John Tapp Racing

We introduce a hard working Queensland jockey who more than holds his own in the fiercely competitive Brisbane riding ranks. Michael reflects on a milestone win at a recent Gold Coast meeting- his 700th since his riding career began under amazing circumstances. Michael acknowledges the emergence of young trainer Indiana Turner who was in the winner’s circle for the first time. The jockey says he had no idea about his upcoming career milestone until he heard other jockeys talking about a new on line service.   He says the Queensland riding ranks are as strong as they’ve been in years.   Michael takes us back to the day he bought his first car in Wollongong. He was attracted to some racing photos on the wall in the car dealer’s office. He talks of his enrolment in a Racing NSW/Tafe course at Orange NSW. Michael looks back on work experience with Dubbo trainer Peter Nestor and his initial indentureship to Wade and Doreen Slinkard at Hawkesbury. He looks back on subsequent apprenticeships at Orange and Kembla Gra

Great to catch up with Bill Prain who called it quits in 2018 when his great friend and valued client Fred Peisah succumbed to illness. Bill had been adamant for some time that he’d retire if ever Fred left the racing industry. He talks of Peisah’s unwavering loyalty over three decades. Now in retirement on the Gold Coast, Bill says he’s still an avid race watcher. He talks of childhood days in Parramatta, and the nickname bestowed upon him by his mother- a nickname he’s never been able to shake. Bill talks of his father Col, a former bush jockey in Queensland. Prain Snr had always hoped one of the family would follow in his footsteps. Bill remembers his original apprenticeship to Vic Thompson Snr at Rosehill. The tiny apprentice became disillusioned after two years and looked for a change of stables. You won’t believe the luck that came his way. Twelve months later Bill had his first race ride at Gosford. He had the race won won two strides from home. Just when he was thinking he’d never ride a winner, Prain

With the 2022 Inglis Easter Sale upon us we thought it timely to chat with long time vendor John Muir. The former high profile car dealer runs Milburn Creek, a boutique breeding farm at Wildes Meadow on the Southern Highlands. John begins by talking about the 2018 sale of the landmark Muir’s Motors  dealership on Parramatta Rd. Ashfield.  John reveals that his late father Les Muir had predicted the intrusion of an underground road link.  He talks of his father’s early connection with General Motors Holden which in the 1950’s commanded a major percentage of the Sydney car market.  John looks back on childhood days in a house situated right on the car yard. He recalls teaching himself to ride on an uncle’s pony. Later he got to ride a pony owned by a Randwick horse trainer who didn’t think much of his style in the saddle. He talks of an early work experience stint with a legendary horse trainer. John predictably joined Muir’s Motors but got no favours. He remembers some of the thankless jobs his father gave him

Great to catch up with Robert Morris, one of Australia’s busiest harness racing drivers. The thirty year old has driven 100 winners or more on NSW tracks for the past ten seasons. Rob’s wife Kerry Ann trains a 50 horse team at Menangle, and is already a two time premiership winner. She takes her horses where they have the best chance of earning prize money. Robert talks of his role as Kerry Ann’s stable driver. He explains his duties in the day to day running of the successful stable. Rob’s been around the money many times on the premiership ladder. He believes his time will come. He pays tribute to the training and driving talents of his wife. The young reinsman looks back on his upbringing in the harness racing sport, and the influence of his father Peter Morris. He says he was intimidated by Peter’s reputation as one of the best drivers of his generation. Rob’s mother Margaret gets the acknowledgement she so richly deserves. Young Morris speaks glowingly of son Archie (6) and daughter Stella (11 mon

When Colin Little walked away from his Caulfield training base late last year, he knew that retirement wasn’t too far away. He intended to keep training at Pakenham in the immediate future, but an ironic twist of fate intervened. Early in March he made the snap decision to relinquish his licence. He joins us on the podcast to explain the reason for his hasty departure.  Colin talks of his attachment to Caulfield where he was born, and would spend his entire racing life. He reflects on the riding career of his jockey father Bill Little, who was one of many Australian jockeys to ride in India in the 1930’s and 40’s. He looks back on his own original apprenticeship to Rod Turvey and a subsequent transfer to a former champion jockey who was getting his training career under way in Melbourne. Col admits his riding career was brief and unspectacular. He pays tribute to the legendary Caulfield trained racehorse Lord who dominated weight for age racing in Melbourne in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Caulfield trac

Bob Lapointe was just 26 years old and didn’t know a soul when he arrived in Australia in 1967. Within a few years he’d become the king of fast food dining in this country. He ventured into varied business interests including horse racing. It wasn’t long before he was leaving his mark on the turf. We caught up with Bob at his beloved Muskoka Farm which he established more than fifty years ago. With a tinge of sadness Bob reveals that he and his wife Wendy will soon be moving on. Bob takes us back to his early life in Canada and an enrolment in a Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Administration course at Ryerson Uni. He talks of his early interest in the hospitality industry. He has never forgotten his first meeting with Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Sanders. He says the colourful character had a huge impact on his life. Bob says he owned eight KFC stores at home before he left for Australia with a brief to launch the concept here. He recalls feeling very intimidated when he stepped off the plane in Syd

Gary Kliese has been a fixture on the Skychannel service from NSW northern tracks for 23 years. He was appointed and tutored by Graham McNeice who remains his greatest supporter. Gary begins by sharing his sadness about the recent flooding which has seriously impacted his hometown of Ballina. He remembers the fateful phone call to Graham McNeice which resulted in a career after race riding.  He talks of the many tracks to which he travels to present Sky’s race day service, and the time he spends on form analysis between race meetings. Gary’s travel schedule is punishing. He usually returns home to Ballina when his Sky commitments are completed. He pays tribute to the participants who are happy to join him on air to discuss the prospects of their horses. He pays a special tribute to regular co-host Priscilla Looker. Gary also acknowledges the contribution of Melinda Graham who filled in during Priscilla’s absence on maternity leave. Back to his riding days, and Gary talks of his apprenticeship to the lat

Great to catch up with the popular Kembla Grange trainer who is enjoying a magical ride with Think It Over, the horse rated by many as Australia’s most improved galloper. He begins by heaping praise on Kembla Grange as a training centre, but doesn’t dismiss the possibility of a move to town if the right opportunity comes along. Kerry talks of Think It Over’s first win for the stable in a Cl 2 at Hawkesbury. The horse was unimpressive in winning and had to be spelled immediately. He reviews Think It Over’s second preparation in which he won a BM88 at Randwick and ran respectable races in strong grade. Kerry talks of the gelding’s quirky habits at that stage of his career. The trainer looks back on the first of Think It Over’s two Craven Plate wins and his tremendous run in The Gong on his hometrack. Kerry delights in looking at the gelding’s stunning winning sequence in the Autumn of 2021 highlighted by the Gr 1 George Ryder Stakes. He expresses his shock and disappointment when veterinary surgeons order

Great to catch up with 88 year old Brian Forrester, one of the elite harness drivers of his generation. NZ born Forrester learned his craft from master Christchurch trainer George Noble before going on to work for several leading horsemen. He fondly remembers his first winning drive at Blenheim, and his initial metro win at Addington. Brian pays tribute to two close relatives who emerged from World War 2 with distinction. He’s never forgotten a frightening trip to Sydney in mountainous seas on the cargo ship Wanganella. He had six horses to look after on the Tasman crossing. Brian recalls his first meeting with trainer Max Truer, a man who would have a tremendous influence on his career. He looks back on an A.G. Hunter Cup win on the Truer trained Stormy Bruce. Brian recalls the circumstances under which the Tasmanian pacer Chamfer Star found his way into the Truer stable at Bankstown. The champion reinsman looks back on his unforgettable clean sweep of the 1966 Inter Dominion at Sydney’s Harold Park wi

We present a replay of one of our favourite interviews from the early days of the website. Our guest is that great raconteur Johnny Letts whose stellar riding career brought him 2300 wins including two Melbourne Cups. John talks of his recovery from some serious health issues. John reminisces about his twenty one years as post race interviewer for two networks over the four days of the Melbourne Cup carnival. He talks of the jockeys who showed the most emotion in the wake of their Cup victories with special mention of Damien Oliver, Kerrin McEvoy, and Glen Boss. John has very funny recollections of his struggle to interview Yasanari Iwata, the non English speaking Japanese jockey who won the Cup on Delta Blues. You’ll enjoy John’s tribute to “Banjo”, the lovable stock horse who became almost as well known as the Melbourne Cup winner. The former champion jockey goes back to school days when he struggled through the grades. He shares one hilarious story about a certain classroom examination. John remember

This is a podcast for older racing enthusiasts and for younger fans who are simply curious about the deeds of previous generations. I’ve always been aware that a man called Lou Robertson was one helluva horse trainer, but I really didn’t know why history has treated him so kindly. Lou’s grandson David Robertson knows the story better than anyone and is happy to share it with us. David explains his position in the family lineage. He talks about his upcoming book on the legend of Lou Robertson, and explains the meaning of its unusual title. He reflects on the illness which would claim Lou Robertson’s life in 1955, and the remarkable compliment paid to the legendary trainer by the Victoria Racing Club. David looks back on his grandfather’s early life in NZ and an involvement with harness horses which would eventually bring him great acclaim. He talks of Lou’s relocation to Victoria in the early 1900’s with a team of trotters and pacers. The Kiwi horseman quickly made his mark as a trainer and driver. David h

Maddie Raymond has been training in her own right for just two years but has already given notice that she has arrived in the Victorian training ranks. A Gr 3 with Earlswood, a Gr 2 with Turaath and a sequence of country Cups with Wentwood have brought her under notice in recent months. Maddie joins us on the podcast to talk about her journey with horses, from Warrnambool pony club to racing’s big stage. She talks firstly of her acquisition of Earlswood and the way she got him fit enough to win first up after such a long absence. She discusses the hot form of another import Turaath who’s won four consecutive races for the Raymond stable. She highlights the mare’s stunning win in the Gr 2 Let’s Elope Stakes. Maddie talks of Wentwood, a two time winner for Dermot Weld before joining her stable. The gelding took a while to get going but has now won five races in Australia. The twenty eight year old takes us back to pony club days in Warrnambool and the aged thoroughbred mare who got her hooked on racehorses.

We catch up with Bryan Guy who called time on his training career recently when Gold Coast developers secured his training property at Bundall. Bryan explains his decision to retire earlier than expected. He talks of his twenty two year training partnership with son Daniel. Should Daniel not proceed Bryan is acutely aware that the Guy training dynasty will evaporate. The 67 year old goes back to early days when he was riding trackwork at Rosehill for his father Ray. He talks of Ray’s battle to get off the ground as a professional trainer in the early 60’s. Bryan says Ray Guy never enjoyed the luxury of spending power at the yearling sales but maintained a great strike rate with inexpensive horses. He acknowledges the talents of his uncle Max Guy. Bryan reflects on some of the best horses trained by his father, and the stable’s association with pioneer syndicators Hyperion Thoroughbreds. The trainer fondly remembers Ravarda, the $10000 purchase who went on to win $1 million and two Gr 1’s. He talks of

Great to catch up with the young jockey who’s been breaking records since his career began in NZ  in 2007. James begins by assessing the merits of Coolangatta’s win in the recent Magic Millions. He says he hasn’t yet committed to the Golden Slipper ride. He talks of the enviable choice of rides he has in the Gr 1 Lightning Stakes between Nature Strip and Home Affairs. James explains that Nature Strip has transformed from an uncontrollable “bolter” to a very tractable horse. He reviews the gelding’s Everest win. It’s obvious the champion jockey has great affection for Verry Elleegant. He talks of her memorable Melbourne Cup win and her proposed visit to Paris for the Prix de L’ Arc De Triomphe in October.  James speaks glowingly of Zaaki- purchased at an English tried horse sale and now one of Australia’s glamour horses. The jockey takes us back to his NZ childhood and admits that racing wasn’t on his radar early in life. It took some encouragement from a champion NZ jockey to change his thinking. James

Nobody was happier than Jean Van Overmeire when the NSW adult population hit the 80% double vaccinated mark last October. It meant the hard working jockey was able to get out of Sydney and ride wherever he wanted. Jean talks of a rapid increase in his workload. He talks of his busy trackwork schedule at Randwick and other city tracks. The expat South African looks back on the shock offer he received to ride in last year’s TAB Everest. He reviews his two rides in the Golden Slipper. Jean looks back on childhood days in South Africa and his earliest association with horses. The respected jockey remembers his move to England with his family and an apprenticeship with trainer Roger Varian. Jean has vivid memories of his first winning ride in pouring rain at Wolverhampton. He explains that Mike De Kock suggested he should go to Dubai and do nothing but ride trackwork with some elite jockeys. Jean looks back on a Hong Kong assignment entrusted to him by training wizard Mike de Kock. He tells the story of hi

Regular Sky Racing watchers are familiar with the striking cerise and white racing colours of legendary WA owner/breeder Bob Peters. Those colours are seen in the winner’s circle at Ascot and Belmont on a regular basis. Bob’s strike rate in major WA races has been extraordinary. He shares with us his journey from the tiny wheatbelt town of Dalwallinu to his current ranking as the world’s 4th most successful racehorse owner. In the podcast Bob gets all of his bad news out of the way first. He talks of his early education and the expectations of a strict dad. Horses were in his thoughts from an early age. During a University stint he drove a horse drawn milk cart at night. Bob talks of his eagerness to “earn” a quid from an early age. He looks back on a job installing bores in the wheatbelt region. He looks back on his fascination with the “car game” and a friendship with David Golding who recognized potential in young Peters. Golding made Bob a tempting offer but the young man was keen to go it alone. Bob

Great to catch up with Bathurst based harness horseman Mat Rue who at age 32 is already nearing 1000 career driving wins. He begins by acknowledging the brilliant win by his favourite Fouroeight in the recent Shirley Turnbull Memorial. Mat talks of his admiration for Fouroeight who shattered his pelvis as a 3YO. Mat says the gelding’s attitude to racing is astonishing. He talks of a handful of special horses who saved his sanity during Fouroeight’s long absence. Mat looks back on his early life at Canowindra and his obsession with standardbreds from an early age. He pays tribute to his father Ken and uncle Greg Rue- both top horsemen.  The young trainer remembers the horse who triggered his driving career. Mat looks back on his early education with top trainer Bernie Hewitt, and the support he received from the Kevin Hurst stable. He reflects on the job offer from Luke McCarthy which would lead him to undreamed of success including a Miracle Mile triumph. Mat looks back on a quick trip to America with

Great to catch up with top Victorian lightweight jockey Dean Yendall who’s feeling a little sorry for himself at the moment. Dean talks about the frustrations of endless weeks in a neck brace. He’s grateful no surgery was required. Dean reflects on the Terang fall that put him out of business just before Xmas. He says his mount Saintly Rose had the race won when she went sideways. He talks of his choice of lifestyle at rural Horsham in Victoria’s Wimmera district. Dean looks back on his apprenticeship to Ken Sweeney at historic Jerilderie in the Riverina. He’s never forgotten his first win on Leinster at Narrandera more than 30 years ago. He recalls his transfer to Kilmore trainer Peter Gray. Dean reflects on his first city win at Oakbank in 1994. He looks back on early years when he tried to carve a niche for himself in many different parts of the country. He speaks fondly of a man who became his mentor and best friend. The lightweight jockey pays tribute to several trainers who gave him valuable supp

Ian begins by looking back on his emotion- charged final day of calling at Gosford in 2009.  He recalls his final metropolitan race call at Randwick just five days earlier. The former ace broadcaster talks about the post racing life of retired callers like Bryan Martin and Greg Miles. Ian talks of school days at Sydney Grammar, and the difficulties associated with having the same name as a previous Australian cricket captain. He looks back on his introduction to race broadcasts when laid up with rheumatic fever as a child. When the time came to enter the workforce, most expected young Ian to join his father’s tailoring business. Instead he started off with the Stamina Clothing Company. Ian remembers a Richmond Greyhound Racing Club advertisement which led him into the race calling field. He looks back on the days of the huge Granville Showground trotting gymkhanas where several callers gained their starts. Ian kicked off in the bushes at the back of the track. He’s never forgotten his very first paid

In keeping with our nostalgia format over the holiday break, here comes one of our favourite podcasts from 2019 with much loved Sydney media icon Graham McNeice. At the time this interview was recorded, Shadow had just finished his latest documentary The Masters Apprentice- the career of legendary jockey mentor Theo Green. He says the doco had been twenty years in the making. Graham explains how a copy of The Masters Apprentice can be accessed from the website. The man’s famous nickname The Shadow is universally known around the industry. Not everybody knows how he got the tag. Graham explains. He looks back on his early life as one of six children growing up in the inner city suburb of Croydon Park where his father Syd had a butcher’s shop. Syd hoped Graham would follow in his footsteps. Syd and Marion operated another flourishing little business within the confines of the shop.  Graham talks about his father’s friendship with Frank Kennedy who was a prominent figure in the Sydney fight game. Frank late