John Tapp Racing

Understandably Robbie Fradd is going through a tough period of adjustment as he comes to terms with the reality of an enforced retirement. The champion international jockey has been grounded by specialists after recently undergoing major heart bypass surgery. Rob intends to stay in Brisbane where he’s been riding for close to nine years. He talks about the shortage of breath and fatigue which warned him of impending trouble. Rob admits to a nicotine addiction throughout his riding career, but says it was largely to keep his mind off food. The former outstanding jockey takes us back to his childhood in Durban, and his non racing family. He talks of a five year stay at the famous South African Jockeys Academy which launched the careers of some world class jockeys. Robbie talks of his apprenticeship to trainer Vaughan Marshall who had a significant impact on his life. He recalls with affection his very first win on Barberton for trainer Jacky Gorton. The retired jockey talks of the importance to racing participa