John Tapp Racing

In Part 1 Andrew outlines his reasons for bringing down the curtain on his long career with Sky Racing and Sky Sports Radio. He talks of his childhood in Wangaratta and the elderly neighbours he called Nan and Pa. They introduced him to the excitement of the racetrack. Andrew talks of his adoption to foster parents Bruce and Leila Bensley. His Dad was an engineer and wanted Andrew to follow in his footsteps. He remembers his first job in radio at 4VL Charleville, and a short stint at 4LM Mt. Isa. Andrew takes us through his time at 3TR Sale and later at 3DB where he worked with legendary caller Bill Collins. He pays special tribute to the man. He recalls his time at 3UZ and his move into television at GTV Channel 9 in Melbourne He reflects on the many roles he filled at Channel 9 before getting a phone call from Graham McNeice. Sky had just introduced its now famous home service and needed a Melbourne correspondent.

In Part 1 Darren talks of a lifetime in the Bankstown harness racing precinct. He remembers the days when hundreds of horses were worked from stables in the Condell Park area. Today it’s a ghost town. He remembers the day a Channel 10 TV crew filmed a story on harness horses for Simon Townsend’s Wonder World. He reveals his reasons for never wanting to train big teams of horses. Darren talks about his relationship with high profile owner Emilio Rosati who was once his next door neighbour. He talks of his grandfather Jack a highly regarded trainer in the boom years at Harold Park. Darren reflects on life with his late father John who died in 1999. He talks of the many good horses to come through John Binskin’s hands. The trainer remembers the occasion of his first drive out of a mobile barrier. It was at Rockhampton in Queensland and he had to beat a pretty good horse to win. Darren looks back on his first trip to the US in 2001. Based in Ohio he quickly made a name for himself as a race driver. Everything was

In Part 2 the NZ born jockey pays tribute to some of his 42 Gr 1 winners with special mention of the ill fated Unworldly. She won 5 from 6 before being put down after a training accident. Larry says she was an exceptional filly. He pays special tribute to Saintly. He rode him only twice for a win and a close second in the 1996 AJC Derby. He remembers him with great affection. Larry talks of his years as number 1 rider for Crown Lodge and the stresses involved with maintaining the standards set by John Hawkes and Jack Ingham. He pays tribute to some special jockeys for whom he has great admiration, and to a handful of Brisbane trainers who continue to give him strong support. Larry talks of his much loved family, wife Michelle, son Luke and daughter Jade. The kids have some lofty ambitions. He reveals his current levels of health and his hopes for the future. Enjoyed every minute of my long chat with a gentleman jockey.

In part 1 Larry talks about his career tally of winners. He reveals that he’s maintained records of his race rides from the beginning of his career in NZ. He talks of the factors that prompted his decision to move to Queensland twelve years ago. Larry recalls his one and only ride on the champion Winx in the 2015 Sunshine Coast Guineas. He surprised many by declaring her to be the best he’d ever ridden. The popular jockey reflects on a horror period a few years ago when meniscal tears in both knees stalled his career.  He talks of the boredom and frustration which put him into a state of depression. Larry remembers his first morning back at trackwork after his long layoff. His legs were like jelly, and the pain was intense.  He talks of his very first Gr 1 win on Coronation Day, and his wonderful Autumn Carnival in 1997 when he won the Doncaster-Sydney Cup double for Gai Waterhouse. That Sydney Cup winner was the genuine Linesman. Larry was very fond of the horse and felt he should have been right in the fini

In this segment Fred looks back on the frustrating years when he struggled to gain a WA Thoroughbred trainer’s licence. He’d just about given up when a race club committeeman came to his rescue. He remembers the thrill of saddling up his first winner at the gallops. The horse was Little Hero at Belmont in 1989. Fred takes us back to the day he bought a half share in a yearling with ordinary conformation, because he happened to like the youngster’s sire. He takes us through the extraordinary career of Northerly who went on to win 19 races including 9 Gr 1’s for $9.3 million dollars. He was a life changing horse for the Kersleys. Fred pays tribute to other outstanding gallopers he’s had in the stable. Horses like Marasco ( $1.7 million ), Grand Nirvana ($1.1 million), and Itzahym ($1.2 million). He speaks fondly of his four children and the support he’s had from wife Judy through the years. He reflects on daughter Kelly’s winning drive on Norm’s Daughter in a Miracle Mile, and on the progress of his jockey gran

The first segment of this special interview reviews the master horseman’s long and brilliant career as a trainer and driver in the harness racing field. Fred tells the story of his grandfather taking two pacers from Adelaide to Perth by ship, while the rest of the family crossed the Nullabor in an old Buick car. The Kersleys have been in Western Australia ever since. He reflects on the brilliant training and driving career of his father Fred Kersley Snr, who had never been able to win a WA Pacing Cup.Towards the end of his career, young Fred was able to give him the winning drive on James Eden in the historic race. It was a night of high emotion. Fred looks back on his very slow start as a trainer/driver. He couldn’t have imagined that he’d go on to win 16 metropolitan premierships. The master horseman recalls his association with the great pacer Pure Steel. He won the WA Derby with the up and coming champion, but later lost the horse following a disagreement with owner Russell Roberts. Fred pays tribute to C

Harry pays tribute to the super sire I Am Invincible who has been a sensation on the Australian breeding scene in recent years. He reveals the chain of events which led to the purchase of a half share in I Am Invincible, when a new stallion was required for the Mitchell family’s Yarraman Park Stud near Scone(NSW). Harry remembers the first time he saw the horse at the Victorian stables of Peter Morgan. He was “blown away”. He talks of the humbling experience of having I Am Invincible selected as the consort for two of the greatest mares in Australian racing history. The respected breeder reminisces about his late father’s acquisition of Yarraman Park from its previous owner, legendary jockey George Moore. Harry acknowledges the courage and vision of his father Major Mitchell who left England to start a new life in Australia with his wife and three young sons. He talks of the tough days when Yarraman Park stood a number of mediocre sires. Harry pays tribute to Catbird and Magic Albert, the stallions to put Yar

In part 2 Rod talks of Keith Noud’s ability to call a race, before dashing to the press box to file a story on the same race.  He takes us through some very funny incidents during his race broadcasting days. Incidents like the amorous liaison taking place in a bunker on the infield golf course at Laidley. He recalls the unwelcome guest he had in the broadcasting box at Gatton, and the day a number of calves were asleep on the course proper at the same track. Rod talks of his time as a trots caller at Albion park and his hosting role at a famous night club. He remembers his days as the host of Channel 7’s Sportscene programme, and one memorable incident. The veteran nominates his favourite Queensland jockeys and trainers. Rod looks back on his transfer to the Sydney Telegraph and his later life with Sky Channel and Sky Racing Radio. In conclusion he pays tribute to Kay and his much loved children and grandchildren. Rod Gallegos is a terrific listen!

Rod talks of his upbringing in the popular Queensland town of Bundaberg. He recalls the racing characters he met at his Grandmother’s boarding house. He talks of the mother who loved a punt, and the non gambling father who just liked looking at racehorses. Rod recalls the bet he tried to have behind his mother’s back. The bookie gave him up. He looks back on his race calling debut at age 14, when the regular commentator got called away. Rod looks back on school days and his ineptitude at practical assignments. The popular media veteran talks of the lucky break that came along at the Bundaberg News Mail. He makes special mention of the legendary Sergeant Kelly of the Bundy Police who gave him some invaluable advice. Rod looks back on the opportunity that changed his life- a move to brisbane and a job with the Brisbane Telegraph. He remembers the chance meeting with Kay Noud,  the girl destined to become his wife of 56 years. Rod pays a remarkable tribute to his late father in law, legendary Queensland race cal

This is a light hearted chat with a vivacious young lady who has strong support from owners and trainers in NSW and Queensland. Tegan has been out of action for almost five months following the worst fall of her ten year career. Tegan pays special tribute to her jockey/mother who rode many winners on the NSW Northern Rivers under the name of Bev Want. She thinks it’s pretty special that she was going around in races before her Mum realised she was in the early stages of pregnancy. Tegan acknowledges the efforts of her father Andrew, a versatile jack of all trades who’s always first there to help his daughter out when things need fixing. The jockey reflects on her childhood involvement with Grafton Pony Club, and a transition to the re educating of retired racehorses. She admits she didn’t like the thoroughbreds at first. Tegan looks back on her apprenticeship to Bruce Hill on the Gold Coast, and her disastrous first race ride- one she’d rather forget. She recalls her early education at Julia Creek in the Quee

We catch up with Peter Mertens in his new role as Farms Operations Manager at Sean Buckley’s magnificent Ultra Thoroughbreds spelling, breeding and training operation near Kilmore. He explains how the job came up, and his day to day involvement. Peter talks of his formative years in the Gippsland region and his two apprenticeships- one to George O’Mealley, the other to Lloyd Timms. Just as his riding career was starting to gather momentum, Peter disappeared from the racing scene for two years. He explains that he had to look after younger siblings when his mother suffered a breakdown. He was no sooner back in action when he broke his neck in a race fall. He talks of his long, slow rehabilitation. Peter recalls a very successful stint in Singapore with a former Victorian trainer, and the shock phone call that brought news of his mother’s unexpected death. He remembers the one that got away! He thought Charm Scene Land was a good thing in the 1999 Blue Diamond, and was devastated when an elevated temperature pu

In part 2 Jimmy Byrne recalls a win in the coveted Queensland Derby on the Peter Moody trained Riva San. He was lucky to gain the ride. He reflects on one of his greatest racing thrills, a Doomben $10,000 victory on Redzel. It was his one and only ride on the dual Everest winner.  The jockey talks of another Group 1 win- the J.J.Atkins Stakes on the Paul Butterworth trained Capital Gain. Jim looks back on five rides on the powerhouse sprinter General Nediym including a win in the Magic Millions Cup. He talks of his affinity with the Ipswich track where he’s won three Cups. Jim talks of the trainers who’ve given him support over the years. The popular jockey outlines his business plans for the future. He’s already setting up a saddlery shop at home where he’ll work when his racing days are over.

In part 1 Jim laments about his horror run with injuries over the last twelve months. He talks of extensive shoulder surgery early last year, and a broken leg sustained in a freak fall just before Xmas. He talks of the frustration all injured jockeys experience when their regular mounts keep winning during their absence. Jim tells the story of the school teacher who suggested he should become a jockey. He recalls his apprenticeship to Pat Duff and those precious early winners. Jim pays tribute to the NSW horse who changed his career. He won the 1999 Stradbroke on Adam and was beaten a whisker in the Doomben $10,000. He loved the little horse with perfect manners, and a great will to win. He talks of his three wins on the brilliant Toowoomba filly Gold Edition including a Group 1 success at historic Flemington.

Introducing Damian Raedler who retired recently from his role as CEO of the Albion Park Harness Racing Club. Damian looks back on his early years with Telecom when he specialised in the installation of automatic telephone exchanges. He talks of his decision to leave great job security in the pursuit of a career in racing media. He clearly recalls a job offer from 2GB. Damian talks of his experience as a thoroughbred and harness caller. He was very humbled later to be appointed Sporting Editor of 2GB and its vast racing network. He remembers his disappointment when 2GB discontinued its racing service, and his move to 2KY. Damian talks of his bold decision to leave the media and enter the world of racing administration. He was destined to spend the rest of his career in several different roles. He talks of several key people who helped shape his career. Damian talks of the most rewarding initiatives in which he was involved in harness racing. He reflects on favourite horses and horsemen of his era. He recalls h

Delighted to catch up with one of Australia’s most popular and consistent jockeys. He explains the origins of his famous nickname “Stubby”. Jason talks of his recent winning run and the enjoyment he’s getting out of his riding at the moment. He talks of his family background and the mother who loved the races. Sue would take young Jason along and he was soon besotted with the business. “Stubby” recalls his apprenticeship to Leon Macdonald and his early barrier trial rides. The jockey looks back on his wins in the Goodwood Hcp and Adelaide Cup- the dream of every South australian jockey. Jason talks of his Melbourne Cup placing. He says it was almost as good as a win. “Stubby” pays tribute to Gold Guru and Umrum, two of his all time favourites. He looks back on a four year stint in Queensland and his great association with the late Bruce McLachlan. He recalls the joy of a Magic Millions win, and the fall that almost certainly cost him Golden Slipper success. He reminisces about his overseas stints including a

In Part 2 Mark remembers his very first winner- a speed machine called Tudor Vain. Ray Guy also provided his first city winner. Mark pays tribute to his role models from the riding ranks in the 1970’s. He talks of his first Group 1 winner. He still wonders how he ever got on a Theo Green trained horse. Mark looks back on his happy association with trainers like Les Bridge and Tommy Smith. The former jockey’s recollections of his association with the talented Myocard make fascinating listening. There are some interesting sidelights. Mark reflects on his many broken bones and the time he spent on the sidelines. He highlights the gallant grey Quick Flick who gave him 9 wins including a Group 1. De Montfort’s account of his Slipper win on Catbird is absorbing. He says the late scratching of Redoute’s Choice changed everything. He talks of his wife Carol and the undying support she has given him through the years.  

In Part 1 Mark outlines his current training situation at Warwick Farm. He rarely works more than half a dozen horses, and takes them where they are best suited. He talks of his passion for riding trackwork and the injury he suffered two years ago. Mark acknowledges some of the jockeys who’ve ridden for the stable in recent times. He recalls the circumstances under which he quit the saddle to take on a training career. He talks of some of the horses who helped launch his new career. His favourite was McClintock with whom he won over half a million dollars in prize money. Mark looks back on his original apprenticeship to an old world horseman called Frank Penfold. He says no beginner could have had a better tutor. He talks of his transfer to Ray Guy and his early winners.

We talk to Allan about the emotion attached to his final call at his home track on Australia Day 2020. The veteran broadcaster acknowledges the moving gesture by his son Quentin who called a race in his Dad’s honour five days earlier. Allan takes us on a trip down memory lane to his childhood at Gregadoo and his apprenticeship as a fitter and machinist. He talks of the early breaks that were to lead him to a lifelong career as a race caller. Allan looks back on his association with the legendary broadcaster and journalist Ted Ryder, the doyen of all Riverina commentators. He recalls his start at the little daytime trotting meetings, and his elevation to the top job in the region when Ted Ryder passed away in 1979. You’ll enjoy Allan’s recollections about the great horses he called early in their careers, and the legendary trainers and jockeys he highlighted throughout his broadcasting days. Riverina thoroughbred and harness racing is richer for the 40 year contribution of Allan Hull. This is his story..

Jonathan  talks of his youth in Queensland as the son of one of Australia’s first female tipsters. He was always with his mother Jill in the 4BC studios where she was a regular on a Friday night racing programme. He reflects on his job as race day assistant to the great caller Vince Curry at tracks like Gatton, Kilcoy and Beaudesert. Jonathan reflects on two happy experiences at Queensland’s Coolbadah Stud, and Joe Manning’s “ Woodburn” property at Cootamundra. He takes us through his time at Glenormiston College in Victoria, and the work experience stint destined to change his life. He previews the famous Classic Sale which starts this year’s round of Inglis Sales for 2020. It gets under way on Sunday Feb 9th. Jonathan looks back on two disasters to occur during his time with the company- the collapse of the Cups King Syndicates in 1989, and the unthinkable botulism outbreak during the 1993 Easter Sale. He outlines the background of these low points in the history of Inglis. The Inglis stalwart looks back on

In Part 2 Danny reflects on the thrill of riding his first Group 1 winner. He had to go to Melbourne to do it. He pays tribute to the best horse he ever rode, the versatile Grand Armee. Danny’s record on the gelding included 6 Group 1’s. He loved this free striding racing machine. Danny fondly remembers his association with the brilliant two year old filly Victory Vein. He still blames himself for her Golden Slipper defeat. He talks of the thrill of finally winning a Slipper on Polar Success in 2003. He remembers several other Group performers he had the privilege to ride. Danny talks of his Singapore experience which brought him another 500 winners. He tells us about his new Singapore family, and his 16 year old Australian born son Baxter