John Tapp Racing

We’re delighted to present a lengthy chat with one of the greatest jockeys of his generation. Mick Dittman retired from the saddle eighteen years ago after a stellar career which brought him 1700 wins including 88 Gr 1’s. He looks at a likely date for his return to Singapore where he manages the extensive  racing interests of Lim Siah Mong. The former champion jockey talks of childhood days in Rockhampton and the story behind his christian name. Mick reflects on the starting gate injury he suffered towards the end of his career. He looks back on a short stay in Macau where he had his final race ride. He explains how his new job came up. The distinguished horseman reflects on his two phase apprenticeship, and his very first winning ride.   He looks back on a few early Queensland Gr 1 wins, and a rewarding trip to Sydney in 1981 to win the first of his three Golden Slippers.   Mick clearly recalls his association with Gurner’s Lane and the Melbourne Cup win in which he defeated a racing idol. He talks

Great to catch up with Queensland’s second oldest active jockey. He’s not long back from a nasty shoulder injury that should have finished his career, but Cyril Small has no intention of stopping. He talks of his ambition to chalk up 50 years as a jockey. Cyril talks of the wonderful support of the trainer who tried to put him on a first up winner at Gatton recently. They ran second. The veteran jockey talks of the simple trackwork accident last October that put him out for 11 months. Cyril talks of his early days in Casino(NSW) and his indentureship to a local trainer. He reflects on his very first win at Casino. He’s never forgotten his first city win and another one shortly afterwards which was the medium of a solid betting plunge. Cyril spent the second half of his apprenticeship in the city with Jim Marshall. Once he moved to town opportunities came from leading trainers. The evergreen jockey pays tribute to his once in a lifetime horse. Cyril won 22 races on the freakish galloper Vo Rogue includin

This brilliant young Sydney jockey is entitled to think he’s used up all of his bad luck. He looks back on the nasty fall at Rosehill on July 25th which left him with a long list of injuries- his second major race fall in fifteen months. Andrew expresses his sympathy for the owners of his mount Hot ‘N’ Hazy who had to be euthanised after the accident.  He talks of the concern shown by Hugh Bowman who incurred a 6 weeks suspension following a stewards investigation into the fall. The apprentice tells of the surprise visit he had from a fellow Sydney jockey. Andrew looks back on early years living in a house situated adjacent to the hometurn of the Port Macquarie racecourse. He talks of his first apprenticeship to a local trainer and a very successful start to his riding career. Andrew couldn’t believe his luck when Ron Quinton agreed to sign him up as  stable apprentice. He actually stopped off at Newcastle on his way down and rode a winner for his future boss. He looks back on his first city win, and t

The former brilliant jockey discusses the higher scale of weights in the current era. He says today’s heavier jockeys get their chance to stay in the game for longer periods. Lenny looks back on the nightmare years when he’d have to lose 4-5 kgs in a single day. He takes us back to childhood days in Wollongong when a neighbour loaned him a little grey pony. Later he got his own pony, but it didn’t have the nicest disposition. Lenny talks of his first indentureship at Gulgong, and his second with Kembla trainer Bernie Howlett. He reflects on his first winner at Queanbeyan and his initial city success. Lenny looks back on his apprenticeship transfer to Kerry Jordan at Rosehill. The former top jockey remembers his first Gr 1 win down Flemington’s famous “ straight six” course. He pays tribute to some outstanding horses who contributed to his Gr 1 CV, with special mention of Belle Du Jour’s unforgettable win in the 2000 Golden Slipper. Lenny looks back on amazing twists of fate that saved him from involve

This is an absorbing chat with one of Perth’s all time favourite media personalities, and a man who gave trots commentary a new twist. John Hunt stepped away from the microphone in 2008 after twenty years as Sky and Gloucester Park’s resident commentator during which time he put some zing into the job. John was only 51 and right at the top of his game, but he had further horizons to explore. He reviews his first two books- one about a champion WA race mare, the other about his life in the media. John takes us back to his teen years when he won 200 junior tennis titles, and looked set for a career in the pro ranks. He talks of the injury that decimated his dream. He pays tribute to his sister Lesley, who was once ranked number 6 in the world. He looks back on his favourite harness horses and the people behind them. John talks of the satisfaction he derived from producing video documentaries on the careers of his favourite horses. Few people would be aware that John Hunt played a key role in the formativ

Great to catch up with the man who won last year’s Kosciuszko with Handle The Truth and hopes to do it again with the same horse next month. Keith talks about his great day at Wagga last week when he dominated the programme. He talks about the thrill of winning the rich Kosciuszko last year and the training regime he’s following with Handle The Truth this time around. Keith talks about the bad habits the gelding displayed early in his career. The veteran trainer talks about the line breeding theory that brought Handle The Truth into the world, and the racing name suggested by breeder Louie Mihalyka. He looks back on his first job as a rouseabout in a Dubbo shearing shed and later involvement as a concrete truck contractor. Keith looks back on the valuable lessons he received from a veteran Canberra trainer. He reflects on the deeds of his very first winner, and the good horses that eventually came into his stables. Keith remembers the time he overspent his budget on a colt he selected with syndicator

We catch up with a former Hawkesbury trainer who surprised friends and clients when he  slipped away from racing four years ago. Warwick explains the reasons for his departure. He gives the impression he hasn’t completely dismissed a return to training down the track. Warwick looks back on his childhood days in the saddle, and gives great credit to the work being done by the Pony Club movement around Australia. He remembers his transition to showjumpers. He recalls riding trackwork for his father at Hawkesbury , and a brief career as an amateur jockey.  Warwick looks back on work experience in the Ray Guy stable, a short stint on a stud farm and his first experience as a trainer in his own right.   He looks back on a decade operating his own poultry farm at Kellyville.   The sixty six year old recalls his modest start as a full time trainer and pays tribute to a few special horses who got him on his way.   Warwick capsulises the career of Prince Trialia, the horse who didn’t attract a bid at the yea

Delighted to catch up with outstanding Sydney trainer John Thompson who’s coming off a great 2019/2020 season. John acknowledges the deeds of his “war horse” Dreamforce and the exciting Mamaragan who’s gearing up for an ambitious Spring campaign. The trainer pays tribute to some other stable favourites who did their bit in 2019/2020. John shares memories of his late grandfather Vic Thompson Snr, one of the most astute horseman of his era. He looks back on his father’s appointment as head trainer when Jack and Bob Ingham opened their lavish Crown Lodge complex at Warwick Farm. The trainer reflects on Vic Thompson Jnr’s split with Crown Lodge . His Dad decided to train a small team of his own, with John as his right hand man. John talks about his later decision to spread his wings and work for other trainers. He enjoyed his time with Bill Mitchell who sent him interstate with a very good horse in 1999. He speaks with great reverence of his 8 years with the maestro Bart Cummings.  John tells the story of the ph

The champion jockey talks about his decision to base himself in Sydney at the expiration of a 15 months disqualification incurred in Hong Kong. Nash will never forget his return to race riding at Kembla Grange in July 2019. He says it was a day of high emotion. He talks of the exciting Randwick wins that put him straight back into his position among Sydney’s best jockeys. The forty five year old talks of the influence of his father Keith, a remarkable horseman who’s still riding work in his mid 70’s. Nash makes special mention of his jockey siblings. Nash recalls two apprenticeships- one to his uncle Stuart, the other to John Sadler. He pays tribute to two trainers who gave him great support when he came out of his time. The jockey looks back on his association with the brilliant Elvstroem who took him all over the world. Nash remembers exactly what he was doing when a life changing phone call came from Gai Waterhouse. He reviews the special horses to take him to racing’s dizziest heights, with special mentio

John recalls the tragedy that dealt the cruellest of blows to the Ledger family- the Corowa race fall that claimed the life of twenty five year old son Adrian. The trainer acknowledges the tremendous work being done by the National Jockeys Trust to assist the families of jockeys killed or injured in the racing industry. John reflects on his acquisition of a nearby property he named in honour of his late son. He talks of the support he receives from sons, Chris,Brad, Travis and wife Kerri. The outstanding horseman looks back on the special horses who’ve shaped his training career, and makes special mention of valued client Mick Price.   

In part 1 John talks about his decision to move the training operation from Yarrawonga to Wangaratta  when the travelling started to wear him down. He looks back on the establishment of his state of the art  complex on twenty acres behind the Wangaratta racecourse. John takes us back to childhood days at Mulwayla where his love affair with horses began. He looks back on his time in the show jumping arena and one special horse who took him to lofty heights. John pays tribute to his late brother George who died much too soon in 1998. He talks of Rich Fields Lad, the best horse George ever trained. He explains why he was forced to take out a trainer’s licence, and the special horses who kick started a new phase of his career. John talks of the horse he inherited after George’s passing. He went on to win 15 races with the free striding Brave Chief including 11 in town. He recalls the frightening colic attack which could have taken Brave Chief’s life.

The popular caller and radio host talks about his recent retirement from the airwaves, and his intention to continue with another of his skills- the art of auctioneering.   Kim talks about his reaction to calling home a winner at Walcha recently at odds of $126.00- he remained composed even though he part owned the mare.   He talks of his love of riding and his first lesson at age 4.   Kim talks of his education at the famous Scots College where one of his mates was the future father of a champion jockey.   The versatile commentator has never forgotten the day his uncle took him to an Inglis sale. It had an enormous impact on the teenager.   Kim looks back on frequent visits to the greyhounds and his race calling practice sessions at Harold Park and Canterbury.   He looks back on the country clubs to get him started as a race caller, and the chance meeting with a former NSW Premier that led to a job with a Sydney radio station.    Kim reflects on the tragic road accident that claimed the life of

Michael expresses his delight at winning his second consecutive Melbourne junior title.   The twenty one year old talks of the enormous influence racing had on his early life. It was the main topic of conversation in the family.   Michael recalls the moment he knew he wanted to be a jockey.   He talks of early experience with the Stockdale stable and subsequent apprenticeship to Stuart Webb. He didn’t think he’d ever get to ride a racehorse.   Michael delights in telling the story about the budding superstar who gave him his first winning ride.   The young jockey talks of his exciting trip to France for the Longines Prix Future Racing Stars series.   He pays tribute to the great old horse who provided his first city win.   Michael talks of the generosity of champion jockey Craig Williams.   He acknowledges the horses who’ve helped him win two premierships.   Michael talks of his father’s influence on his career, and the reason he elected to ride under another name.   The young jockey speak

Saw a bloke called Dale Smith ride a few Brisbane winners over the last month and was curious about his background. It was obvious he’d had plenty of experience so I tracked him down for a podcast.    Dale and his partner Melissa Taylor made a snap decision to move to Queensland a couple of years ago. He talks about the reason for such an important move after two decades in Victoria.   He acknowledges the trainers who immediately offered him support once he started riding work at Eagle Farm.   Dale talks of a recent relocation to the Sunny Coast where he’s riding work  for several trainers and Melissa has procured stables for her ten horse team.   The jockey takes us back to childhood days in the Kimberleys and his late father’s  successful riding career. He reflects on his dad’s battle with cancer.    Dale recalls his schooling in Perth and an apprenticeship to a leading trainer. He’s very honest about an attitude problem he suffered as a teenager.   He looks back on a move to Victoria orchestrat

The young trainer looks back on his first Saturday night Menangle double recently.   He talks of his annual migration to sunny Queensland to escape the southern winter.  Dean looks at the four horse team he’s taken north this year.   The trainer pays tribute to Game Set Major, a horse he helped deliver at birth. He’s lost plenty of sleep over the gelding in recent times.   Dean goes back to childhood days at Moss Vale and his introduction to the standardbred horse.   He speaks with great affection of his early winning drives, especially his maiden win at the famous Harold Park track.   Dean pays tribute to his wife Rikki and children Lucy and Harry- all horse lovers.   He talks of his day to day training sessions on the little showground track at Gunning, between Goulburn and Canberra.   The trainer reviews the deeds of the horses who’ve helped his career.   Dean juggles his training commitments to accommodate a little floor sanding business he’s operated for some years. He explains how he mak

Adrian begins with his assessment of a first starter he rode for Gerald Ryan at Kembla last week. He was pretty impressed.   The jockey talks of the massive amount of travelling he undertakes each week.   Despite a huge workload he tries to get to trackwork regularly. He explains why he chooses to take on this extra commitment.   Adrian takes us back to schooldays, his apprenticeship to his father Neville and precious memories of his early years as a jockey.   He recalls a happy two years with the Les Bridge stable.   Adrian admits he got the “wanderlust” after coming out of his time.He looks back on his travels around Australia and overseas.   The popular jockey looks back on a couple of race falls- in the first he sustained a broken leg. In the second crash he came up with an impressive injury list.   Adrian pays tribute to his manager Greg Burke who does a terrific job juggling his country commitments.   He talks of family life, and his modest entry into the greyhound racing industry.

Ron recalls the telegram he received from famous Irish trainer Paddy Prendergast offering him a stable retainer. He remembers his early months in Ireland and an Irish 2000 Guineas win on Kythnos to get the ball rolling. Ron looks back on a successful Royal Ascot week in 1960, and a surprise offer from one of England’s most high profile owners. He pays tribute to the loyalty of the  Duke Of Norfolk who retained him for seventeen years. Ron looks back on the day he was able to deliver the Duke’s dearest wish- a win in the Ascot Gold Cup. “Hutchy” pays tribute to British racing legends John Dunlop, Harry Wragg and Lester Piggot. He looks back on his greatest racing disappointment. He expected to be on Charlottown in the 1966 Epsom Derby but lost the ride to fellow Australian Scobie Breasley. Ron explains that he almost certainly could have ridden Shirley Heights in the 1978 Epsom Derby, but had decided to retire at the end of 1977. He remembers his pride in donning the Royal colours. His very first ride

In Part 1 the former legendary jockey talks about the frustrations of Covid 19. He loves to drive himself around Melbourne but just lately never gets his car out of the garage. Ron talks about his present day racing interests. He delights in telling us about his frequent visits to the track. “ Hutchy” talks about his four children, daughters Susan and Sally, sons Peter and Raymond. Peter was a Gr 1 winning jockey- Ray a former trainer and nowadays a busy vet. Ron looks back on early days when his parents opposed his ambition to become a jockey. He talks of his first master Claude Goodfellow. He talks about a nine month stint at a property owned by famous old time jockey Bobby Lewis whose last Melbourne Cup win was in 1927, but he still shares the Cup riding record. Ron recalls with amazing clarity his first winning ride at Mentone in 1945. He looks back on his first major winner Spectre in the 1945 Australian Cup. The former champion jockey reflects on his 60 wins in Cup races all over Australia. He wa

Great to catch up with likeable Michael Rodd who talks of his recent return to Melbourne, where he’s enjoyed some of his greatest moments in racing. He says it’s been a battle to re- establish against some strong opposition. Michael hints at his likely plans for the future. He does confirm that he’d like to stay in Melbourne for the duration of the Spring carnival pending Covid 19 developments. The top jockey looks back on a happy childhood on the Central Coast where he began a building trade apprenticeship. He explains why he abandoned the indentureship. Michael talks of his lifelong love of surfing. Some of his friends talked him into considering a future as a jockey. He reflects on his first job with Gosford trainer Kerry Walker, and his move to Bryan Guy at Rosehill. It was Bryan who supplied his first race ride and his first winner. Michael talks of his move to Queensland when Bryan Guy acquired stables on the Gold Coast. He looks back on 3 junior riding premierships. The jockey has fond memories

Good to catch up with successful Queensland trainer Stuart Kendrick who made a life changing move from Mackay to the Sunny Coast in 2013.He currently has a 60 strong team. Stuart talks of the benefits of a 40 acre farm close to town where he’s able to give his horses a break from stable life. It’s something he always wanted to do. He talks of the involvement of family. Sons Nathan and Bayley are involved in the business. Daughter Paige has other interests. Stuart’s wife Trudy plays a major role. Stuart talks of Eric The Eel recently sold to HongKong. He knew he was setting the bar high in bringing him to Sydney for the Australian Derby, but was immensely proud of his effort. The trainer takes us back to his early days in Mackay when he worked in a Business Broking firm. The owner of that company got him started in racing. Stuart remembers his first winner- a horse purchased from NSW. He talks of his first move South when he was able to acquire stables at Eagle Farm. He stayed for ten years with plenty o