John Tapp Racing

It was mid October when I invited Ray Hadley to be special guest on the occasion of our 500th podcast episode. Never once during the conversation did the legendary broadcaster so much as hint that he was contemplating calling time on his 2GB morning programme. We made arrangements to record the interview on the afternoon of Thursday November 5th. Like many of his listeners and colleagues I was stunned, when less than an hour into his programme on Thursday Ray made the shock announcement that December 13th is to be his final day in the 2GB studios. Television news crews were setting up in the building long before he finished his on air shift at midday. The broadcaster was inevitably “swamped” by media outlets for several hours. I wouldn’t have been one bit surprised had he requested a postponement of our podcast interview, but I should have known better. True to his word Ray was ready to go when I called him as arranged at 4.30pm. I reminded him  that nobody had seen this coming. He admitted it was a surreal e

The story of the Freedman era is one of racing’s all time best - four enthusiastic young brothers who made an amazing journey from the family stud farm at Yass to the establishment of a Victorian based training powerhouse. Lee held sway as trainer with Anthony, Richard and Michael handling crucial roles in the background. Together they had an enormous impact on Australian racing for three decades. Lee won seven Melbourne trainer’s premierships and was runner up six times. Today the boys are all training under their own banners with Lee opting for a much quieter life on the Gold Coast. The former leader of the FBI was very gracious with his time on this week’s podcast. He begins by berating his talents as a golfer. Lee talks about his current 31 horse team, a fraction of the number he trained in the busiest days of the FBI. He talks of the wide choice of race meetings he has from his Gold Coast base. Lee takes us back to early days at Hardwicke Stud near Yass, where he and his siblings gained sound education u

A hat trick of recent country wins by improving gelding My Last Hooray rekindled memories of Frank Cleary’s glory days in Australian racing. The popular trainer wound down his training operation following two health scares in 2020, and has been training only a handful of horses in recent times. He even hinted that he may walk away from a business that took him to racing’s biggest stage. On learning that My Last Hooray isn’t the only horse on his books, we decided to investigate the immediate future of the Queanbeyan based trainer. He certainly doesn’t confirm likely retirement. Frank talks about two unraced young horses currently in his care. He reflects on the chest pains that sent him to hospital in 2020, and a second ailment that followed closely on his heart scare. Frank talks of the racing involvement in his family background. It’s well known that a young Frank Cleary showed great promise as a rugby league player in pivotal positions. He says he actually started in the Aussie Rules code. Switching to lea

With the Sydney jockey’s room virtually a closed shop, other talented riders are obliged to carve themselves a niche in one of several strong NSW regional centres. With no shortage of race meetings, these jockeys are able to pursue a healthy livelihood, sneaking to town from time to time when an opportunity arises. One such jockey is Billy Owen who’s services are in regular demand in the Southern Districts. Bill’s first stint as a professional rider was halted by weight problems in 2013. He spent the next five years on the amateur circuit winning more than a hundred races. He was thrilled in 2018 when his weight stabilised, allowing him to return to the pro ranks. Bill talks about his current run of success. He speaks highly of My Last Hooray whose three recent wins have impressed the jockey. The gelding is the only horse in the stable of former multiple Gr 1 winning trainer Frank Cleary. The jockey talks of Asgarda, the mare he partnered in the Kosciuszko. Bill’s location between Canberra and Queanbeyan enab

I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Lacey Morrison but I’ve been long aware of her notable  achievements. This resilient 40 year old has had a diversified career in the racing industry as a jockey, a trainer and a two year stint as a member of the Darling Downs steward’s panel. Lacey’s comeback from injury in 2021 has far exceeded her expectations. In the recently concluded 2023/2024 season she rode 101 winners to finish fourth on the Queensland jockey’s premiership ladder. She also happens to be the doting mother of nine year old Buddy. Lacey Morrison says she’s happiest when busy. The jockey talks about her good start to the new season and a recent Cluden Park treble. Lacey says she was elated to top the century of winners last season. She looks back on a quartet of wins at Townsville late in the season and her all time top score of five at a Cairns meeting. The Cairns Amateur Cup is actually a prestigious professional event run in September. Lacey talks about her recent win on Cashin’ Chex. The busy jock

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Darren Beadman many times but not so much in recent years. Spotted him at Graham McNeice’s recent funeral service, and it occurred to me that “Shadow” would have insisted I feature the former star jockey on this podcast.  Darren’s a busy boy these days in his role as Race Day Operations Manager for Godolphin, with little time to spare. We pinned him down last Friday after he’d completed duties at the Rosehill barrier trials. It’s just a relaxed chat between two old racing mates. Darren talks about the importance of official trials in the Godolphin operation. He explains that communication with race day media has become a significant part of his role with Godolphin. Darren says he’s got a bigger advantage than most when listening to post race reports from the many jockeys used by Godolphin. He reflects on the horrific Hong Kong accident that terminated his stellar riding career. Darren outlines the complexities of his diffuse axonal brain injury and the subsequent rehabili

  If pedigree has any bearing there was always a strong likelihood James Orman would become a jockey. His father Michael showed some talent in a very brief career before increasing weight terminated his aspirations. His mother Caroline Allardyce has been a trainer for forty years, and increased her team numbers when James became her stable apprentice in 2013. Young Orman’s emergence as one of Australia’s best jockeys has been spectacular. He begins by talking about his flying start in the new racing season. James, or Jimmy as he’s popularly known, talks about life on his Nudgee property with Heidi and their children Floyd and Hallie.  The talented jockey talks of childhood days at Forest Hill, his involvement in pony club and a passion for gymnastics. He outlines some highs and lows from his time as a gymnast. Jimmy says riding was second nature to him by the time he elected to become indentured to his trainer/mother. He looks back on his very first race ride at Nanango. He finished third but believes he shou

I first met Josh Fleming when he visited the Sky Studios with family members in 2000. He was just 15 at the time, but already a professional race caller in Queensland. He’d debuted at Longreach a year earlier and had subsequently called the action at several far flung tracks. He was too young to take part in Sky’s first “young race caller scholarship” but landed a job in his own right three years later. He’s come a long way from that nervous start at Longreach, and the story makes for an interesting podcast. Josh recalls that brief visit to the Sky studios almost 25 years ago. He pays tribute to the grandmother who lived long enough to see him make his race calling debut. Josh cherishes memories of his meeting with the late Graham McNeice on that Sunday morning in 2000. The 39 year old calls regularly from Doomben, Eagle Farm and the Sunny Coast. He rates the popular tracks. Josh has just returned from his 21st visit to the Birdsville Cup. He talks of the unique two day carnival on the edge of the Simpson Des

Aaron Bullock has emerged in the last five years as one of Australia’s most consistent jockeys. In the 2022/2023 season his astounding strike rate saw him win the national jockey’s title with 207.5 winners. He’s due to return to the saddle at the end of the month following a two month injury layoff. While he had a little spare time on his hands the father-to-be was happy to talk to us about his meteoric rise in the riding ranks. Aaron says he can’t wait to get cracking again.  He says his weight is under control as he nears a return to the saddle. The heavyweight jockey talks about the Newcastle fall in July which aggravated an old injury. Aaron talks about the impending birth of his first child with wife Amelia (nee Denby). He gives Amelia much of the credit for his continued success. Aaron talks of childhood days in Tumut and his first glimpse of thoroughbreds at the local races. He recalls the family’s move to Singleton and his subsequent apprenticeship to trainer Todd Howlett whose career was just getting

Many racing people were predicting a bright future for Dylan Gibbons long before he made his debut at Taree in July 2020.  Son of successful jockey Andrew Gibbons,  the lanky youngster had been taken along quietly by his master Kris Lees and was the complete package by the time he was let loose. Dylan hasn’t let his supporters down. In just four seasons of race riding he’s approaching 400 winners including two Gr 1’s. Caught up with the talented young rider last week for a comprehensive chat about his career so far. He talks about four seasons of success he never expected. Dylan talks about the workload of the modern day jockey with special mention of the barrier trial schedule. He talks of partner Nevada and the decision to stay in his hometown of Newcastle. The young jockey talks of his hectic 2023/2024 season and the holiday he was badly in need of. He admits he was late in making a decision to become an apprentice, but says his interest in racing was obsessive.  Dylan reflects on the many days he spent at

Steve Hart was just 23 years old when he joined the ranks of Sydney’s race photographers in 1983. It didn’t take him long to showcase the flair, the creativity and the energy needed to chase the right shots through a long day at the races. Most importantly he made a million friends along the way. We got Steve to sit still long enough to record a special interview about his life and the career he chose above all others.  He begins by looking back on his final day at the races. The inevitable emotion was put aside until he’d “fired off” his final shot.  Steve says he’s been a stickler throughout his career for an early arrival at the track. He talks of the miles he’d cover getting from point to point on race day. Randwick was the toughest venue. Steve talks of the amazing advances in camera technology. The 64 year old takes us back to his English childhood and the long sea voyage to Australia with his parents and two brothers. He recalls his father John securing a job in the building trade just two days after a

As a regular watcher of racing from all parts of Australia I’ve heard Tony Wode calling the Townsville meetings many times. I’ve been a fan since I first heard his clear, concise race calls. At last we get around to profiling the career of a man who recently called his 40th Townsville Cup. How he got to where he is today makes for a great story and an even better podcast. Tony begins by talking about his occasional trips away from Townsville when smaller race clubs are stuck for a race caller. He reveals that he also has two brothers who’ve made their marks as broadcasters. Tony says he has more time to study the race form since quitting his local government job a few years ago. He tends to dabble on the punt more than he did through the busiest years. He reflects on childhood days at Southport as one of nine children. He talks of the guidance and inspiration he received from his father Phil. He talks of his dad’s talents as a greyhound trainer.   Tony talks of his entry into journalism with the Townsville Bu

After just 14 years of race riding Don Terry was clearly established as one of the best country based jockeys in Australia. He was approaching 700 winners when involved in a life changing race fall at Grafton. After six months in Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital he settled on the NSW north coast, and began the long road back. His achievements have been extraordinary. It’s a privilege to welcome him as a very special guest on this week’s podcast. Don talks about the way he manages his problems day by day. He says his temper is not as volatile as it once was.  Don talks about the layout of his Lennox Head home. The former outstanding jockey talks about his role as the manager of Brisbane rider Justin Stanley. He proudly describes his curiously named fishing boat. Don acknowledges the support of his loyal fishing mates and talks of the sea miles they travel to find the best location. He talks about some of the fish species they encounter. The resilient Terry enjoys nothing more than driving his car. He tal

Kevin Sweeney was one of those ever reliable jockeys who did his job with total dedication for an amazing 46 years. Had it not been for a high spirited horse dumping him at a Nowra meeting in 2015, he may well have pushed on for a bit longer. Kev spent the bulk of his career at Canberra and on southern districts tracks, where he forged strong associations with many stables. Despite a few current health issues the seventy year old pays us the honour of joining the podcast for a good, old fashioned trip down memory lane. Kev begins by revisiting the occasion of his last race ride when he was unceremoniously dumped by a quirky horse. He recalls a winning treble at Wagga just two days earlier. Kevin talks about his move to the far NSW south coast, and the health issues he’s been battling for the last four years. He remains philosophical. The former respected jockey takes us back to childhood days, and the love he received from his single mum and a doting grandfather. He’s never forgotten the day his family took h

It’s just over three years since Molly Bourke won her first race on Mouse Almighty at Wagga. Another 131 wins have followed, complimented by an SDRA Apprentices Premiership. Molly’s talents were clearly evident when she skilfully nursed $58.00 “pop” Secret Plan over the line at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. She’s now with John Sargent at Randwick and rode 20 city winners last season. Great to catch up with the little girl from Tumbarumba who has to pinch herself to believe she’s competing successfully in one of the world’s toughest markets. Molly talks about her move to the big smoke just over a year ago. She looks back on her first taste of Sydney racing when she won on bush galloper Zakeriz at Canterbury late in 2022. Molly talks of her first win for new master John O’Shea at Wyong. She acknowledges a recent story about her career by Ray Hickson in the Racing NSW magazine. The apprentice looks back on the shock of her relocation to the bustling city of Sydney. Molly says it’s quite an experience to ride reg

Pioneers like Pam O’Neill have taken great pride in watching the enormous progress made by female jockeys in recent years. Wendy Peel is Dubbo based these days but has had several addresses during her first seven years of race riding. The 31 year old is unwaveringly passionate about her chosen career path and travels huge mileage to honour commitments.  She’s already a role model to many of the younger girls coming through the system. Wendy joins us on the podcast to look at the female clean sweep of a recent Inverell meeting, and to look at the future role of women in the Australian riding ranks. She talks of the impact being made around the nation. Wendy believes the generational growth of male jockeys is the main reason for the ever increasing number of female riders. She predicts the likely future of the girls in Australian racing. Wendy says the majority of new apprentices have learned the fundamentals in pony club, eventing and show jumping. The dedicated jockey looks back on her very first involvement

It was Coffs Harbour based jockey Jon Grisedale who alerted me to the fact that Trevor Hardy was getting close to retirement. The veteran horseman will call time on his 50 year career when his only horse, seven year old gelding Aheadofhistime loses his zest for racing. For twenty years Trevor combined horse training with the running of his small transport business, but had to choose between the two following multiple bypass surgery in 1996. He plumped for full time training, and hasn’t regretted the decision. The 83 year old joins us on the podcast to talk about his life in racing. He’s a little nervous about the dramatic change in lifestyle. Trevor says Aheadofhistime has extended his training career.  He talks about Aheadofhistime’s early career in Queensland and subsequent deeds on the northern rivers, including an emphatic win in last year’s Kempsey Cup. Trevor acknowledges the support of Neil Osborne who purchased his Coffs Harbour stables but made a box available for Aheadofhistime. The veteran is a tru

Whenever Ken Callaughan brought a horse to town from his country base, bookies were wary and punters had a very good look at the animal’s credentials. Ken’s success rate on metropolitan tracks was consistent over many years. We gave him a call recently and the veteran horseman accepted our invitation to join us on the podcast. Ken talks about the horse transport business he launched after quitting the training ranks.  He says much of his work is generated by Goulburn trainers who like to run horses in the weekly TAB Highway races. Ken talks about his early years in the tiny village of Delegate near the Victorian border. He says his father George was a tough taskmaster when giving his son riding tuition. Ken pays tribute to his late brother Brian. He looks back on his first trip to an Inglis Tried Horse Sale. He came away with the unraced gelding who would launch his training career. Ken acknowledges some of his very early winners. He remembers Stormy Guest who was showing great promise before he suffered a ca

Joe Bowditch has been a familiar face on major Australian racetracks for more than 34 years. He’s still plying his trade from a Victorian base at 47 years of age, and still riding winners. The evergreen jockey has crammed a lot into more than three decades of race riding in four states. The Joe Bowditch story makes for an interesting podcast. Currently under suspension,   he was happy to give me some time on the phone last weekend. He spoke to me from a Bundalong property owned by his great mate Luke Nolen. Joe talks about his recent Flemington win on Brazen Lady and acknowledges the support he receives from the Ellerton/Moodie stable. He talks of a long and successful association he’s had with another Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths.  Joe descends from a famous Riverina racing family. He shares memories of his father Des and uncles Barry and Wally- all accomplished jockeys. He remembers a wonderful friendship with trainer Ray Guy who was to have signed him up as an apprentice. When Ray died suddenly in 1

Great to catch up with respected Dubbo trainer Peter Nestor who’s back in town training a small team of horses after a four year break from racing. A member of a legendary western districts racing family, Peter takes us back to his early days in the unique township of Gulargambone, and the family’s move to Dubbo. He talks of the serious heart ailment that stopped him in his tracks early last year. Peter admits he knew something was amiss for many months. He places most of the blame on a lifelong smoking habit. He says he really wasn’t intending to train horses again, but the bug soon bit. Peter talks of Loving Angel, the former Snowden trained mare who got him up and going again. He says she’s got a few quirks. He talks of Blue Guitar, another “hand me down” who’s been impressive in winning a couple of recent races.  The trainer speaks highly of lightly raced filly Grand Oyster, a recent winner at Narromine. Pete’s adamant that he won’t be increasing the size of his team. He pays tribute to his late father Jo