John Tapp Racing

We talk to broadcasting legend Alan Thomas, who quit race calling three years ago after a distinguished career. This bloke was one of the most versatile commentators of his generation. He called many sports with equal flare and passion, but his race calling endeared him to thousands of racing fans. Al’s got a million stories, and tells them in his trademark style.

Great to catch up with champion jockey Brett Prebble, who has decided to come home after fifteen rewarding seasons in Hong Kong. Brett didn’t win a premiership, but finished second to Douglas Whyte six times. The kid from Ballarat started his journey at Stawell, destined to reach the pinnacle of his profession. Fifty Gr 1’s and a Melbourne Cup are testimony to his talents, and he ain’t finished yet!

Pat Webster began his racing life, as an apprentice jockey with trainer Betty Lane at Geurie(NSW). He graduated to Sydney where his riding career took off, but was abruptly halted by a nasty race fall. Pat talks about his six years out of racing, before he decided to become a trainer. Three Group 1 wins with the remarkable Happy Clapper have capped his rewarding career. You’ll get a chuckle out of Pat’s trip down memory lane.

Australian harness racing has never seen a better driver than Gavin Lang. Now nearing 60, the master reinsman has a staggering total of 6,150 winners to his credit. He reflects on his favourite horses and horse people, and the mystery illness that gave him an almighty fright a decade ago.

The Inglis Digital Online Auction has produced some exciting results, since its’ introduction in May 2017. SA trainer Mark Minervini showed great judgement in buying a mare from Kalgoorlie last December. That mare cost $20,000 and has won $120,000. Mark talks about his training career so far, and his hopes for the future.

Melbourne jockey Stephen Baster is nudging up towards 1500 career winners, and has a healthy haul of 14 Gr1 successes. The father of two, is in top form this Spring with a Moonee Valley double on Friday night, and a Geelong Cup win last week. He’s hoping Runaway makes the Cup field, because he loves riding in the iconic race.

Our podcast guest is Alan Bailey, who retired from the training ranks six years ago with 3000 winners under his belt. This is a remarkable figure for  a man who gave up a career as a greenkeeper on the NSW Central Coast, and became a trainer at age 30. Alan has many a racing yarn to tell, and shares them with us on this week’s podcast.

On the trots trail we welcome to the podcast, popular Gavin Fitzpatrick. He’s a talented driver with 1500 winners to prove it. Gav’s a hard worker, who just gets on with the business of winning races for his multiple premiership winning dad, Paul Fitzpatrick.

When Greg Miles called Almandin’s Melbourne Cup in 2016, his name went into the history books. He nudged past the great Bill Collins, to set a new Australian record of 36 Cup calls. A short time later, Greg surprised friends and associates when he announced his retirement. He joins us on the podcast to explain his reasons for retirement, and to talk about the many highs, and one devastating low in his colourful career.

A delight to welcome to the podcast, Rachel King who has burst onto the Sydney racing scene in a big way, since arriving from England only four years ago. For the first year she had to travel to places she’d never heard of, in order to ride a winner. Now she has 200 winners to her credit, a Sydney Apprentices Premiership, and the biggest prize of all, a coveted Group 1.

Brian talks about the fall that ended his career sixteen years ago. He reflects on a career that brought him 2000 winners and 35 Group 1 majors. He rode some of Australia’s best horses including Might And Power. Together they won seven races. Brian brings us up to date with his racing involvement in 2018.

Had Jim Douglass not seen harness racing on TV at home one night, he may not be in the business today. It prompted him to complete work experience in a harness stable, and from that moment on, he was hooked.

Darren Gauci’s farewell race day at Caulfield last year, was one of the most emotional ever seen. Respected by all sections of the industry, Darren won 2500 races, and 35 Gr 1’s. He talks about his career highlights, and the launch of his new book “The Gauch”.

Tim Clark talks about his beginnings in the bush with country trainer Peter Clancy, to a couple of exciting seasons in Hong Kong, to a place among the elite of Sydney jockeys.

The powerful Lindsay Park training empire has dominated South Australian racing since 1965. Adelaide trainers have always struggled to compete, but Leon Macdonald has managed to win two premierships in his own right. He talks about his life in racing on this week’s podcast.

There’s no more highly thought of trainer in Victoria than multiple Group 1 winner Pat Carey. The likeable horseman learned his trade from the respected trainer John Meagher, who became his brother in law. Pat has some great racing yarns to tell, and is delighted to share them with you on our podcast.

Racehorse syndication reached a new horizon in 2014 when German galloper Protectionist brilliantly won the Melbourne Cup. Australian Bloodstock sourced the horse,handled all negotiations and syndicated a large number of shares to Australian owners. The same company hopes to have multiple representation in this years Cup. Luke Murrell and Jamie Lovett are the driving force behind Australian Bloodstock, and Co Director Luke Murrell joins us on the podcast.

Joining us on the podcast is expatriate Kiwi jockey Jason Collett who rode 94 winners last season, against a powerful line up of NSW jockeys. Jason’s parents were jockeys, his Uncle Jim was one of New Zealand’s best riders, his two sisters have ridden Group 1 winners, and his cousin Samantha has ridden more than 600 winners. Jason also holds the distinction of being the very first jockey to win on Winx.

We chat with a lady who has never let go of her dream. Melbourne based Victoria Shaw has been trying to find a livelihood as a race caller for more than twenty years. She has had to be content with guest appearances all over the world, building up a strong fan base along the way. Her story is a fascinating one.

Twenty nine year old Kerry Ann Turner realised a dream recently, when she was crowned champion NSW trainer for the 2017/18 season. Kerry grew up in the Riverina where trotting is almost compulsory, and has climbed to the upper echelon of trainers and drivers in her home state.