John Tapp Racing

After 24 years in the employ of other trainers, Brad Widdup was coaxed into training in his own right as recently as 2017. Two years later he endured a setback that would have discouraged most horsemen in the same position. This man’s recovery has been spectacular. We begin by getting Brad’s reaction to his best season ever in 2021/2022. He talks of a flying start in the new season. Brad says his recent success has brought increased support to his Hawksbury operation. This interview was recorded before Saturday’s Randwick meeting when stable star Icebath was unplaced in The Invitation after a hopeless start. Brad takes us through his remarkable journey with the classy mare. Brad takes us back to early days in Albury when his father Pat was his greatest inspiration. Brad says his dad, who is still training a small team, is an outstanding all round horseman. He recalls his introduction to Sydney racing when he gained a start with Warwick Farm trainer Rod Craig. He then talks about a succession of jobs with some outstanding horsemen. Brad could have applied for his licence much earlier, but chose to keep gaining experience. Brad was working for Crown Lodge when word filtered through that Bob Ingham had decided to sell the entire operation to Sheikh Mohammed. He recalls the moment. Brad looks back on the commencement of his own training career and acknowledges some of the horses who got him up and running. He talks of his association with jockeys, and echoes the sentiments of most trainers who experience difficulty in securing the regular service of capable work riders. Brad pays tribute to the training facilities offered by the Hawkesbury Race Club with special mention of the Polytrack. He talks of his wife Milissa and three teenage children. Brad had twenty four years of experience under the belt when he was cajoled into training horses in his own right. After a shaky start through no fault of his own, Widdup has bounced back in spectacular fashion.

Great to catch up with one of Australia’s ever increasing number of female jockeys. The lady with a name that catches the eye, is 37 years old and could be the nation’s oldest apprentice. Kath Bell-Pitomac talks about the gruelling travelling she undertakes to ride at meetings all over the state. Kath reminisces about her nomadic childhood. She talks of early days in South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. Horses were always her chief interest. She recalls her first introduction to racehorses at Pioneer Park racetrack Alice Springs. Kath recalls her first job as a professional trackwork rider. She talks of a move to Newcastle and the trainer who signed her to an apprenticeship.  The mature age apprentice remembers her early winners and the beginning of her relationship with the fellow jockey who would become her husband. Kath looks back on her break away from racing. She lost the desire completely and didn’t ride a racehorse for ten years.   She talks of her return to trackwork at Wellington(NSW). Slowly the passion returned and she began a new career as an amateur jockey. It wasn’t long before she got her weight down and re applied for her professional licence. Kath talks openly about her horror run of accidents, the extent of her many injuries  and the frustrating months out of the saddle. The thirty seven year old acknowledges her favourite horses and favourite races. Bell-Pitomac pays tribute to the special people who’ve inspired her to pursue a lifelong passion for horses, including her dedicated manager. The remarkable horse person talks of husband Daniel and two wonderful kids- the son and daughter who look forward to the fashions in the field promotions at country race meetings.

Great to catch up with a man who has been part of the fabric of SA racing for more than four decades. He talks of his passion for race riding at age 59. David talks about the dual jockey/trainer licence which enables him to train a small team at Morphettville. He reflects on a recent Gawler win on a horse trained by his son David Jnr. Some said it would have been the perfect time to quit the saddle. David talks of his apprenticeship in 1976 to the emerging legend Bart Cummings. He looks back on his first winning ride just 24 hours after gaining his “ticket”. The evergreen jockey remembers his transfer from Cummings to the Colin Hayes training empire at Angaston, and the discouraging advice given to him by Peter Hayes. He reminisces about his two coveted Gr 1 wins- two editions of the South Australian Oaks. “Toot” takes us back to his one and only Melbourne Cup ride. He reflects on his role as stable jockey for an up and coming young trainer called John Hawkes. David looks back on his association with three of Australia’s best gallopers of the 80’s and 90’s.

Great to catch up with a young horseman who has already made his mark as a trainer and driver at the top level. Brad begins by pointing out the many advantages of being based at Goulburn. He reflects on the tutelage he received from his late grandfather Tom Hewitt, one of the most respected horsemen of his generation. Brad talks of the influence Tom had on his sons- David, Bernie and Mark, all highly successful in their own right. He says his Aunt Jenna, the only girl in the Hewitt family wasn’t allowed to drive in races. The young horseman talks of the trotting genes to be found on the maternal side of his family. Brad says his brothers have also chosen harness racing as their preferred livelihood- Sam as a trainer and breaker, Scott as a trainer and farrier. Sister Jess also gets a mention. The thirty year old looks back on the thrill of his first winning drive and his handful of winners at historic Harold Park.   Brad pays tribute to the special horses who’ve helped to launch his career. He speaks with great reverence of his all time favourite Spare Me Days.   He speaks of his great friendship with Canberra Raiders skipper Jarrod Croker, an avid harness racing fan. For the trots punters Brad highlights a couple of promising young horses in his stable. He talks of his only Gr 1 winning drive to date. It was Rockin’ Marty in a Breeders Challenge Final. The horse was trained by his father David. Brad says his partner Milly had no interest in horses when they met but quickly adapted. He and Milly are the proud parents of Ruby who’s almost two and William who arrived only a few weeks ago.

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 stallion. It was his 100th win at the elite level. He retired with 104. Another skilful professional came into Jim’s life in 1997. By this stage of his career the injuries were taking their toll. Vietnamese born masseur Long Nguyen used some unorthodox methods but got some amazing results for the jockey. Jim pays tribute to daughters Nicolle, Sarsha and Piper and to his much loved grandchildren. Piper’s mother is his second wife Vicky of whom he speaks with reverence. In conclusion he acknowledges the brilliant career of younger brother Larry who’s currently recovering from injury. Jim was slightly embarrassed to learn what Larry had to say about him in a recent interview. It’s a comprehensive chat with one of the best jockeys of a golden generation. 

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”.

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 on the table.