John Tapp Racing

Many of Bryan Martin’s friends were surprised when he quit race calling at age 57 in 2007. They were not one bit surprised when he decided on a comeback for Radio SEN, three years later. He stayed on for another 7 years before announcing his official retirement. Bryan talks about an exciting career, and the fascinating people he worked with.

When Queensland racing tragic Peter Tighe, bought a one third share in a Street Cry filly at the 2013 Magic Millions Sale, he expected little and hoped for the best. That filly has changed Peter Tighe’s life, and captured the hearts of Australian race fans. He talks about a fantastic journey with one of the world’s greatest horses.

A touching trip down memory lane with Wayne Harris, described by his contemporaries as the jockey with the magic touch.A thrilling Melbourne Cup win in 1994 almost made up for the injuries, the health issues, and the constant battle with weight. One trainer of the era said, “I wish I could find a horse as tough as Wayne Harris”.

Grahame Begg joins the podcast this week, and talks about his shock decision to quit Sydney racing 4 years ago. Now operating from beautiful Mt. Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula, Grahame has already tasted Group 1 success with the brilliant Written By in the Blue Diamond Stakes- his 15th Group 1 win since becoming a trainer in his own right.

On the trots trail we talk to successful NZ trainer Tim Butt, who has won 50 grand circuit races in a stellar career.  He moved into the new Menangle training barn less than a year ago, and won the Miracle Mile with My Field Marshal in February. Tim pays tribute to the champion horses who’ve taken him to the top of his profession.

Jemma Cutting of Inglis Digital, talks about the very popular monthly online auction. It was introduced just 15 months ago but has been embraced by all sections of the racing industry. Jemma talks about some early fairy tale stories to come from the Inglis Digital online auction.

Our podcast this week features multiple Group 1 winning trainer Anthony Cummings, who's back training out of Leilani Lodge, home base to his late father Bart for 4 decades. Anthony is now training in partnership with son Edward, and the pair begin the new season with more than 50 horses in work.  

Another podcast guest this week is respected trainer Kim Waugh who finished the 2017/18 season with 46 winners - her best ever result. Kim, and husband Mark have completed thier dream training complex on fifty acres at Jilliby near Wyong giving thier horses the best of both worlds. Once the Queen of the paceway, Kim is now highly regarded among Sydneys top thoroughbred trainers.

On the podcast is popular jockey Jay Ford who enjoyed a good season in 2017/18. As a 20 year old Jay formed an association with champion sprinter Takeover Target who took him around the world several times, and brought him seven Group One wins. Jay knows horses like Takeover Target come along once in a lifetime, and from now on he has to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.  

On the trots trail we interview Ashlee Grives, currently cutting back on training duties as the birth of her first child approaches. A great talent in the sulky from an early age, Ashlee was the first female in NSW to drive 100 winners in a season. She has been around horses all her life, and even crammed in a few years working at major vet clinics. Is it any wonder Ashlee has made her mark as a trainer. 

On this podcast we catch up with retired race caller Kevin Thompson. He excelled as a commentator in all three codes spending twenty years at Kembla and thirty years at Harold Park. Almost three years ago he suffered a stroke following multiple bypass surgery, leaving him with an impairment to his peripheral vision. He could call a race tommorow but isn't allowed to drive his car to the track.

Podcast number 13 features trainer Bryan Guy who has won 1000 races in Queensland since relocating from Rosehill in 2000. Bryan talks about the legacy established by his late father Ray Guy who was among Sydneys top trainers for many years. Through Bryan and his son Daniel, the name continues on its winning way. 

On podcast 12 we catch up with champion jockey Tommy Berry who is back home after a topsy-turvy year in Hong Kong. Tommy faces the challenge of re-establishing his place among Sydneys powerful jockeys ranks. This interview was recorded the day before Tom rode Chautauqua in a crucial barrier trial at Rosehill. 

Podcast Episode 11 features ever consistent Queensland jockey Jim Byrne, already the winner of four premierships. Jimmy has been chasing the remarkable Jeff Lloyd for the past two seasons, but has never been in better form. Super fit, and totally dedicated Jim Byrne is the complete professional jockey. 

Early in his career Mark Callaghan's horses, played second fiddle to his trade as an electrical fitter. It wasn't long before Mark realised his heart was with the horses, and he hasn't looked back. He's been among Newscastle's top trainers for some years, and now has an able deputy in sixteen year old son Jack who drove his very first winner recently. 

Our Podcast Episode 9 features popular jockey Corey Brown soon to represent Australia in the Shergar Cup Jockeys Challenge at Royal Ascot. The dual Melbourne Cup winning rider talks openly about the highs and lows of his brilliant career. 

Our podcast guest is jockey turned trainer Tracey Bartley. This little bloke has ducked plenty of punches in the pursuit of a career he loves, including serious injuries and a debilitating ilness. 3 runners for 3 winners at the recent Scone Carnival and 3 Group 1 trophies on the shelf, are testimony to his talents. 

Lets hear from comeback jockey Jon Grisedale who has been back riding winners for 16 months. After recovering from a broken leg, he only intended to ride work for his trainer/wife Donna but the roar of the crowd beckoned. 

Paul Fitzpatrick has been one of Australia's top harness racing trainers for over three decades. Join Paul as he looks back on his successful career and the great horses that have passed through Jay Jay Farm. Back better than ever after a recent illness, the seven time Harold Park premiership winner, is set to continue on his winning way.  Paul Fitzpatrick on Tappy's podcast now.

Kerry Parker has guided the career of Dark Dream from a Moruya Maiden to a Queensland Derby in just 7 months. Kerry now joins the Group 1 club after several placings at the elite level. Kerry talks about Dark Dream's future on Tappy's podcast this week.