John Tapp Racing

Great to catch up with a lady who’s more than making up for her late start in racing. Connie dabbled with show horses during the decade in which she worked as Bakery Manager at Woolworths Emu Plains. She later gained a job with a Hawkesbury thoroughbred trainer and her life changed dramatically. Connie talks about her frantically busy lifestyle at Dubbo. She explains that she and business partner Michelle Jones own most of the horses in the stable. The trainer says she rides many of her horses in trackwork but is ably assisted by jockey Ken Dunbar. Connie talks of her commitment to keeping her horses outdoors. She talks of recent wins at professional race meetings in the west. Connie explains her move to the picnic circuit and comes up with some interesting statistics. She acknowledges the welcome increase in amateur prize money in recent years. She talks of the one anomaly confronting picnic racing- a worrying shortage of jockeys. Connie acknowledges the successful partnership she’s formed with Brazilian bor

This is an interesting chat with a 43 year old from Foxton on New Zealand’s north island who’s been around thoroughbreds all his life. He started life as an apprentice jockey under the tutelage of Kevin Gray, a man who could be likened to the late Theo Green as a master tutor of apprentices. Paul begins by talking about his good fortune in securing boxes at Port Macquarie racecourse where his solo training career began eighteen months ago. He talks of his current team and the availability of beach facilities at the popular north coast location. Paul says nowhere is too far to travel if the right horse comes along. The former jockey is counting the minutes to the arrival of the twin sons he and partner Michelle are expecting.  He looks back on the barrier trial he contested as a thirteen year old in NZ. Paul has always thanked his lucky stars that he gained a start with the legendary horseman Kevin Gray. he remembers Gray’s private training property at Patea near Waverley in the Taranaki district. He talks of

This is a breezy chat with a little lady who has endeared herself to many in just six years as a professional jockey. She’s based at Port Macquarie and is a regular at most meetings in the region, but just lately Cejay has been sneaking to Brisbane where she’s come under the notice of trainers like Tony Gollan. Cejay talks of life as the daughter of respected jockey Peter Graham, and her late decision to become a jockey. She begins by talking about a freak accident at a recent Doomben meeting. She talks about her home base at Port Macquarie and the property she shares with partner, jockey Kirk Matheson. The apprentice says she was in no hurry to become a jockey but suddenly the spark ignited. Cejay explains the origins of her christian name. She talks of her apprenticeship to respected local trainer John Sprague and her good fortune in being coached by her father Peter, rider of more than 2300 winners. Cejay delights in heaping praise on Peter Graham, the horseman and the dad. She looks back on her first race

When we wound up our podcast with Stan Aitken last September he suggested we should consider talking to his great mate and former fellow Melbourne jockey Paul Jarman. Stan supplied the phone number and we made contact with Paul who was a little shy about doing the interview. We talked him into it, and I hope he enjoyed it half as much as I did. Paul Jarman more than held his own among an elite group of jockeys and won some very famous races along the way. Paul talks about his decision to quit the saddle at just 39 years of age.   Always a bloke who tended to make things happen, Paul enrolled for a building and construction course at TAFE. He looks back on the beginning of his new career. Paul says the Gold Coast was the place to be for any aspiring builder in the late 1980’s. His judgement proved correct. During his busy twelve years in the building trade he found the perfect diversion in fishing and crabbing. He talks about his passion for both pursuits. The former top jockey talks about yet another offbeat

Lee Curtis has been training racehorses in Sydney since the mid 90’s when he was based at Canterbury. He was forced to relocate to Rosehill at the end of the decade when the STC decided to develop the precinct as a quarantine station for overseas horses. Cherie joined his staff twenty years ago from Berry on the South Coast. The couple married in 2015 and became training partners in 2020. We begin the podcast with Lee who explains that he has no intention of increasing the stable numbers. Lee talks about the family training partnership. He says he and Cherie might disagree from time to time but invariably reach the best conclusion. He talks of his continued insistence on relocating horses who are not paying their way. Lee acknowledges the effectiveness of the Inglis Digital twice monthly auction. The Gr 1 winning trainer talks of Dalchini and Achira, two talented mares he’s currently training. He expresses thanks to the two trainers who taught him the basics of horse management. Lee remembers his first traini

In looking for a horseman who has a close connection with the Queen Elizabeth Stakes we plucked from the archives,  a podcast with Craig Carmody. The former successful jockey is now training a small team at Randwick, hoping another Intergaze will walk into his stables. Craig rode the talented chestnut in his two Queen Elizabeth Stakes wins in the late 90’s. Craig reflects on his decision to retire after returning from Singapore in 2005. He looks back on his transition into the training ranks. Craig speaks of the plight of the smaller trainers who don’t have access to the spending power of wealthy owners. The former multiple Gr 1 winning jockey talks of a few special horses who got him on his way as a trainer. He acknowledges the talents of Sydney’s female jockeys He talks about his final riding contract in Singapore which brought him in touch with his future wife. Craig looks back on his starring role in a Telecom TV commercial. He was one of several young Sydney jockeys who auditioned for the part. His scree

It would have been a massive shock to his family had Cody Morgan not pursued a career with horses. With a mum and dad who were wizards in the saddle and a brother who could ride a rampaging rhinoceros, it was unlikely Cody would ever become a ballet instructor. We talk to the young Tamworth horseman about his start as a bronc rider, the transition to professional race riding and finally to the training ranks. Cody begins by talking of Talbragar who shapes up as one of the top chances in the Country Championship Final. He talks of his on course location at Tamworth and his reluctance to leave there. Cody looks back on his very first phone call from Australian Bloodstock’s Luke Murrell. He could have wrecked the partnership there and then. He talks of his favourites among the Australian Bloodstock horses. One of the horses featured in a memorable Rosehill double. The thirty two year old says his aspiration to become a jockey was triggered by his first ride on a mechanical horse. He looks back on the thrilling e

Luke Pepper joins the ranks of smaller trainers who only need the right horse to showcase their talents. Until Opal Ridge came along Luke had been achieving consistent results with average horses. Suddenly he’s in the big league with last start stakes winner Opal Ridge, who’ll contest the Gr 3 P.J Bell Stakes on Saturday. We go right back to Luke’s early days in pony club and the wide experience he gained before taking out his own trainer’s licence. Luke begins by talking about his reasons for relocating from Canberra to Scone in the middle of last year. He has high praise for the facilities offered by the Scone Race Club and speaks of the multi million dollar stabling complex already under construction. Luke talks of Opal Ridge’s purchase from the Inglis Classic Sale at a bargain basement price. He talks of the amazing attitude displayed by the young filly as far back as the breaking in stage. Luke talks of her amazing growth spurt and the ease of her first win. He wasn’t quite as buoyant the morning after h

The fate of retired racehorses has never been under more scrutiny, and Jo McKinnon couldn’t be happier. The respected media contributor recently launched her own website designed to monitor the post competitive lives of thoroughbreds and performance horses. Jo joins us to talk about the creation of “offthetrackhorses.com.au” and to look back on her own exciting life in media and in the racing industry. She talks of the origins of her independent on-line platform. Jo outlines her ideas for regular content on the site. She acknowledges the support of some special behind-the-scenes people. The talented media veteran takes us back to her very first job with the Herald and Weekly Times and the thrilling scholarship win that got her there. Jo talks of her duties with the major Melbourne newspaper. She looks back on her exciting transition into television as a sports reporter with Network Ten in Melbourne. She was on her way. Horse loving Jo was thrilled to join the team being assembled for Sky’s history making home

Sky Thoroughbred Central’s Gary Kliese recently suggested I organise a chat with Grafton based jockey Matt McGuren.  Gary was full of praise for McGuren’s talents and assured me that the jockey’s life story was great podcast material. Matt was more than happy to participate even though he was feeling pretty frustrated by the outcome of what appeared to be an insignificant accident a few days earlier. He looks back on his barrier trial mishap at Ballina. He says he decided to ride at the Grafton meeting the following day even though he suspected a fracture in the ankle. A winning ride helped ease the pain. Matt talks of his prognosis, and his inability to ride trackwork for his wife Samantha who trains a thirteen horse team at Grafton. He talks of Samantha’s accident with a camp drafter three months ago and her resultant surgery. The thirty two year old explains how he and Samantha manage to handle a team of racehorses every morning and cater for the needs of two young daughters. They’ve got it down to a fine

It’s fair to say that Sunline’s constant companion Claire Bird became almost as well known as the great mare herself. The petite blonde accompanied Sunline on one trip to Dubai, twice to Hong Kong and nine times to Australia. She endeared herself to racing administrators and to the media at large. When Sunline left the racing scene Claire opted for a future in Australia. She has capably filled several roles in the racing industry and media, and is currently enjoying her time on the Tony Gollan administrative team. She says she quickly put her hand up when the job became available. Claire talks of a work schedule which includes a supervisory role with Gollan’s Gold Coast Saturday runners. She acknowledges partner, former successful Kiwi trainer Shane Marr. Claire reviews the interesting jobs she’s held since settling in Australia twenty years ago- Her employers include Racing Victoria, TVN television, Nine Network, Gerry Harvey Racing Management, a horse transport company and most recently Tony Gollan Racing.

Understandably Robbie Fradd is going through a tough period of adjustment as he comes to terms with the reality of an enforced retirement. The champion international jockey has been grounded by specialists after recently undergoing major heart bypass surgery. Rob intends to stay in Brisbane where he’s been riding for close to nine years. He talks about the shortage of breath and fatigue which warned him of impending trouble. Rob admits to a nicotine addiction throughout his riding career, but says it was largely to keep his mind off food. The former outstanding jockey takes us back to his childhood in Durban, and his non racing family. He talks of a five year stay at the famous South African Jockeys Academy which launched the careers of some world class jockeys. Robbie talks of his apprenticeship to trainer Vaughan Marshall who had a significant impact on his life. He recalls with affection his very first win on Barberton for trainer Jacky Gorton. The retired jockey talks of the importance to racing participa

When Harry Troy sang the praises of Dennis Firth in a podcast last year, I made it my business to track down the former 16 time western districts premiership winner. Dennis is now 72 years of age, and still residing in his much loved hometown of Coonamble. He’s the kind of bloke who’s not comfortable talking about his own achievements but after a little coaxing he hit top gear. Den humbly acknowledges the fact that he rode 1499 winners in an era when racing was held only once a week in the bush. He’s adamant that a training career was never in the mix. Dennis says his retirement wasn’t planned. It materialised following a race fall. The former outstanding jockey talks about a family history in Coonamble dating back to the late 19th century. He talks of his father George who was an in demand farrier in the district. Dennis looks back on the days when he would sneak onto the local racecourse early mornings with his trusty pony, and match strides with the thoroughbreds for a short distance. This was the catalyst

Christian Reith was riding winners everywhere when a Newcastle race fall in April of last year left him with vertebrae fractures. Only a week earlier he’d ridden a winning treble at Goulburn. Specialists were adamant he’d be out for at least one year but Christian’s dedication to his rehabilitation saw him gain a clearance after ten months. The talented jockey looks back on the fall that he could see was about to happen. He says the specialists gave him little hope of returning inside a year. Christian looks back on a frustrating ten months on the sidelines. The jockey talks of a relocation to Nelson Bay in the latter part of his rehabilitation. Although committed to stables in the Hunter region he’ll ride in Sydney if the right opportunity comes along. There’s a certain Newcastle three year old right now who’s certain to lure him to town. Christian talks of the loyalty extended to him by the owner and trainer of Promitto. The jockey looks back on a Brisbane apprenticeship and the thrill of his first win. His

I enjoy reminiscing with bush horsemen, especially one who’s been around for a while. We catch up with Paul St Vincent who took a long time to retire but his stables are finally empty. He does however travel from Tamworth to Coffs Harbour whenever his sons Aiden and Kane require his help. This interview was recorded ten days before Aiden’s talented horse Lisztomania won the Country Championship qualifier at Port Macquarie. Paul talks of his long road trips to the coast. He talks of sons Aiden and Kane and their respective careers in the racing industry. Paul talks of his early aspirations to become a golfer and subsequent jobs in golf club pro shops. He says harness horses sparked his interest at the old Newcastle Showground track. Paul talks of his time with the Narrabri Golf Club and then a career change into caravan and horse float sales. The former successful trainer recalls a chance meeting with a man who would change his life. He met legendary horse trainer Merv Corless at the Tamworth Golf Club. They b

To Victoria we go for this week’s podcast with talented trainer Jason Warren who’s based on the Mornington Peninsula. Jason was lucky to get himself a Gr 1 winner early in his career, and hopes to find another one or two in the future. He begins by acknowledging the talents of his smart 3YO filly Benedetta. He’s also pretty keen on a three year old called Grand Pierro who was luckless in the Victoria Derby.  Jason talks about the decision to sell his lovely Mornington training property to Barbara and Barrie Saunders. He still works some of his horses at Denistoun Park. He describes his own training base right on the Mornington racecourse. Jason reflects on childhood days in Bega on the NSW South Coast and a very early love affair with horses. He talks of an early transition into the breaking of young horses. He says horse breaking was his primary interest early days and remembers his first job at the beautifully appointed Shipton Lodge at Cobbitty. Jason talks of his next move to Phillipa Duncan’s Hardwicke S

After more than three years under lockdown in Macau, Geoff Allendorf was delighted to finally make it back to Australia over Xmas/New Year to catch up with family and friends. I tracked him down during that stay to line up the podcast you’re about to hear.  Geoff talks of his return to Macau after a wonderful few weeks in his homeland. Now in his 17th year as a trainer at the Taipa racecourse, he talks of his own current team and the reduced equine population in the colony. The former Sydney jockey talks of a nostalgic visit to his hometown of Cairns and a long overdue catch up with his parents and siblings. Geoff looks back on his approach to Theo Green in the late 1960’s in the hope an apprenticeship might be available. Theo didn’t have a vacancy but helped organise the young Queenslander’s indentureship to Bede Horan. He pays tribute to his original master who trained for many years in the western districts before securing stables at Rosehill. Bede supplied Geoff’s very first winner. Geoff recalls his firs

The 63 year old was stunned in November when diagnosed with Bradycardia - an excessively slow heart rate. While not life threatening the condition can cause sudden fatigue and shortage of breath when the sufferer is placed under high stress levels. Riding half a ton of racehorse at a fast gallop isn’t the smartest thing to be doing when you’ve been diagnosed with Bradycardia. Mark’s emotional upheaval coincided with the passing of his much loved mother Gwen. The successful trainer and former brilliant jockey pays tribute to a very special Mum. Mark talks about the slow onset of his condition and the sudden drop in energy levels. He says it took only one chest pain to send him scurrying to a cardiologist. Mark talks of the distribution of his horses to other stables and fondly remembers his final training win. The talented horseman explains that Bradycardia isn’t the only health issue he’s battling at the moment. He talks of the complicated toe injury he sustained under the most unlikely circumstances. Mark ro

I’ve had several requests for a podcast with Kevin Langby. Rather than try to explain he was on the show two years ago, let’s put him on again. Nothing’s changed. He’s still fighting fit on the Central Coast and still looking back on one of Sydney racing’s most distinguished careers. Kev begins by looking back on his initial apprenticeship to Max Wardle and a transfer to Dick Cornish- both in his hometown of Orange. Kev remembers his father’s insistence that he transfer to a Sydney trainer. He was lucky to gain a start with the astute Fred Hood Snr, firstly at Mascot and later at Rosehill. He recalls some early winners and the first good horse he got to ride. The former jockey reflects on his time as stable jockey for Arthur Ward and a retainer he was offered by Sir Frank Packer. Kevin says his association with Tommy Smith just “happened”. Not once did the legendary trainer verbally confirm the arrangement. He talks of Smith’s attitude towards his stable riders, and his acceptance of defeat. The 76 year old l

She’s disappointed, frustrated and very bored. Anna Roper still can’t believe a freak accident at Muswellbrook in November has halted an amazing trot that brought her 56 wins in seven months. She talks of the accident that stirred up an old injury. Like most horse people, Anna couldn’t believe that a horse would buck after having galloped 1450m. The young jockey reflects on the soccer injury that damaged her right knee in the first place. She says she became a couch potato during a long recovery. Anna talks of her earliest involvement with horses following in the footsteps of two older sisters. She looks back on some satisfying achievements in the dressage and eventing pursuits. Anna admits she muddled her way through early schooling but got serious when the HSC approached. She says her early intentions were to seek a career as a veterinary nurse, but all of that changed when she started riding trackwork for Gosford trainer Greg McFarlane. Later she sought and was given an apprenticeship by Wyong trainer Trac