John Tapp Racing

You can’t say Neil Paine has created a trend with his wardrobe of colourful outfits because nobody else has followed a similar path. Unperturbed he’ll continue to set the pace in his role as race day manager for the Waterhouse/Bott yard. Neil joins us on the podcast to talk about his riding career and his current role. He explains the origins of the race day apparel. Neil reflects on the Noumea race fall that ended his very successful riding career. He looks back on a lengthy rehabilitation and the phone call from Gai Waterhouse which would decide his life after race riding. Neil looks back on an association with the stable which began when Tommy Smith regularly provided him with rides. Gai continued to use Neil’s services following her father’s retirement. He talks about his involvement with trackwork and his role when representing the stable at outside meetings. The former jockey talks of the breach of Covid protocol which landed him in hot water on Golden Slipper day 2020. Neil pays tribute to his father R

Great to catch up with trainer Nick Olive who looks like surviving yet another Canberra winter. Nick takes us back to the fateful day when his father took him and brother Tim to a Canberra race meeting. He says the die was cast on that very day. The trainer talks of his recent Covid 19 isolation. Nick agrees with some fellow ACT trainers who don’t wish to train anywhere else despite some concerning insurance issues under the ACT Government. He talks of his manageable team of 20-25 horses. Nick remembers childhood days when he’d help a local thoroughbred trainer before reporting for school. He talks of subsequent learning stints with a leading Rosehill trainer, and a now famous thoroughbred stud. Olive talks of a two year experience at the Orange Agricultural Institute- a promise he made to his parents. Nick talks of his first serious job under the tutelage of respected trainer Ken Callaghan. He explains the circumstances surrounding an accident that frightened the daylights out of him. He says it could have b

Received a surprise email from Harry Troy who says he’s a regular listener to our podcasts in Macau. It suddenly struck me that we hadn’t recorded a chat with this man. What a diversified life he’s had as a bookie’s clerk, jockey, publisher and long time Macau race caller.  We begin by looking back on the riding contract that first took him to Macau in 1997. Harry looks back on his decision to quit the saddle when an opportunity came up to become a parade yard commentator for Macau Jockey Club television. Later he was appointed understudy to the resident race caller. He looks back on his early race calling experience in the NSW western districts. Harry talks of the first few weeks of his new race calling career. After a tentative beginning he settled into it quickly. He was in the chair for twenty years. He pays tribute to the best horse he’s seen in Macau. Harry begins his trip down memory lane by looking back on his early life as one of ten kids. His father was a bush bookmaker who worked at race meetings r

An overdue chat with an astute horse trainer and one of racing’s true characters. Lindsey took a giant step in 2019 when he opened a business at Warrnambool, but left his WA stables operating under the supervision of a trusted lieutenant. He talks of his delight in being able to combine the two operations to win more than 100 races in each of the last three seasons. Lindsey talks of his use of heavy sand in the preparation of horses. He expresses his opinion on the theory that too much sand work can diminish a horse’s natural speed. He describes the idyllic surroundings in which his horses train at Narrawong Beach near Port Fairy. Lindsey brings us up to date on the progress of recent winners God Has Chosen,Triple Missile, Tuvalu, In The Boat and Corner Pocket. He takes us back to his apprenticeship to Colin France at Rockingham (WA) and his brief riding career. The trainer looks back on his move to Victoria and a job with successful trainer Tom Hughes Snr. He talks of his time on the Gold Coast with Henry Da

Great to catch up with a horseman whose name appears regularly among winning trainers at Southern Districts meetings, and occasionally in the city. Students believe Norm Gardner’s strike rate in recent years is a very healthy one. We talk to Norm about some of his recent winners, and the disadvantage of training horses in the bitter Canberra winters. Norm talks of retired Canberra jockey Kevin Sweeney who knew it was cold when ice gathered on his eyebrows during trackwork. The trainer talks of his stabling accommodation at Canberra’s Thoroughbred Park training complex, and his nearby 40 acre property known as Summerhill Thoroughbreds. Norm says wife Diane plays a major role in looking after the place. We go back to Norm’s younger days in Wagga where his father Tom always had a horse or two around him- harness horses included. Norm says he dreamed of becoming a jockey from the moment he began riding trackwork for local trainer Fred Shaydel. He was doomed to disappointment. He says he did the next best thing by

Chad Lever’s sudden disappearance from the riding ranks last September mystified trainers, punters and friends. The popular jockey had been juggling a huge workload for several years to honour commitments on the provincial and country circuit. Ten months ago he knew he’d have to take a break before his health suffered. Chad explains that he’s been able to control his weight by riding trackwork and competing in barrier trials for his wife Claire. He explains that the constant travelling and wasting had worn him down. Chad talks of his wife’s riding career under the name of Claire Nutman and the training career she always envisaged. He looks back on their New York wedding. He acknowledges Claire’s good start as a professional trainer. Chad takes us back to his early days in Port Augusta and the valuable tuition he received from his late grandfather Fred Brodie. He remembers being regaled by Fred’s tales of the turf. He looks back on his move to Adelaide and an apprenticeship to top trainer Leon Macdonald. He wa

It’s great to catch up with the ever ebullient Dr Geoff Chapman who slipped quietly into retirement four years ago, after a life of achievement and great diversity. Geoff begins by talking about his return to the medical profession after terminating his training career. He looks back on his early years at Cobar and his family’s move to a property on the outskirts of Dubbo. Geoff talks of five happy years at the Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School at Tamworth. He remembers with affection his enrolment at Sydney University. His initial goal was an Agricultural Science Degree, but that changed when he became friendly with a group of medical students. “Doc” remembers his National Service enlistment and a brief sojourn in the boxing ring. His next sporting pursuit was Rugby Union. He made the University side, and forged a friendship with a legendary coach. Geoff reflects on his three test matches as a Wallaby. He has some amusing stories about a NZ tour. He recalls the completion of his studies and the beginn

The moment news of Ray’s retirement hit the airwaves it became a priority to lock him in for a podcast. After all I have known the man for fifty four years, and we spent a lot of time together in his early days with the 2GB Macquarie team. His journey in Australian sports media has been a fascinating one- from a humble start as a harness racing commentator on Riverina tracks, to the upper echelon of Australian sports broadcasting. He admits there was a major degree of sadness surrounding his decision to retire. Ray says a century of State Of Origins would have been the perfect way to end his career, but he resisted the temptation. He talks of wife Cher’s concerns about his increasing anxiety attacks. Ray was happy to talk of his early family life in Junee. He was the youngest of seven born to parents Joe and Win. He pays tribute to his Mum and Dad. He reminisces about a trip he and I made to Junee in the early 70’s. Our opportunity to call a race or two at the Junee trots was thwarted by a freak cloudburst. 

Great to catch up with the girl who left her busy father a note to ask for her first pony. Robert Murray agreed, and the first stone was laid on the path to his daughter’s career as a respected professional jockey. Rachael’s on the injured list at the moment otherwise she would have been difficult to pin down for an interview. She looks back on the day she left that note on the kitchen table. Rachael looks back on her early life on the family farm near Inverell, with her recollections of some severe droughts. She talks of the talents of the little grey pony called Suzie and some fun filled days at pony club. Rachael remembers her second horse- a quarter horse gelding who had little natural talent. She had to educate him from scratch. She talks of her siblings and pays tribute to her mother Rosemarie who had the job of taking her to horse events all over the north western region. Rachael talks of her university enrolment and the degree she attained in Agricultural Sciences. One of her classmates was an apprent

It’s a pity we didn’t get to talk to Kim about her stunning Rosehill double with French Bonnet and Kingsheir on Saturday. This interview was recorded the previous day shortly after she’d arrived home from the Gosford trials. Kim talks about the frustration trainers are experiencing with the neverending run of wet tracks in Sydney.  She talks about the twenty hectare property at Jilliby where all of her horses are spelled and pre-trained before going into her Wyong stables. Sometimes they go back to the property for a freshen up. Kim talks of the recently retired Trumbull, one of her all time favourites. She says he hasn’t been the same horse since suffering a heart arrhythmia last year. The successful trainer talks of her childhood obsession with horses and early days in pony club. Kim talks of her introduction to harness racing and her first boss, the extraordinary horseman Charlie Parsons. Anybody in the district who had a problem horse went to Charlie Parsons. She talks of her first winning drive and her i

Great to catch up with Barry Lockwood who’s back on deck following two unrelated health issues. The talented horseman talks openly about his serious cancer scare, and the loss of a toe as a result of a golden staph infection. His famous sense of humour is never far away. Barry pays tribute to son Rick who ran the stable during his father’s lengthy hospitalisation.  He talks of his relocation from stables near the 1800m mark at Eagle Farm to the infield barn. Barry talks of his early life in Tamworth and the racing interests of his dad Ross. His interest in horses led him to an apprenticeship with veteran Tamworth farrier Arthur Marshall who taught him the finer points of the blacksmithing business. He talks of the many skills of his tutor. Barry became a commercial farrier and was always in demand. The experience he gained in those early days has served him well. He recalls a phone call from Rosehill trainer Paul Sutherland which led to his first job out of Tamworth. Barry talks of a surprise offer he receive

When Cliff Brown arrived in Singapore in 2008 equine virus had paralysed the racing industry in most parts of eastern Australia. It was nine months before Cliff was able to transport Aussie horses to his new training base. After a tardy start he went on to enjoy 13 fruitful years in Singapore. He talks of the endless Covid lockdown which brought him back to Australia last year. Cliff looks back on a very satisfying thirteen years in a city he grew to love.   The trainer profiles some very talented horses he got to train in Singapore. There was one he didn’t train but admired greatly. Cliff talks about The Inferno who won eight of his nine starts in Singapore before being flown to Melbourne where he won the McEwen Stakes before being narrowly beaten in the Gr 1 Moir. Those performances earned him an invitation into The Everest. The fifty two year old horseman takes us back to his early years at Narbethong where his father bred a few horses. Cliff says his dad Don wasn’t a hands on horseman but an expert on tho

James Heddo thought he was in need of a change of career direction when he resigned from the ATC Executive team in 2020. He found that. change in the hospitality industry, spending some 15 months as CEO of the Terrigal Bowling Club. He hadn’t factored in the withdrawal symptoms associated with leaving the racing industry after 33 years. Few were surprised when he was recently appointed as CEO of the Hawkesbury Race Club. We talk to James about time away from the racetrack. He talks of the rich history of racing in the Hawkesbury region, and the high profile Sydney trainers who are clamoring for stable accommodation.  James takes us back to the Doomben meeting he attended with his mother and siblings in 1978. He says the outing was the catalyst for his career in racing even though he was completely lost on the day. He looks back on the special day a decade later when he started his new job as a racing assistant with the Sydney Turf Club. Part of the job was to attend Rosehill trackwork every morning. Some of h

“He always seems to have a handy horse in the stable”, is an old racing adage which traditionally applies to smaller racing stables. Steve Englebrecht has been one of those trainers for most of his forty year career. The semi retired horseman has only two horses in work currently, but both can gallop. He talks about his promising three year old filly Chilko Lake. Steve talks about the filly’s sire Vancouver. Although a Golden Slipper winner himself, he seems to be producing horses who handle a middle distance effectively. He also explains the derivation of Chilko Lake’s name. The trainer talks about early days in Muswellbrook and the influence of his parents Ron and Rita -both horse trainers. Steve pays tribute to the best horse he’s ever put a bridle on. Steve recalls his move to Gosford and the Queensland horse who kick started his solo training career. He looks back on his move to Warwick Farm and acknowledges the reliable horses who’ve kept his name to the fore over 25 years. Winning Hand, Irish Rort, San

Great to catch up with a very switched on trainer who has sailed past the 1000 career win tally. Joe explains that he discourages owners from keeping horses who are not paying their way. He talks of his non racing family background and the early punting involvement that sparked his love of racing. Joe talks about the Psychology Degree he embarked upon at Sydney University. His parents were displeased when he quit after the first year. The trainer looks back on his invaluable four years as stable foreman for the master trainer John Size. Joe reflects on his decision to go solo when John Size accepted an offer to train in Hong Kong. He remembers his first training success at Wyong in 2001, and his initial city winner. Joe profiles Red Oog, his first elite level horse and the first of his 14 Gr 1 wins. The fifty year old has great affection for Vision And Power who came to him from Victoria with one win on his CV. He went on to win two Gr 1’s. He pays tribute to an all time favourite Terravista, winner of 11 rac

Thoroughly enjoyed my chat with Sheila Laxon ONZM who’s now training in tandem with her partner John Symons on the Sunshine Coast.Welsh born Sheila was riding ponies on the family farm at age three, a precursor to a fascinating life with horses.  She begins by recalling her first meeting with John Symons when she brought Ethereal over for the 2001 Victorian spring carnival. Sheila says John was training a pretty good two year old colt at the time who would go on to spectacular racetrack and stud success. She talks of life on the Sunshine Coast and a Magic Millions Country Cup success. Welsh born Sheila recalls her early childhood in Pontypridd where she learned to ride bareback. She looks back on early experience with the Ted Long stables at Eltham and a subsequent job with John Dunlop at the Duke Of Norfolk’s famous Arundel training centre. Sheila remembers her world trip at age 18 and her fascination with NZ racing. On returning to NZ later she was able to gain an amateur jockey’s licence. She was a winn

Despite missing the first month of the current racing season, Brooke Stower finds herself in 15th spot on the NSW jockey’s premiership ladder with over three months to go. Brooke spent a full year on the sidelines after a freakish accident at Grafton in 2020. Her comeback has been one of the best racing stories in recent years. We talk to the Tamworth based jockey about the endless miles she travels to bush meetings. The young jockey fondly remembers the winning double at Grafton last year which catapulted her back into the winner’s circle. Brooke talks of her Toowoomba based family and their passion for the campdrafting sport. She also highlights the career of uncle Michael Boyce Jnr, a former jockey who won two races on a champion NZ galloper. The twenty eight year old reflects on her apprenticeship to Toowoomba trainer Tony Sears.   She explains that Tony wasn’t the trainer of her very first winner. She had to drive seven hours to Cunnamulla to achieve that feat.   The jockey pays tribute to a couple of sp

After a brief career as an apprentice jockey and an even briefer one in the harness racing sport, Kevin Kemp acquired his thoroughbred trainer’s license in1975. He worked another job for two years before focusing full time on a career which has taken him to the top bracket of Queensland’s training ranks.  Kev talks about a couple of his most recent winners Winter Rain and  Mishani Mistress. He mentions Alert And Ready and Ilikeit Iloveit two handy fillies who’ve each won 3 races at Toowoomba. He speaks very highly of apprentice Montanna Savva who’s 2kgs claim is rapidly expiring.  Kevin reviews the dramatic improvement in Savva’s riding over twelve months. He acknowledges  Skye Bogenhuber, a five time Toowoomba premiership winner who helps him out at Clifford Park trackwork.  In 2012 Kevin moved into the stables previously occupied by the legendary Jim Atkins. He says he’s mindful of the part this property played in Toowoomba racing history. He looks back on childhood days at Mitchell, 90kms from Roma and man

John Hutchings was one of the most gifted country jockeys of his generation. Between the mid 1960’s and mid 1990’s John rode 1470 winners and won nine jockey’s apprenticeships, three of them while still an apprentice. Now in retirement at Grafton, he was happy to reminisce on the podcast. John says he’s not much heavier than he was at the end of his riding career. He talks of his Grafton property and the lucerne crop he maintains to supply hay to local racing people. John looks back on his brilliant riding career and rues his long term use of fluid pills and hunger suppressants. The former champion jockey talks of his heart scare six years ago. John pays tribute to his wife Julie, one of few female board members on Australian racing clubs. He talks of the two sons who chose not to follow Dad into the racing industry. “Hutcho” talks of his jockey brother Warren. They were both apprenticed to the same Grafton trainer. John remembers two protest hearings in which they were involved. He pays tribute to his former

As this podcast goes onto the website Chris Alford is closing in on an astonishing 7650 career wins which include 124 Gr 1’s. To put those figures into perspective we should look at the Australian riding record held by NSW jockey Robert Thompson who retired last year with a record of 4447 wins. He’d been riding for 48 years and was 63 years old when he quit the saddle. Chris Alford is approaching 54 and has been race driving for 38 years. When not at the races, the champion reinsman is working horses at home for his trainer wife Alison. He talks about their Bolinda training property. Chris talks about the massive number of hours he’s spent on the road during his career. He fondly remembers his late father Barry, a successful trainer and driver in his own right. Barry stood down from the driving duties when his son emerged as a budding talent. Chris talks of his father’s battle with diabetes and his sad passing 16 years ago. He talks of his early departure from school to pursue a career in harness racing. The