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.

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 an encouraging first half of the current season and his expectations  for the promising Caffe Florian. The trainer looks back on early Sydny stints with trainers like Graham Rogerson, Bart Cummings and John O’Shea.  Richard looks back on his father’s decision to try his luck in Sydney with a small team of NZ horses. He remembers the impact of his brother’s sudden death in Hawera. Richard says he won’t forget the thrill of his Braidwood Cup win in 2017. He looks back on the thrill of landing his first city win albeit a midweek event. His first Saturday metro win was another special occasion. Richard reflects on the luck he’s had with a string of online purchases from the Godolphin operation. The trainer shares the story about the beginning of his association with owners Ottavio and Wendy Galletta. He was given the formidable task of winning a race or two with a horse previously trained by Chris Waller.  Richard says he was surprised and delighted when Ottavio and Wendy gave him their new Dundeel colt to train. Castelvecchio began with a flourish by winning first up at  Canterbury before repeating the dose in spectacular fashion in the Inglis Millenium. He looks back on Castelvecchio’s wins in the Champagne Stakes and Rosehill Guineas and his stunning second in the Cox Plate. Richard looks back on a monumental disappointment when Castelvecchio was brought undone on a very heavy track in the ATC Derby. The trainer was humbled when the Gallettas gave him the job of training the $1.9 million colt known as Profondo. Richard talks about the highs and lows of the Deep Impact colt’s short career. He talks of Ottavio’s acquisition of the Victory Lodge training stables at Warwick Farm, formerly home to several Gr 1 winners trained by Clarrie Conners. Richard acknowledges a few more handy winners for the stable in recent years.  

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. He was delighted to ride a winner on his final day in the saddle. Neil talks about early days in Newcastle and his intense dislike of school. He talks of his first experience in a racing stable followed by his indentureship to the late Pat Farrell. The retired jockey clearly remembers his first race ride at Muswellbrook, and the thrill of his first win just a few weeks later. He actually landed a double on the day. Neil remembers his first provincial and metropolitan wins on the same horse. He recalls being driven to the races by Wayne Harris on the occasion of his first city win, little realising he’d later buy the car in question. He talks about the valuable tutelage he received from Harris, one of the greatest riders of his generation. Neil talks affectionately of Irish Flyer, perhaps the most important horse in his early career. He remembers the brilliant but headstrong Proud Knight. The son of Vain had enormous ability but often refused to race tractably around the turns. There was one unforgettable occasion at Randwick when Proud Knight’s gate opened prematurely. Neil says his tendency to try too hard early in his career resulted in many suspensions. He talks of successful associations with leading Newcastle trainers like Paul Perry, Max Lees and later Kris Lees.   Neil says his ability to ride at a featherweight sometimes cost him rides.  He looks back on his eight riding premierships, three of them as an apprentice.  Neil says he was thrilled to be invited to ride two former champion racehorses in exhibition gallops. One was a legend, the other a dominant two year old in the early 80’s.  Neil had only a handful of Gr 1 rides. He was pretty chuffed to ride the third placegetter in the 1989 Sydney Cup.  He says the race was run under deplorable conditions. He talks about fatherhood and the inevitable progression to grandfatherhood. Neil Rae is well remembered as a jockey of unwavering work ethic. His career win tally of 1370 tells the story. Great to have him on the podcast.

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 injuries. He reveals the opinion of specialists and a likely date for his return. Kerrin agrees it was always going to be difficult to stay away from the racing game given his powerful genetic background.  He talks of father Phil and uncles Darren and Tony, all jockeys early in life. Tony of course is still toasting his Caulfield/Melbourne Cup training double with Half Yours. Kerrin remembers an early apprenticeship to grandfather Bill Holland and time spent sitting on a chaff bag pretending to be a jockey. He looks back on a six month stint in Adelaide with former outstanding trainer Russell Cameron.  The champion jockey talks about his transfer to Peter Hayes and the beginning of his riding career. He looks back on his first race ride and first win just a few weeks later. Kerrin says he was thrilled when sent to Melbourne as the stable’s resident metropolitan apprentice. He still can’t believe his luck in picking up the Melbourne Cup ride on Brew in 2000. A clever ride put him into the record books as the youngest jockey to win the Cup in 52 years. He still has trouble believing his first Gr 1 win came in Australia’s most famous race. He remembers a Caulfield win that qualified him for work experience in Godolphin’s state of the art Dubai stable.  Kerrin believes the connection gained him the ride on Beekeeper in the 2002 Melbourne Cup. He placed third with a flawless ride and things started to happen quickly from that point on. In 2004 he gained the prestigious role of number two Godolphin jockey behind Frankie Dettori for the stable’s UK and European operation. Kerrin was deeply moved when he rode the second placegetter Rule of Law in the historic English Derby at Epsom. He remembers an all the way win in England’s oldest classic race on Rule Of Law. The St Leger was first run in 1776, and is four years older than  the Derby. He speaks with great affection of Shamardal and Dubawi, two of Godolphin’s most celebrated horses. He won Gr 1 races on both gallopers. Kerrin speaks of his disappointment when Godolphin’s Blues And Royals went amiss after winning the UAE Derby. The colt was programmed to run in the Kentucky Derby but it was not to be.  At this point of the interview, Kerrin talks of wife Cathy’s successful riding career. He says Cathy rode regular work at Newmarket after their marriage in 2008. He speaks fondly of his second Melbourne Cup win on Almandin in 2016. He takes us through the running of the race and the great duel he had with Joie Moreira on runner up Heartbreak City. The jockey says he was delighted to win another Gr 1 on the unsound horse 17 months after the Melbourne Cup triumph. Kerrin only had to wait two years for his third Melbourne Cup victory on Cross Counter for Godolphin. He talks of the northern hemisphere three year old’s strong staying performance from a wide gate. The much travelled jockey takes us through his three exciting Everest wins -two with Redzel and the third with Classique Legend.  He rates the grey’s Everest performance one of the best he’s ever been involved with. Kerrin says he’s grateful to have added a Golden Slipper win to his big race CV. He takes us back to Sepoy’s dominant win in 2011, and further wins on the talented colt. The jockey was chuffed to win the 2008 Caulfield Cup on Godolphin’s All the Good. He was most impressed with the stallion’s staying performance. Kerrin talks of the likelihood of any of his four children following him into the racing industry. He says he regards himself as having been relatively lucky in racing accidents. Kerrin looks back on the unveiling of his bronze statue in 2022. While extremely grateful, he admits to having  mixed feelings at the time.  This is a laid back chat with one of the most successful jockeys of his generation. 

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 and son Reggie. Ash believes she was beginning to identify the symptoms of “burn-out” after more than twenty years of non stop racing involvement. She says her interest in rehabilitation work surfaced when friends asked her to try her methods on a handful of unsound horses. She produced some excellent results. Ashlee outlines the procedure she intends to adopt on horses coming through her practice. Vets will be working with her throughout every programme. She talks of the unwavering support of Ryan Grives, her husband of ten years. Ryan, a bricklayer by trade, knew little about horses but learned very quickly. Ash takes us back to early days when her father Michael Siejka was working as a concreter in Bathurst and hobby training a handful of pacers before and after work. She was in the trotting sulky from an early age. She says the defining  moment came when her father sent her to Melbourne to look after a three year old he’d entered for the heats and Final of the Victoria Pacing Derby. By the time the teenager was back in Bathurst she was completely sold on the harness sport. Ash still laughs about her maiden race drive at Bathurst. She thought she’d followed Michael’s instructions to the letter, and was bewildered by the blast that came her way. The rising star made sure she didn’t make the same mistake on the same horse a couple of weeks later. Ash talks about her first job away from horses. It didn’t take her long to realise office work was not for her. She talks of a  move to Sydney soon after, and an appointment as a veterinary nurse with the famous Randwick Equine Centre.  Ash says she had a couple of pacers in training during her time in Sydney. It wasn’t long before a handful of her veterinary colleagues joined the ownership of one of her horses- with happy results. She remembers the thrill of being booked by leading trainer Paul Fitzpatrick to handle a talented mare in a race for all female drivers at Harold Park. Ashlee looks back on her amazing season in 2009/2010 when she drove the staggering total of 160 NSW winners. Midway through that stellar term she became the first female to top 100 wins for a harness racing season in NSW. We give Ashlee plenty of time to pay tribute to her all time favourite horse, and the best she’s ever driven. She takes us back to the Bathurst Yearling Sale in 2013 when she acquired a plain little filly for $3500. Ash recaps Ameretto’s stunning racing career and the horrific setback that would cost the bonny mare her life.  In 2017 the unselfish decision was made to send Ameretto to champion Victorian trainer Kerryn Manning who would win ten more races with the daughter of Million Dollar Cam. In one special Gr 1 race Ash got the call to reunite with her wonderful mare.  Ash looks back on a great winning association with prominent Gold Coast owner Greg Brodie. One of the horses in question, a gelding called Lochinver won 24 races including the Truer Memorial. The talented horsewoman acknowledges the deeds of a few other notable winners to come through her stables. Ash touches on her brief stint as a thoroughbred trainer. It’s a pleasure to announce the launch of a brand new career direction for a very gifted young horseperson. 

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 (IRE). He talks of siblings and the absence of racing in the family background.    Lee says there was a time he had visions of becoming a primary school teacher but that ambition was quickly replaced by several sporting pursuits.                                                    He admits to taking on his stablehand’s job for no other reason than to earn some pocket money. He pays tribute to two employers Joe Byrne and Joanna Morgan, both former outstanding jockeys.   He talks of a suggestion put to him by Samantha Wynne, an Irish jockey who was already working in NZ. Lee looks back on his first apprenticeship to Roger James at his famous Kingscere Stables in Cambridge. Sadly the association didn’t work out. He talks of a move to the stables of Shaun and Emma Clotworthy. Lee remembers with clarity the thrill of his first winning ride at Ruakaka. He reflects on a black type win at Te Rapa on a very smart horse called Barbaric. Lee remembers an Ellerslie win on Rising Romance, almost certainly the best horse he got to ride in NZ. The 31 year old hasn’t forgotten the thrill of his scholarship win, a whirlwind move to Sydney and a stint at the Waller stable. Lee says he thought his first win for Waller would never come. He was immensely relieved to get home on Pianissimo at Warwick Farm. He was thrilled to land a Saturday double at Royal Randwick not long after. Lee talks of a win in an apprentice’s race on the ill fated Higher Ground. He had a big opinion of the gelding. The jockey likes to claim some of the credit for the launch of Fangirl’s stellar career. He had the mount when Fangirl strolled home in a Goulburn maiden. He recalls a win on Mo’unga when the horse was trained by Chris Waller.   Lee enjoys reminiscing about some high profile horses he got to ride in trackwork for the Waller stable. He hasn‘t forgotten the thrill of his biggest single race day achievement, a four win haul at Newcastle. Lee outlines his trackwork and barrier trial involvement. He talks of a strong association with the Richard and Will Freedman yard. Lee talks of a casual association with the Waterhouse/Bott stable. He recalls a Newcastle win on a horse destined for Derby success a few weeks later. He talks of his connection with the Kris Lees stable. Lee recalls the support he received from Blake Shinn in his early days in Sydney. As a regular at the Saturday Kembla and Newcastle meetings, Lee says he’s formed strong camaraderie with a group of fellow riders. It’s a laid back chat with a genial Irishman who followed his instincts after leaving the place of his birth.

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 maintenance horse. He talks about the inevitable scaling down of his Shoalhaven Heads training operation. Terry pays tribute to the talents of his late father Kevin Robinson. He says lessons learned from his dad have served him well in his own long career. The Robinson family have become famous for their ability to win races with unsound horses. Terry says the use of Seven Mile Beach at Gerroa has been their “ace card” over many years with both standardbreds and thoroughbreds.   Terry takes us back to his golden days at the trots and the wonderful horses he got to drive, with special mention of champions like Gammalite and Koala King. He talks of Black Line- a freakishly talented young pacer who looked destined for stardom until a complicated spinal issue impeded his progress. Terry talks of the special horses who’ve helped him to establish his reputation among thoroughbred trainers. He pays tribute to his favourite Art Cadeau, the late bloomer who finished up becoming the only horse to complete the Country Championship/Kosciuszko double. The respected trainer talks of some of the horses who’ve helped him win 21 TAB Highways since the inception of the series in 2015. Terry’s reputation as a work rider is well known. His long time involvement hasn’t been without its setbacks. He remembers two monumental “busters”- one at the Nowra racecourse, the other on Seven Mile Beach. It’s well documented that Terry was one of twelve children. He hasn’t been able to emulate the deeds of his late father, but has posted a respectable score of six in the fatherhood stakes- four from his first marriage and another two with second wife Monique. He talks about the 12 acre property at Shoalhaven Heads which has served as his training base for many years. His wife Monique runs a very successful beach and trail ride business from the same property. Monique looks after 18 saddle horses. Her former involvement as a trainer and work rider have given her a thorough understanding of the tough grind of professional horse training.   

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 and siblings and the little pony that first introduced him to the sensation of speed on horseback. He looks back on the circumstances that led him to an apprenticeship with local trainer Hunter Kilner and the unforgettable thrill of his very first day of race riding at an Inverell meeting. He made a spectacular start. Paddy talks of consecutive Armidale Cup wins very early in his career.  The jockey turned trainer says he quickly tired of continual wasting and ventured to the Northern Territory in search of a complete change of environment. He found employment at the famous Wave Hill station. Paddy talks of his return to Glen Innes after a two year sabbatical and a resumption of trackwork duties for his old boss Hunter Kilner. He talks of the mare who regenerated his interest and motivated his return to race riding. The same mare would later provide his first winning ride at Royal Randwick. Paddy says he couldn’t believe his luck when another winner came along at Canterbury the very next day. Two weeks later the same horse was involved in a spectacular fall at Canterbury. Paddy was lucky to escape serious injury. He remembers a wild ride he had on a Grafton Cup day in the 1970’s. Despite doing everything wrong the horse in question was able to score an amazing win. Paddy talks about “the one that got away”. He regarded a horse called Final Say as the  best he’d ever ridden and was bitterly disappointed when the gelding went amiss. He says unstable weight eventually hastened his retirement from race riding but has never regretted his brief but exciting few years in the saddle. Paddy unhesitatingly nominated the  country jockey who inspired him the most. He looks back on the low key beginning to his training career. Surprisingly he can’t remember his first win as a solo trainer.  Cunningham talks of his training career to date- two stints at Grafton and a decade on the Sunshine Coast. His move to Caloundra coincided with daughter Kylie’s decision to become an apprentice jockey. Paddy says he often travelled to faraway Queensland destinations in search of the right races for his horses. He looks back on a return to Grafton in 2010. The winners flowed over a six year stint but he decided on yet another move when synthetic training tracks came to Grafton. He’s pretty vocal in his opposition to them. Paddy elaborates on the talents of several nice horses who helped to forge his reputation as a very serious horse trainer. He talks of Jodi Worley who rode work for the stable for close to five years before deciding to become a jockey. Paddy signed her up and the young rider got away to a spectacular start. Paddy has always been one to support the jockeys who’ve supported him. He makes mention of a few special favourites. Paddy pays tribute to best mate and devoted supporter wife Kathy whose behind-the-scenes work for Cunningham Racing has been unwavering.  He and Kathy are the proud parents of four daughters. He brings us up to date on the whereabouts and current activities of the girls. This is a laid back chat with a dedicated country horseman who can’t imagine a life away from horses.

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 in the 1970’s. Allan looks back on the extensive methods of communication necessary to keep hundreds of owners informed about their horses. He acknowledges some of the better horses to keep the Hyperion banner flying, beginning with the cheap Dubbo sale graduate Prince Clarendon. Allan pays a special tribute to the evergreen Targlish, almost certainly the best horse to represent the company. The remarkable gelding raced 109 times for 17 wins and 31 placings. He reflects on the ground breaking idea of purchasing a horse to race in America for Australian owners. He pays tribute to So Vague who won 5 races in the USA before being brought to Australia. He later won stakes races in Melbourne for Colin Hayes. Allan acknowledges the devotion of some special trainers who gave great service to Hyperion Thoroughbreds. He pays a special tribute to the veteran jockey who rode many winners in the Hyperion colours and frequently helped out behind the scenes. Allan reflects on the inevitable winding down of the 16 year old company when the recession started to bite. Hyperion was one of hundreds of businesses to be brought to their knees. The last of the horses were placed according to the wishes of their owners, and a great era had come to an end. It was a tough day for old mates Gainey and Mulhall.

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 Green Run who might earn a trip to the big smoke in the near future. The horse’s regular rider is out of action following a freak mounting yard accident recently. Dar talks about his birthplace of Carinda which boasted a population of 200 during his childhood.  The Dubbo based trainer reflects on the riding activities of four brothers. Dar looks back on school days in Carinda and a move to Walgett as he reached a higher grade.This was when his association with thoroughbreds began under the tutelage of a veteran trainer. He makes the frank confession that he wasn’t licensed at the time of his first few race rides. He looks back on his first legitimate race ride and his first winner  way out west at Bourke. Dar says he wasn’t dedicated to looking after his weight early days, but mended his ways soon after. He talks of the shortage of race meetings in the west and the distances he had to travel to carve out a livelihood as a bush jockey. Dar says he rarely rode on metropolitan tracks, but recalls one exciting win at Eagle Farm in Brisbane. He says he could count his Sydney rides on one hand but reflects on a two year old race at Rosehill when he ran into a rising topliner. The 64 year old remembers his final winning ride on the spacious Warren track on a horse trained by brother Garry. Dar talks about the freakish accident that ended his riding career. The experienced horseman takes us through the Elson Boy story- the unraced horse identified on line by one of his most supportive owners. Dar admits he made a few mistakes before working the gelding out. He takes us through some exciting wins and one heartbreaking setback. Dar looks back on a horse he felt was going places before going amiss. He looks back on a great association with a western trainer who was destined to become his father-in-law. This was Dar’s cue to acknowledge the unwavering support of Jill, his wife of 39 years. He and Jill are the proud parents of daughters Brianna and Layne. Brianna has in turn presented her parents with three grandchildren- all girls. Dar speaks candidly of the sudden stroke that stopped him in his tracks just over two years ago. He hated the inactivity of his recovery but opted to do everything the doctors ordered. Dar Lunn has earned the respect of all in NSW country racing. It’s a pleasure to have him on the podcast.

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 to take stock of his hectic lifestyle.  He talks of his late father’s career as an RAAF communications operator, a job that took him to several parts of the world. Young Raymond Grant was born during David Thomas’ Hong Kong stint in the early 1960’s.  Ray looks back on his dad’s transfer to Perth where his love of sport began. His interest in horse racing was triggered by the deeds of two notable thoroughbred mares and one freakishly talented harness horse. Ray says one particular race call had an amazing impact on him. The multimedia personality looks back on his own participation in Aussie Rules and cricket  during those early years in WA. He talks of the decision to follow his father into the air force.  Ray acknowledges his elderly mother Marlene and siblings Tony and Stacey. He talks about his own nine year career with the RAAF. Ray takes us through the progression of roles with the Melbourne Herald Sun, the Sydney based Sportsman and finally his transition to Daily Telegraph Racing Editor, an appointment that came out of the blue. Ray takes us back to some of the biggest stories he covered from the mid nineties up to his recent retirement. From a media viewpoint some of them were veritable “bombshells”. The sixty one year old takes delight in revisiting the five races he rates as the most memorable he got to cover for Newscorp. Ray talks about the heartbreaking Friday afternoon in the Newscorp office when much loved Rugby League writer Peter Frilingos suffered a fatal heart attack at his desk. The legendary journalist was enormously thrilled when appointed to the Daily Telegraph team for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. To this day he savours memories of Cathy Freeman’s dash for gold in the 400m. He was thrilled to have what he called “the best seat in the house”. Ian Thorpe’s unforgettable final leg in the 4x100m relay remains another indelible memory. (Beat American Gary Hall Jnr who’d been making some idle threats in the media) Perhaps the major sporting event Ray enjoyed the most as a working journalist was the Wimbledon men’s final of 2012 when Roger Federer won his seventh title at the All England Club. This was a bittersweet occasion for Ray whose father had passed away the previous year.  He’s currently enjoying his new found role of grandfather to eighteen months old Charlotte. That role will soon be expanded. This is a lovely stroll down memory lane with a legend of the Australian racing media.

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 the 1950’s. He looks back on Madgewick’s talents as a horseman. John reflects on a long period away from horses and a move to Sydney with his young family in search of job opportunities. He stayed for seventeen years. The former trainer remembers his move back to the country and a sapphire mining venture with brother Tony. John recalls the acquisition of his trainer’s licence and the thrill of his first win at Bingara. The respected horseman shares his memories of the handy bush horses he got to train over more than three decades, with special mention of his all time favourite Main Supply.  John looks back on the methods he preferred to use in the training of thoroughbreds. The veteran pays tribute to the country trainers and jockeys he most admired. He looks back on the many bush race clubs he supported over the years. You rarely get to talk to horsemen of John’s generation. It was a pleasure to have him on our podcast.

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. He reflects on the stories he heard about his grandfather’s association with champion country jockey Dennis Firth. The trainer looks back on his first day as a professional jockey when he had five rides at a Nyngan meeting. Clint hasn’t forgotten the thrill of his first winning ride. He looks back on a three month loan out to Gai Waterhouse at Randwick. He recalls being gobsmacked by the enormity of the Tulloch Lodge operation. Unable to adapt to city life, Clint says he returned to the bush to finish his apprenticeship with a new boss. Lundholm understands why people are surprised to learn he was once a professional jockey. He pays tribute to the horse he regards as the best he rode in his short time in the saddle. Clint looks back on a very happy eighteen months in the amateur riding ranks. He remembers the commencement of his solo training career and his father’s decision to join the team. Clint was chuffed to join the ranks of trainers who were able to win with their very first starter. He’s not a regular in the city but is thrilled to have a couple of TAB Highway winners on the  board. Clint is adamant that Listen To the Band is the best horse he’s trained to date. He talks of the talented but injury plagued Quasimoto who’ll shortly return to work. Clint says he had a lot of fun with ten time winner Any Blinkin’ Day. The trainer speaks of former metropolitan galloper Notabadidea who won a country Cups tre le after entering his stable. He acknowledges the support he’s had from a select group of prominent western districts jockeys with a special shout out to his partner Zoe Hunt who’s been in top form of late. This is a nice chat with a …year old who was destined to forge a career in the racing game.

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 says he enjoyed a three month stint with top Randwick trainer Peter Snowden despite a bout of homesickness. Braith looks at some of his favourite city winners including a trio of mares from the Maher stable. He looks back on a healthy number of doubles and trebles, and one spectacular four timer at Gilgandra. The young jockey speaks of the thrill of riding a Wellington Boot winner. Braith speaks of Brett Cavanough’s recently formulated training partnership with daughter Georgie. He’s thrilled to report his elder sister Dana is also apprenticed to Brett Cavanough. Braith pays tribute to his trainer/Mum Jane Clement. He says he was beginning to think he’d never ride a winner for his mother. It finally happened at Kempsey. Braith talks of his passion for fishing.

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 talks about the demands of modern day jockey management. Alan acknowledges the talents of the three jockeys under his management at the  moment. He looks back on some of the fine riders he’s managed since commencing operations more than twenty years ago. Life in a wheelchair isn’t without its hazards. Alan talks about a freakish recent accident which left him with a broken femur.  He says regular exercise is of paramount importance in keeping ahead of his problems. He continues to play golf thanks to the wonders of technology. Pup takes us back to early days in his hometown of Rockhampton, and talks of three other jockeys in his family background. He talks of his original apprenticeship to a rural Queensland trainer who was reluctant to use up his weight claims too quickly. Alan’s famous nickname of “Pup” was bestowed upon him by an older friend in Rockhampton. He hasn’t forgotten the influence of two legendary jockeys who won multiple Rockhampton premierships between them. Pup remembers two great bush horses who got him up and running in the local riding ranks. He says a well known stipendiary steward instigated his transfer to Sydney trainer Jack Denham. Alan looks back on an exciting twelve months in the famous Denham stable at Rosehill. He has a soft spot for one consistent Denham trained horse he got to ride. Alan looks back on the eighteen months he spent at Rosehill after the termination of his apprenticeship. He enjoyed a great trot with the late Ray Guy. He finally headed home with the opportunity of a regular riding job with Brisbane trainer Colin O’Neill. An amazing twist of fate changed all of that. Alan looks back on his valuable stint with master trainer Jim Griffiths. He hasn’t forgotten the winning run he had with the Toby Edmonds trained  Chappel Dancer. He travelled with the horse to several country Cup carnivals. We set aside ample time for Alan’s review of his exciting association with Kinjite, a horse he rode in 22 races. He says Kinjite was the best horse he rode by a country mile. Alan looks back on several feature wins on Kinjite and the thrill of riding him in some famous Melbourne features. He remembers the disappointment of losing the ride to champion jockey Mick Dittman. Alan talks of sons Jarrod and Dylan. He remembers the torturous eight year wait for legal proceedings to be sorted out following his accident. It’s an entertaining chat with an inspirational human being.  

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 same horse on Melbourne Cup day last year.  The trainer talks about his Wodonga base and easy access to southern NSW meetings. Craig talks about father Col’s days as a jockey and trainer, and subsequent involvement in the horse transport business. He admits to having zero interest in racehorses early days, and looks back on his ambition to become a PE teacher. Craig looks back on his fascination with roller hockey and his selection for the Australian junior representative side.

It's always a pleasure to welcome a bush trainer to the podcast. Our guest this week is Stephen Lee who chips away diligently from his Ballina base season after season with consistent results.  He’s currently ably assisted by son Jordan with whom he’ll soon form an official partnership. Lee has posted 850 winners since his  solo career began in 1986, and has two NRRA training premierships on his CV.  Stephen rotates his horses between a dual barn complex on Ballina racecourse, and a nearby 60 acre property which gives him access to a pristine stretch of  beach. Whenever one of the team warrants an opportunity in a metropolitan environment, he heads to Eagle Farm or Doomben just two hours away. He rarely tackles the arduous road trip to Sydney although he did venture to Randwick on November 1st with smart sprinter The Astronomer. This podcast was recorded twenty four hours before The Astronomer raced. Stephen talks of the easy access to Brisbane tracks as opposed to the marathon trip to Sydney. He acknowledges son Jordan’s entry into the NSW training ranks and says he’s looking forward to their proposed partnership. Stephen talks about the luxury of being able to give horses a complete change of environment at his beachside property. He says the new routine works wonders with highly strung horses. He talks about the large paddock set aside for retired racehorses or horses who’ve fallen on hard times. His partner Amanda would have even more if space allowed. The trainer talks about his two NRRA premierships. In winning the first one he unseated long time incumbent John Shelton. Stephen looks back on his early education under the tutelage of his late father Bruce. He says Bruce was a capable racehorse trainer but was best known as an all rounder constantly called upon to sort out other people’s troublesome horses. He talks of his father’s early association with iconic trainer Maurice McCarten. The Ballina horseman pays tribute to his elderly Mum. Stephen says his early aspirations to become a jockey were quickly negated by increasing weight. He talks of a brief flirtation with the harness racing sport. Stephen has vivid recollections of his first training win on the defunct White ParK track at Scone. He talks of a brief training stint at Coffs Harbour and a subsequent move to Ballina, a move he hasn’t regretted. Stephen pays tribute to daughter Maddison who was his valued trackwork rider for a number of years. Maddison put a lot of time into Anton En Avant, a prolific winner for the Lee stable. As a yearling Anton En Avant appeared unlikely to ever make it to the races.  He talks about the gelding’s amazing race record which included a win in the Gr 3 Chairman’s Hcp  at Doomben.  Stephen talks of former jockey Cassandra Schmidt who won a string of races on Anton En Avant. The trainer pays tribute to several handy horses who’ve flown the flag for the Ballina stable over the years - Zoukina, Lasting Kiss, Minassi, Felix Trinidad, Song Time, Bavosa, and Espiritu. Stephen tells us more about his current apprentice Siabh Wrigley who still has a number of trial rides to complete before gaining her licence to ride in races. The signs are promising. It’s a laid back chat with a top country horseman.