John Tapp Racing

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.