearing on Sky Thoroughbred Central programmes “This Week Next Week” and “News Central” and intends to continue his long time hosting role on the Sunday morning edition of Sky Racing Radio’s “Big Sports Breakfast”. Ray’s passion for multiple sports was evident from an early age, but horse racing prevailed when it was time for the aspiring journalist to settle on a career path. That career has been well documented, but I’d like to add my tribute to the many he’s already received from colleagues and followers. He’s our podcast guest this week. Ray begins by revisiting his final day in the Sydney Press Room, and the touching tribute accorded him in the Newscorp office a few days later. The popular journalist talks about the effects of his sudden departure from a very busy role. Ray talks about a 2023 health scare and the i decision…

My thanks to Luke Berger who suggested we should take a trip down memory lane with his grandfather John, who’s remembered as one of the best country trainers of his generation. The veteran was in his early 80’s when he relinquished his licence in 2014, but spent another five years helping out on the ground for grandson Luke. John had no special ambition when he began his training career in …. He simply loved horses and knew there was nothing else he wanted to do. Over the next three and a half decades John Berger became a trainer of great repute in northern NSW. John says he continues to enjoy reasonably good health. He talks of the special anniversary he and wife Val celebrated recently. John talks of his retirement from the training ranks and an enjoyable five years assisting grandson Luke. The veteran takes a keen interest in Luke’s current role as a racehorse owner’s group manager. John says he’d never been on a horse’s back at the time he walked into the stables of Glen Innes trainer Reg Madgewick in…

Clint Lundholm stands 182 cm and weighs in at 80kgs, but continues to ride regular trackwork at Dubbo. It’s hard to believe the same bloke was a professional jockey for close to three years in which time he posted 218 wins including a handful of country Cup successes. An eighteen month stint followed in the amateur ranks before he finally followed the family tradition of training racehorses. In just thirteen years in the role, Cint has posted 1012 wins and has a NSW country trainer’s premiership on his CV. At one stage his team grew to almost fifty horses, creating an unmanageable workload. Today he rarely has more than twenty in work and is thoroughly enjoying the job. Clint joins us on the podcast and begins by talking about his frenetic 2022/2023 season. He says the results were gratifying but the toll was high. He takes us right back to early days in Coonamble under the tutelage of his grandfather, legendary country trainer John Lundholm Snr. Clint reflects on the lessons learned from the elder Lundholm.…

Racing’s best judges were predicting a big future for Braith Nock long before he ever rode in a race. How right they were! The third generation jockey won at his first ever race ride, and hasn’t stopped riding winners since. Braith made a huge statement last season when he became champion Sydney apprentice with 40 metropolitan winners. The quietly spoken twenty four year old honed his balance with several years as a bull rider, before taking up an apprenticeship under the watchful eye of Brett Cavanough.There are many other things Braith would rather be doing than recording interviews, but he kindly consented to join us this week on the podcast. He talks about his punishing recent schedule. Braith is delighted to have the support of his former master Brett Cavanough. He explains the recent addition of his trademark moustache. The young jockey takes us back to his bull riding years and the serious accident that stopped him in his tracks. Braith remembers the thrill of winning at his very first race ride. He…

It’s a great pleasure to welcome to the podcast former jockey Alan Cowie, currently one of Australia’s best known jockey managers. If you call him Alan you’ll be lucky to get a response- if you call him Pup you’ll get an instant reaction. That’s the nickname given him by a friend in Rockhampton many years ago, a nickname he’s been unable to shake over several decades. Alan Cowie had 760 winners and a Gold Coast premiership under his belt when he was involved in a three horse fall on the first turn in a fillies and mares race on Magic Millions day 2002. He was in a bad way by the time he arrived at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital where his impending paraplegia was diagnosed. Pup’s acceptance of his fate and an amazing ongoing attitude have become legendary in Queensland racing. He graciously accepted our invitation to join us on the podcast, and was happy to revisit the highs and lows of his life so far. Alan says he was always going to stay in the racing game after a long and trying rehabilitation. He…

Many young people born into racing families develop an affinity with horses from a very early age. Not the case with Craig Widdison. Despite the fact that his father Col had ridden and trained successfully, young Craig didn’t want to know about the sleek thoroughbreds that had dominated his early years. His original goal was to become a physical education teacher. He later became involved in roller hockey and immediately showed potential. He had enough ability to play for Australia in the junior ranks, and looked a certainty to represent his country as a senior until fate intervened. A nagging knee problem brought an end to his hockey dreams, and that’s when the racing bug finally took hold. Craig takes us through his twenty five years in racing. He talks about the highs, and one devastating low for which he blames nobody but himself. The Wodonga trainer begins by talking about a trip to Randwick on Melbourne Cup day when The Prodigal Son ‘s chances were thwarted by a H8 track. Craig revisits a win by the…