It's always a pleasure to welcome a bush trainer to the podcast. Our guest this week is Stephen Lee who chips away diligently from his Ballina base season after season with consistent results. He’s currently ably assisted by son Jordan with whom he’ll soon form an official partnership. Lee has posted 850 winners since his  solo career began in 1986, and has two NRRA training premierships on his CV.  Stephen rotates his horses between a dual barn complex on Ballina racecourse, and a nearby 60 acre property which gives him access to a pristine stretch of  beach. Whenever one of the team warrants an opportunity in a metropolitan environment, he heads to Eagle Farm or Doomben just two hours away. He rarely tackles the arduous road trip to Sydney although he did venture to Randwick on November 1st with smart sprinter The Astronomer. This podcast was recorded twenty four hours before The Astronomer raced. Stephen talks of the easy access to Brisbane tracks as opposed to the marathon trip to Sydney. He acknowledges son Jordan’s entry into the NSW training ranks and says he’s looking forward to their proposed partnership. Stephen talks about the luxury of being able to give horses a complete change of environment at his beachside property. He says the new routine works wonders with highly strung horses. He talks about the large paddock set aside for retired racehorses or horses who’ve fallen on hard times. His partner Amanda would have even more if space allowed. The trainer talks about his two NRRA premierships. In winning the first one he unseated long time incumbent John Shelton. Stephen looks back on his early education under the tutelage of his late father Bruce. He says Bruce was a capable racehorse trainer but was best known as an all rounder constantly called upon to sort out other people’s troublesome horses. He talks of his father’s early association with iconic trainer Maurice McCarten. The Ballina horseman pays tribute to his elderly Mum. Stephen says his early aspirations to become a jockey were quickly negated by increasing weight. He talks of a brief flirtation with the harness racing sport. Stephen has vivid recollections of his first training win on the defunct White ParK track at Scone. He talks of a brief training stint at Coffs Harbour and a subsequent move to Ballina, a move he hasn’t regretted. Stephen pays tribute to daughter Maddison who was his valued trackwork rider for a number of years. Maddison put a lot of time into Anton En Avant, a prolific winner for the Lee stable. As a yearling Anton En Avant appeared unlikely to ever make it to the races.  He talks about the gelding’s amazing race record which included a win in the Gr 3 Chairman’s Hcp  at Doomben.  Stephen talks of former jockey Cassandra Schmidt who won a string of races on Anton En Avant. The trainer pays tribute to several handy horses who’ve flown the flag for the Ballina stable over the years - Zoukina, Lasting Kiss, Minassi, Felix Trinidad, Song Time, Bavosa, and Espiritu. Stephen tells us more about his current apprentice Siabh Wrigley who still has a number of trial rides to complete before gaining her licence to ride in races. The signs are promising. It’s a laid back chat with a top country horseman.

Jessica Owers was well established as a feature writer for several respected racing publications before being invited to tackle her first book in 2011. She knew the project would be a long and arduous one. She didn’t expect it to take all of six years. Her much admired “Peter Pan- The True Story Of Phar Lap’s Successor” was not only widely acclaimed but gave its author the incentive to follow up with a similar tribute to another iconic Australian racehorse. Just two years later she brought readers the fascinating story of 1940’s champion Shannon.  It’s taken Jessica twelve years to turn out her third book, and this one is on an entirely different theme. Encouraged by friends at the famous Magic Millions Sales organisation, the talented writer recently completed Magic Millions, The Rise, Fall and Extraordinary Rise Of An Iconic Australian Company. We welcome Jess to our podcast to tell us more about her new book and to share with us recollections of her fascinating journey in journalism thus far. The gifted writer says she was encouraged to tackle the Magic Millions story by a handful of longtime company stalwarts. She explains that most of the people involved in the Magic Millions story are still living, which greatly enhanced her research. The central characters in the Peter Pan and Shannon stories had long passed on. Jessica talks about the impression she gained during research about the late Carl Waugh, the man who first created the Magic Millions concept. She says few realised how close the fledgling company came to receivership in the 1990’s. The author talks of a meeting she had with a Gold Coast developer who owned the Magic Millions company for a couple of years before hitting his own financial crisis. Jess says she also had the pleasure of recording a voice over for the audio version of her new book. She talks of her Irish birthplace and a family relocation to Australia before her first birthday. The mother of two looks back on a return to Ireland at age 10 and a subsequent university degree attained in Scotland. Jess says she headed back to Australia with her new diploma in hand and has never considered leaving the harbour city. She steadfastly declares that her love of thoroughbreds  was triggered by the legend of Phar Lap. Jess looks back on the six year slog required to complete her first book, “Peter Pan- The Forgotten Story Of Phar Lap’s Successor.” She reflects on Peter Pan’s stellar racing career.Jessica explains why she selected 1940’s champion Shannon as the subject of her second thoroughbred biography. She gives a brief outline of Shannon’s distinguished Australian racing career and the “one-off” Inglis sale convened to sell the great horse following the death of his owner and trainer Peter Riddle. The author also looks back on the stallion’s subsequent sale to the US where he won several races before standing at Kentucky’s famous Spendthrift Farm. Jess talks about her freelance roles with several racing platforms including her current contribution to “The Straight”- a recently introduced, subscription based digital publication founded and edited by respected journalist Bren O’Brien. She talks about her Racing Writer Of the Year  nomination at the . 2023 Kennedy Awards. She didn’t win but was deeply touched by the honour. Jess talks about her own love of horse riding and pays a special tribute to Moxie’s Halo- the former racehorse who became her best equine friend. Moxie died much too soon. She talks of the trauma experienced by the whole family when her sister Sonya was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2009. Her admiration for Sonya’s courage is boundless. Jessica speaks with great affection of the two shining lights in her life- son Julien and daughter Charlotte.  

Mitchell Bell is one of several Sydney based jockeys who regularly ply their trade on outside tracks. His manager Shaun Flaherty makes a point of committing Mitch to race meetings no further than three hours from his Windsor home. The hard working jockey is a regular at places like Scone, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Goulburn, Bathurst, Orange and Mudgee. Mitchell’s unwavering reliability has seen him build a strong support base among a wide range of trainers. The jockey says he’s learned to handle the tedium of constant travel. Mitchell talks about the two hip replacement surgeries he’s been forced to undergo in recent years.  He says he never knew his grandfather Billy Bell who was a successful Sydney jockey in the 60’s and 70’s. Mitchell pays tribute to his father Steve who had a jockey’s build but opted to pursue a career as a professional boxer- a career that led him to an Australian flyweight crown. Mitchell says his riding plans could have been thwarted when he was involved in a freak gymnasium accident at age 13. He looks back on his amazing recovery from serious hand injuries and early riding education at an Ingleburn riding school. The 40 year old talks about his apprenticeship to Tamworth trainer Mark Mason and an inauspicious first ride at Quirindi. He pays tribute to a former leading country jockey who became his tutor in Tamworth track gallops. Mitch hasn’t forgotten the thrill of landing his first winner. He remembers the most minor detail about his initial metropolitan win on the historic stretches of Royal Randwick. The jockey acknowledges the first notable horse he got to ride after returning to Sydney as a fully fledged rider. Mitch plays tribute to the talented Artlee who gave him success in the Wild Card and Final of the 2015 Country Championship.  He says Artlee was also the centrepiece of one of his biggest racing disappointments. Bell talks of a successful association with the Waller stable on outside tracks. He recalls a Newcastle win on Youngstar immediately before the filly went to Brisbane to win two important races. He rates another Waller trained horse as one of the best he’s ridden. Mitch looks back on a black type Hawkesbury win on Cellarman. He talks about the strong association he’s forged with Peter Snowden and a recent Newcastle treble for the stable. Mitchell speaks fondly of a strong association with legendary horseman Ron Quinton. He acknowledges the support of several other prominent stables. Mitch says he was greatly influenced by two special role models in the early part of his career. He doesn’t take for granted the luxury he enjoys in being able to maintain a weight of 53kgs. The much travelled jockey says he’s sometimes tempted by offers to ride in the city but is reluctant to inconvenience established country and provincial supporters. The 40 year old speaks fondly of wife Hollie and children Harper, Billy and Tayla. This is a nice chat with an ever reliable jockey who prefers to ‘hit the highway” in his quest for winners. 

Although there wasn’t a trace of racing in Clare Lindop’s family background, the little girl from Warrnambool was hellbent on becoming a jockey from age 10. Her parents finally relented and  bought their youngest daughter a pony called Annie- the pony destined to teach her young companion the rudiments of riding. Whenever either of her parents could find the time to drive her to the St. Mary’s Pony Farm at Wangoom, little Clare would spend every available minute putting Annie through her paces. From these unpretentious beginnings, Clare Lindop forged a career that would take her to racing’s biggest stage. She quit the saddle in 2018 with 1432 winners on her CV, including 4 Gr 1’s and another 50 stakes races. Now in a full time role with Racing South Australia, Clare takes time out to revisit her stellar career for our podcast regulars. She admits to the occasional nostalgic flutter when she watches Adelaide’s feature races each year. Clare says she went to great pains to play her retirement down in 2018. She didn’t want the fuss. She does admit that she gradually weaned herself off horses by riding trackwork for quite some time. Clare reaffirms that nobody in her family had the slightest connection to horses. Her parents were not overly impressed with her persistent pleas to invest in a pony, but finally relented.  The four time Gr 1 winning jockey looks back on her initial apprenticeship to Warrnambool trainer Frank Byrne. She recalls her first race ride at Warrnambool and her first winning ride at Dunkeld. Clare vividly recalls her first metropolitan win on Mondilibi at Moonee Valley. She talks about a transfer of her indentures to Jack Barling at Hamilton in 1997. The retired jockey looks back on her life changing relocation to Adelaide in 1999 and the beginning of a long time association with trainer Byron Cozamanis. Clare recalls the thrill of her first Adelaide metro win on Odysseus at Cheltenham. She remembers with affection her first metro win as a fully fledged jockey at the famous Victoria Park track. The horse was one of her all time favourites. Clare looks back on the occasion of her first Adelaide stakes win for great supporter Leon McDonald.   She looks back on an amazing sequence of wins- four timers at three consecutive race meetings. Clare remembers with great clarity the unforgettable experience of her first Melbourne Cup ride. The former top lightweight is proud of her three Adelaide jockeys premierships. She remembers her first Gr 1 win- an all the way victory in the 2006 Adelaide Cup.. Lindop takes us back to her second Melbourne Cup appearance in 2007. Not surprisingly Clare takes great pleasure in looking back on her association with outstanding 2YO filly Augusta Proud. She takes us back to her Magic Millions win in 2008. Now to the horse who took the talented rider to racing’s biggest stage with a Victoria Derby win at odds of $101. She takes us through the Rebel Raider story. Like most Adelaide based jockeys Clare wanted to win a Goodwood Hcp. Her turn came in 2011 when Robert Smerdon chased her services for Lone Rock in the famous sprint. She got the job done. Clare managed to fit in two separate trips to the UK in 2009 and again in 2011. She looks back on a great experience and the four winners she landed on some famous tracks. She talks of the multiple injuries sustained in a fall at Morphettville in 2014. Clare looks back on a business meeting with leading jockey manager Damian Wilton who is now her husband of seven years. This is a reminiscent chat with one of Australia’s most successful female jockeys.

Young trainer Cameron Crockett completely dominated the recent Dubbo Cup programme with three wins and one dead heat on the ten race programme- easily his best day since going solo as a trainer in 2011. To say he was born to be a trainer is probably a misnomer, because he showed little interest in horses until mid teens. Today he’s adamant that training racehorses is all he wants to do. Cameron begins our podcast by reviewing his red letter day at Dubbo. Ashley Morgan was the jockey to ride all of Cameron’s winners on the day. He pays tribute to the Welsh born horseman. The trainer is understandably chuffed with his current strike rate. He talks of his relocation from Mudgee to Scone in 2019. Cameron speaks glowingly of his current location at the former Clovelly Vet Centre in the heart of Scone. He looks back on early days when he learned the art of breaking-in from his father Max, a noted yearling educator.  Cameron looks back on his dad’s role as full time breaker at the famous Gooree Stud. Max’s assistant was another legendary horseman in Harry Meyer. Young Crockett looks back on a broken femur sustained when a yearling reared over and landed on top of him. By the time he was ready to return to work he’d lost the passion for the horse breaking business, and immediately changed direction. He acknowledges the horse to set him on the road as a trainer. Are You Sure was a quirky gelding who was shunned by other horsemen at the time. Cameron saw something in the horse and won 9 races with him. The trainer runs through a number of the horses who shaped his early training career with special mention of Ori On Fire.  Cameron recalls a rare word of praise from his father following a flurry of winners on western tracks. He’s never forgotten the moment. He looks back on his continued success in the TAB Highway series. Predictably Cam spends extra time in acknowledging the deeds of Commando Hunt, the horse he says is the best to come through his hands so far. The successful Scone trainer talks of his own particular slant on  the training business. Cameron talks of the five special kids shared by he and wife Elizabeth. His mother Cheryl also gets an honourable mention.  The trainer pays tribute to several jockeys who’ve contributed to his success in the training ranks. He makes special mention of Brooke Stower who’s currently absent from the riding ranks and working on a Queensland cattle station. 

“I’ll just wake up one day and say to myself that’ll do me,” was the reply given by Greg Ryan when quizzed about a likely retirement date on a podcast posted on October 27th 2020.  He was then 54 years old and still riding in races. The winners were flowing and so were the opportunities from a wide range of prominent stables. That fateful day was to arrive just six weeks later. Greg was booked for six rides at a Mudgee meeting on Friday December 4th, including three for Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker. As he drove away from his Dubbo home for the 126km trip to Mudgee, not even wife Pauline knew this was to be her husband’s final day as a professional jockey. The punter’s favourite had to settle for a fourth and a third on his first two mounts, but was quietly chuffed when he came from well back to win a 1200m maiden on Without Shame for longtime supporter Sue Grills. His final three rides all finished out of a place, and still he hadn’t breathed a word to anybody about his impending retirement. The fact that he hadn’t taken a ride beyond the Mudgee meeting should have aroused suspicion. Perhaps people thought he’d been suspended or was simply taking a short break.  Inevitably it wasn’t long before participants and punters alike were all asking the same question- where the hell is Greg Ryan?” Greg Ryan had retired, that’s where the hell he was!- no bells and whistles, no fuss, no elaborate farewells. Despite self confessed withdrawal symptoms, the jockey with the second largest win tally in Australian racing history has stayed retired. He’s about 12 kilograms heavier than he was in riding days, but quietly chuffed that he still doesn’t carry an ounce of fat on that wiry frame- the direct result of an ongoing work schedule, and regular activity.  Greg had begun assisting son Isaac in his growing Dubbo tree services business, even before calling time on his riding career. He continues to work full time with Isaac and valued staff member Andrew Cook, although he’s currently threatening to scale back, as his 60th birthday approaches. I’ve had several emails in the last six months about Greg Ryan’s current whereabouts and lifestyle. I recall the earthy way in which he shared his story in that 2020 podcast, and I’d love to give it another run. If you missed it last time I know you’ll enjoy the reminiscences of a former automotive mechanic who rode 4,035 winners and 5,825 place getters in a career that was very late getting started. During the podcast Greg makes loving reference to grandmother Betsy who was still going strong at age 94.The remarkable veteran, a classic example of the stoic and hard working women of her generation, had turned 98 shortly before her recent passing. For Greg Ryan fans this is a comprehensive summary of the career of a legendary country jockey.

Plagued with chronic hoof issues in his early life, Carioca won only three of his first nine starts and spent long periods on the sidelines. As his foot problems slowly improved Carioca began his path to greatness. He won another 17 races including a Sydney Cup and an AJC Metropolitan. Many fascinating stories surrounded the great horse on his climb to the top. If you appreciate a champion from any generation you’ll enjoy the story of Carioca. At the peak of his powers he was one of  Australia’s favourite racehorses. 

It’s always a pleasure to welcome a member of the country training ranks to the podcast. This week it’s Sally Taylor from the busy Coffs Harbour training hub, home to more than 100 horses. Sally’s training career began with a bang in 2016 when she won the time honoured Grafton Cup with former Victorian galloper Rednav. She bases her training technique on giving horses a change of environment as often as possible. The thirty two year old joins us on the podcast to look back on her journey from pony club to the show ring and later to a six months stint with dual Melbourne Cup winning trainer Sheila Laxon in Victoria. The decision to train in her own right was encouraged by Peter Wood, owner of the Coffs Harbour Telstra shop in which Sally was working a decade ago. The lifetime horse lover talks of the benefits of keeping her team numbers under control.  Sally acknowledges three recent wins by Mission To Win.  She speaks of regular trips to nearby Boambee Beach where her horses enjoy working on “nature’s racecourse.” Sally has been riding from an early age and still handles 10-12 horses in trackwork six days a week. She talks about two nearby properties where she’s able to give her horses frequent changes of routine. Sally talks of childhood days at Corindi Beach and early tuition from her father Brian, owner and part time trainer. The thirty two year old remembers her six months with successful trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon at Seymour. The talented trainer remembers her stint with expat Victorian Jim Jarvis who’d relocated to Coffs. She wonders how she ever found the time to complete an online course in vet nursing. Sally acknowledges the support of Peter Wood who encouraged her to train in her own right. She was working at the time in Peter’s Coffs Harbour Telstra shop.  She looks back on Peter’s acquisition of the unsound Rednav, formerly a member of the Greg Eurell team in Melbourne. Sally takes us through Rednav’s progression to the Grafton Cup and the thrill of winning one of country racing’s most coveted prizes. Almost as thrilling as the Grafton Cup win was Rednav’s success at Doomben sixteen days later, her first metropolitan win as a trainer. She pays tribute to another great favourite Zanardee’s Lane whose owner is a member of the Sally Taylor Racing team. Sally looks back on Coffs Harbour Cup day 2024 when her only two runners scored impressive wins. She acknowledges a few other horses who’ve helped to get her training career off the ground. Taylor talks of Brett Dodson, fellow Coffs Harbour trainer and her partner of seven years. Sally pays special tribute to the staff members who contribute to the smooth running of Sally Taylor Racing. She talks about the online nursing degree she’s currently undertaking.  It’s a laid back chat with a young horse devotee who’s made a rapid impact in the NSW country training ranks.

Ron Dufficy’s reputation as an astute judge of racehorses evolved very early in his apprenticeship to Bart Cummings. It wasn’t long before Randwick trainers like Tommy Smith were chasing the young jockey to ride some high profile horses in trackwork. “Duff” rode Kingston Town on a few occasions, and partnered Red Anchor in many gallops. When a nagging shoulder injury forced him out of the saddle in 1988, Ron was left unsure about his future career direction. It was Ray Warren who encouraged him to do a regular Saturday morning spot on 2KY, and the rest is history. Ron kicked off by tipping the Doncaster winner Lygon Arms at 40/1, and has been a favourite with punters ever since. The 63 year old took time out from his busy work schedule last week to join me on the podcast. He talks about a normal working week in the life of a racing form analyst. Ron looks back on the days when punters had nowhere near the amount of information they enjoy in the modern era. He summarises his radio commitments for the week and talks about the Sunday morning TV programme he co-hosts with good friends Greg Radley and Corey Brown. The former jockey pays tribute to his long time mentor Graham McNeice who passed away exactly twelve months ago. Ron looks at the newspaper facet of his media career..He talks about his early education at James Cook High School at Kogarah. Despite some encouraging work in the class room, he decided to quit school at age fourteen..Ron remembers his grandfather Ron and father Maurice who were both involved in off course betting, still rife in the 1960’s. He was taking phone bets for his father from age seven. He looks back on his first taste of stable life with Canterbury trainer Dennis Maynard. Ron reminisces about the early days of his apprenticeship to Bart Cummings. He’s never forgotten the thrill of his first winning ride at Nowra in 1979. Strangely enough memories of his first city win are slightly blurred. Ron remembers the disruption at Leilani Lodge when the Bart Cummings trained Lloyd Boy returned a positive swab after winning the Carlyon Cup in Melbourne. Cummings incurred a three months ban, and Mal Barnes was appointed as caretaker trainer. “Duff” talks about the transfer of his indentures to Barnes when Bart Cummings returned to training. He has nothing but praise for Barnes who was already a recognised tutor of apprentice jockeys. Ron remembers his best ever day as a professional jockey- a winning treble at Rosehill with two close seconds on the same programme. He remembers a Gr 1 ride in Perth on the Mal Barnes trained Tsar Royal. Ron looks back on a thrilling Black Opal win on the curiously named Beans for Mal Barnes and owner John Singleton. He and a fellow apprentice actually floated the filly to Canberra.  Overnight rain dimmed Ron’s confidence in the filly’s chances, and he advised “Singo” to reduce his bet. The advertising guru was delighted nevertheless, when Beans scored an easy win.  Ron looks back on the reputation he developed as an astute judge of trackwork and race form. The former jockey talks of a long association with Tommy Smith and pays tribute to two high profile horses he got to ride in trackwork. He remembers a stakes winner he rode for Smith in 1986. He was surprised when given the ride. Ron looks back on his stint as a jockey manager, and the shock decision by stewards to stand him down for what they perceived as a conflict of interest. Ron Dufficy is one of the great success stories in the Australian racing media. He shares that story with us on this week’s podcast.

I’ve all but lost count of the number of requests we’ve received for an interview with Kevin Moses. The most recent enquiry came from a regular podcast listener at a Sydney RSL Club. He was surprised to learn we’d spoken to the former jockey/trainer as far back as January 2020. At the time Kevin was training only one horse, and actually relinquished his licence a year later. The time is right to dust off that 2020 interview and give it another run on our regular podcast.  Kevin’s riding career brought 2300 winners including 22 Gr 1’s. He drifted into training initially to fill in time, but politely reeled off 364 wins including the Gr 1 Sydney Cup. Obviously one or two answers are now dated but in the main the interview could have been recorded yesterday. Kevin begins by recalling his entry into stable life. He says he was keen to continue riding trackwork after launching his training career. Kevin looks back on the shock positive swab that turned his training operation upside down in 2015.  He looks back on his very first training win with Comhere in 2002. He couldn’t believe it had happened on a metropolitan track. The horse had been sent to him by Gold Coast trainer Alan Bailey. Kevin says he learned many aspects of the training craft from Neville Begg with whom he spent his entire apprenticeship. He looks back on some of the horses to establish him among the Sydney training ranks. He makes special mention of No Wine No Song, the horse to provide him with a Gr 1 success.  Kevin acknowledges the assistance he received from son Shane who rode work most mornings alongside his father. He acknowledges the tremendous support of wife Jenny as a trackwork rider, stable foreperson and office administrator. Kevin speaks affectionately of daughter Tanya, son Darren and an increasing number of grandchildren. The top all round horseman makes the amazing confession that he was terrified of horses when he first joined the Begg stable. He looks back on two brief working stints before he became an apprentice jockey. Kevin talks about his experience as a boxer in a “paperweight” division. He says he took forever to get going in the Sydney riding ranks, and pays tribute to the two men who helped get him on his feet. Kevin has never forgotten his first city treble. The triple premiership winner remembers a Doncaster win on Authentic Heir for Tommy Smith in 1976. Moses didn’t know he was on Dark Eclipse in the 1980 Golden Slipper until the “eleventh hour”. In his heart he thought the filly had a great chance. The former jockey/trainer treasures the memory of his one and only ride on champion Emancipation. He was sent to Melbourne by Neville Begg to ride the grey mare in the Edward Manifold when Ron Quinton elected to ride Dalmacia in the Epsom. Both jockeys had reason to smile. Kev reflects on his great association with Lord Hybrow trained by expat Kiwi Neville McBurney. He was thrilled to win the 1994 Stradbroke Hcp on foolproof racehorse All Our Mob. Kevin remembers lightly framed mare Palace Revolt who had a curious record- 44 starts for just two wins. One of those wins was the Gr 1 Sydney Cup on a “bottomless” track. He devotes plenty of time to reminiscing about the remarkable horse Stylish Century.  He won a Victoria Derby and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the gallant little stallion as well as going very close in a W.S Cox Plate.  Moses reflects on his four memorable seasons in Ireland riding for highly respected trainer Ted Curtin. He shares a humorous story about a ride in the famous Ascot Gold Cup when he was offered tuition during the race by the legendary Willie Carson. He speaks openly about the infamous “Jockey Tapes Scandal” of 1996 when he was one of three jockeys to be given hefty disqualifications. Kevin looks back on the three consecutive Sydney jockey’s titles that brought him a total of 301 winners and one dead heat. He reveals the names of the three jockeys he admired most. One of them had an amazing talent unrelat

Jack Bruce quickly made his mark after joining the Queensland training ranks in 2022. The NZ born 35 year old didn’t even contemplate applying for a trainer’s licence until he felt good and ready for the task at hand. Despite being the holder of two notable University degrees, Jack made up his mind early in life that horse training was his ultimate goal. He had early experience at Windsor Park Stud before gaining selection for the Godolphin Flying Start programme. He worked under a succession of leading trainers in his early years- Mike De Kock, John O’Shea, Bjorn Baker, Chris Waller and Maher/Eustace all contributed to his education. He started with only seven horses at Deagon on Brisbane’s outskirts but quickly made a statement. Today he’s working over 60 horses from stables at Deagon and on the Sunny Coast. Jack joins us on the podcast to talk about his exciting journey from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch to the professional training scene in Brisbane. He talks about the benefits of his University studies in managing a big racing operation. Jack talks about the routine he follows in running a dual stable operation. The trainer acknowledges the contribution of partner Lauren who plays a significant role  behind the scenes. Jack takes us back to childhood days in Hamilton (NZ) where his parents owned a lifestyle farm. He talks of his father’s connection to harness horses. He explains that his University studies were completed over two phases. Jack talks of work experience at the famous Windsor Park Stud. He talks about some of the stallions who were in residence during his time on the property. He talks about the thrill of gaining entry to the Godolphin Flying Start initiative which provided two years of invaluable experience. His first assignment was in Dubai with a legendary trainer. During his stay in Dubai, Jack met a young South African jockey whose career had begun in England. Later he got the opportunity to go to Dubai as a resident work rider for De Kock. It wouldn’t be the last time he crossed paths with Jean Van Overmeire.  Jack looks back on his first posting back home- a rewarding stint with John O’Shea who’d just taken over as Godolphin’s head trainer. He looks back on a four year working stint as Racing Manager for Bjorn Baker at Warwick Farm. Jack reflects on an invaluable twelve months with the Chris Waller operation. He assisted Waller’s Racing Manager Charlie Duckworth.   Then came a massive step up when appointed Manager of Ciaron Maher’s 60 horse Warwick Farm barn. Jack was gobsmacked. When he felt fully prepared to launch his own brand, Jack settled on Queensland as the most suitable venue. He talks about his low key start at Deagon. The trainer talks about his reason for launching a second stable on the Sunny Coast. Jack gives a special mention to the horse who provided his first win as a solo trainer.  He talks of a resolve to source tried horses from other stables. One of the earliest acquisitions, a horse called Axe gave him a stakes win at Toowoomba. Jack acknowledges several other “second hand” horses who’ve helped get his career up and running. He talks of three very successful seasons since becoming a trainer in Queensland. Jack pays tribute to the jockeys who’ve helped him to 185 wins in just three years.       

Mack Griffith has long been regarded as one of the most astute country based trainers in the state. He learned the trade from his late father John before taking out his own licence  on the occasion of his 18th  birthday. Mack joined an elite group when he won with his very first starter Acacia Ridge at Quirindi and has maintained an excellent strike rate ever since. He took a long break from racehorse training to manage Gooree Stud’s spelling and pre-training division at Mudgee, a role he filled for close to a decade. When Gooree ceased operations in 2020, Mack decided to stay in the district and is currently training a 15 horse team at the Mudgee racecourse. The 55 year old joins us on the podcast to look back on his life in racing. He begins by explaining the origins of his unusual christian name.  Mack talks of his 25 acre farm on the outskirts of Mudgee where his horses spend a lot of time. He talks of a recent trip to the Mackay Cup carnival with two members of his 15 horse team Aimpoint and Amicus Curiae. Neither won but both covered expenses with minor placings. Mack takes us right back to the early 70’s when his father landed a new job on a northern territory cattle station. It wasn’t long before John Griffith was training a handful of gallopers. Griffith Snr was thrilled to win the 1974 Darwin Cup with Chatelle.Just a few months after Chatelle’s win Darwin was devastated by the ravages of Cyclone Tracey. As the city got back on its feet, the Darwin Turf Club launched a huge drive to regenerate racing at Fannie Bay.  Trainers were encouraged to return to the top end, and John Griffith was one of the first to respond. Mack looks back on his time in Darwin. The trainer reflects on his dad’s later move to northern Queensland where he built a strong reputation as a trainer. Fast forward to the mid 1980’s and Mack looks back on a valuable six months with Brian Mayfield- Smith around the time he deposed Tommy Smith as Sydney’s premier trainer. He remembers his father’s passing in 1995, and the twenty horse team he and brother Luke inherited. Many of the stable clients opted to support the young horsemen. Mack hasn’t forgotten the thrill of winning with his very first runner at Quirindi. He had to endure the pressure of a protest. The trainer looks back on his first city win at Canterbury and the pressure of yet another protest. Griffith lights up as he talks about one of his all time favourites Dancing Sun. The genuine stallion won a string of country Cups and took his young trainer to Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day 1996. He acknowledges the consistency of family horse Mach ‘N’ Me.Outback Club gets an honourable mention from the trainer. Mach talks of prolific winner Binalong Road. He recalls a win in a Country Championship Qualifier at Bathurst with Hugh Bowman on board. The trainer looks back on a seven win streak with Pera Pera in the Gooree Stud colours.  Mach sings the praises of current star Compelling Truth, already the winner of $578,000. He has a high opinion of the horse. He remembers the fateful night when he met a charming American girl in a Scone pub. After a whirlwind romance the pair were married in Las Vegas. They are now the proud parents of two daughters and a son. Mack goes back to 2012 when he spotted an advertisement calling for expressions of interest in the role of spelling and pre-training manager at the famous Gooree Stud. He was destined to spend a decade in the job.  He tells the story of Gooree’s state of the art training track which once brought James Cummings to the property with twenty horses during a wet spell in Sydney. Mack says the magnificent Gooree property is currently unused as its fate is determined. He pays tribute to some of his favourite “go-to” jockeys. It’s a laid back chat with a highly respected bush trainer who’s crammed a lot into his fifty five years.

David McColm’s handling of media commitments after the 2024 Kosciuszko won him many friends. It was well documented that his talented horse Far Too Easy had endured several setbacks over the previous couple of years and public interest was high. All David wanted to do in post race interviews was deflect the credit to others. The enormity of the moment triggered unbridled emotion in the former apprentice jockey who’s now approaching forty years as a professional horse trainer. I’ve been looking forward to having David McColm on the podcast, and we’ve finally pinned him down for a chat. He says stable star Far Too Easy will return to the stable next month after the longest break of his career. David looks back on two uncharacteristically disappointing runs during the Brisbane carnival. The trainer takes us back to the 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale and the input of his teenage son Archie. David says the journey with Far Too Easy has been better for the presence of close friends in the ownership.  He says ongoing foot issues with Far Too Easy have tested his resolve. Dave looks back on the gelding’s first two wins with the late Chris Caserta in the saddle. Only eight months later the young jockey lost his life in a freak accident. He reflects on the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas when Craig Williams rode the horse for the first time. David recalls Far Too Easy’s impressive win in the Country Championship Qualifier at Grafton. He looks back on the horror of the 2022 flood which impacted Far Too Easy and ten other horses. Racing NSW assisted with the remainder of the gelding’s Country Championship preparation. The trainer remembers the Championship Final on a very heavy track with J. Mac in the saddle.  David looks back on the first of Far Too Easy’s three Kosciuszko attempts and the worrying skin rash that impeded his preparation. He reflects on the horse’s first clash with arch rival Front Page. McColm talks about another Kosciuszko in 2023. This time he had to settle for third as Front Page prevailed again. The trainer says he carefully planned Far Too Easy’s path to the next edition of the Kosciuszko. The horse raced only three times in between.  David was buoyed by Craig Williams’ decision to fly to the Gold Coast for a barrier trial eleven days before the big race. He reviews the race and the emotional aftermath. The experienced horseman takes us back to his days as an apprentice jockey with Reg Powell at Werris Creek and pays tribute to a later tutor at Ipswich. He hasn’t forgotten the thrill of his first win as a professional jockey. David acknowledges some special horses to help him along the way. He talks of son Archie’s official transition to stable apprentice, and gives a shout out to younger brother Max. Mrs. Judy McColm plays a huge part in the operation of the stable, and receives the recognition she deserves. He makes special mention of his older family from a previous marriage. Dave looks back on a serious illness that halted his career for a couple of years. He pays tribute to a handful of jockeys who’ve rendered great service over the years. The trainer talks of his recent relocation to the Gold Coast. This is a laid back chat with a bush horseman who was able to guide Far Too Easy through some turbulent times to win a $2 million dollar race at Royal Randwick. 

Darryl McLellan’s recent retirement announcement caught a few racing mates by surprise. It was well known that the 54 year old was still enjoying his riding and happy to travel big mileage if the mounts were there. He aggravated an old shoulder problem in an accident at Port Macquarie last December which sidelined him for five months. After just 22 rides on the comeback trail he knew the troublesome shoulder was destined to bring the curtain down on his very successful career. “Digger” is still dealing with the frustration of having to stop before he was ready, but kindly consented to join us on the podcast. The veteran jockey says he’s having fresh scans currently to determine the long range future of a shoulder he injured initially in 2009. He takes us back to a Sunday meeting at Port Macquarie in late December when a fall from a “bucking bronco” aggravated a fifteen year old injury. Darryl reflects on his very first job as an apprentice spray painter. Workmates constantly encouraged him to consider a future as a jockey. He looks back on his time with top Muswellbrook trainer Pat Farrell who enjoyed a reputation as a master tutor of junior riders. Darryl says he hadn’t ridden a horse when his apprenticeship began, but was riding in barrier trials after four months. He remembers his first race ride at Quirindi and his first winning ride at Kembla Grange.   He acknowledges the first better than average horse he got to ride. McLellan looks back on the thrill of winning the 1992/93 Sydney apprentices premiership. He says his nickname “Digger” evolved during his spray painting apprenticeship and has never left him.  Darryl talks of the tremendous advantage he had over most jockeys by being able to ride at the limit weight. That ability brought him the ride on Magic Of Money in the 1995 Galaxy, his first Gr 1 success. He remembers his ride on the same horse in the Doomben $10,000. He thought he was on a winner approaching the hometurn. In the same year he was thrilled when Bart Cummings got him to ride a horse at a Saturday Newcastle meeting. How could he have known what Saintly was to achieve over the next 18 months. “Digger’s” ability to ride light got him on Iron Horse in a very strong Epsom of 1996. He ran third to a couple of talented horses. He looks back on an approach by John Hawkes seeking his services for Lease in the Doncaster. Take Sunline out and he wins the famous Gr 1 event. The veteran hasn’t forgotten his 2000 Newcastle Cup win on Silent Impact. He says he’s never seen a bigger crowd at the Broadmeadow Racecourse.“Digger” values the bragging rights he derived when he won the 2001 Warwick Stakes on Lonhro. It was his one and only ride on the great horse.  He looks back on his Chairman’s Hcp/Sydney Cup double on the Neville McBurney trained Henderson Bay. Darryl fondly remembers an association with the hugely talented Court Command. One of several wins was the 2006 Golden Rose before the race was elevated to Gr 1 status. He remembers the barrier trial fall at Newcastle which was the catalyst for his longtime shoulder issues. He resumed about 8 months later only to be involved in another fall on the same track, aggravating the old injury. “Digger” talks about a five year hiatus and the sudden urge to resurrect his riding career. He reflects on the five years since his return to the riding ranks. Opportunities haven’t been as plentiful, but he’s enjoyed every moment. 

Queensland has long been regarded as a nursery for budding champion jockeys. Prime examples are George Moore and Neville Sellwood who both rode English Derby winners in addition to their stellar Australian careers. Dalby born Garnet Bougoure also left his mark in England with victories in a 1000 Guineas, St. Leger and Epsom Oaks. Graham Cook’s only overseas experience was a successful stint in Singapore where he notched a Gr 1 win. At home in Queensland he compiled a stellar record. We’re delighted to have his company on this week’s podcast, and I’m pleased to say the 82 year old has forgotten nothing. Graham takes us back to the day in 1993 when he realised it was game over.  He rekindles memories of his father Frank, a capable jockey whose career embraced two separate phases. Although only five years old at the time, Graham has vivid memories of Frank Cook’s Doomben Cup win on Forge in 1948. He watched the race from an unlikely vantage point. The former star jockey talks of his father’s premature passing. He remembers his hard working mother Margaret who died in 1993. Graham reflects on his apprenticeship to his uncle Bert Cook. He’s never forgotten the August day in 1959 when he made his race riding debut and earned the ire of his master. Graham remembers his first win on Countwood, a horse destined to play a pivotal role in his early career. He looks back on the three horse race he won on Countwood beating a couple of star jockeys. Graham acknowledges a handful of jockeys he greatly admired in his formative years. He remembers two important wins on the talented Maybe Lad. The veteran looks back on his second Queensland Guineas win on Lord Kearsey from the Jim Atkins stable. He pays tribute to the legendary Toowoomba trainer. He acknowledges another four wins in the Guineas making it a total of six- his best result in Queensland feature races.  Graham remembers a Gr 1 win on Zephyr Zip for another Brisbane training legend. Fittingly he pays tribute to the gallant Mode, the pony sized mare who gave him victory in two famous Queensland races. “Cookie” hasn’t forgotten his Gr 1 rampage during the 1974/75 Brisbane winter carnival- three elite level wins for champion trainer Jim Griffiths. He looks back on the Doomben $10,000/Stradbroke double with Spedito. The champion jockey relates the circumstances under which he was persuaded to fly to Sydney to ride Leonotis in the 1978 Epsom. His confidence was dimmed by a bad barrier but Leonotis was awesome on the day. He looks back on another Stradbroke success on Dancing Poet for Bill Calder who later gained prominence as the trainer of Chief de Beers. Graham takes us through his winning record in some of Brisbane’s most historic races.   He fondly remembers winning several races on the consistent galloper Ima Shadow for trainer Tom Dawson. Ima Shadow won an amazing total of 31 races. Graham looks back on his four Brisbane jockey’s premierships, and some special days when he dominated the programme. He remembers a lightning trip to Singapore to ride a top fancy in the Gold Cup. He won the feature and later returned for a three year stint. “Cookie” talks of the inevitable accidents during his thirty four year career.  He pays tribute to Janelle, his wife and best friend.  It was an absolute delight to catch up with one of the best riders of his generation. Many memories here for those who were around in “Cookie’s time.

Early in life Lindsay Hatch was totally focused on becoming a jockey and was able to make that happen, albeit for a very short time. Apprenticed to his father Geoff, young Lindsay lasted only 3 years before his weight got out of control but it’s fair to say he left his mark with more than 80 wins, including 30 in Brisbane and a Gold Coast apprentices premiership. He later learned the training craft from some of Australia’s most successful horsemen before settling into a full time solo career at Toowoomba- a career that has so far brought him two Toowoomba premierships. The Lindsay Hatch story makes for a very interesting podcast, and we’re delighted to present it this week. Lindsay begins by singing the praises of his talented mare Wanda Rox who scored a dashing win at EF on Sat July 19th. It was her fourth win at headquarters. Lindsay talks about his dual operation in Queensland with stables at Toowoomba and Townsville. He outlines the reason for the establishment of a northern base. He acknowledges the professionalism of his Townsville stable manager Martin Haley. Lindsay says the toughest part of the job is the endless travelling between coastal racing venues.  He talks of his 40 horse team at Toowoomba. Lindsay remembers childhood days at Blackall and a subsequent move to Ayr in sugar cane country. He looks back on his low key job with top trainer Bruce McLachlan in Brisbane. All he wanted to do was become a jockey.At this point his father Geoff made the important decision to apprentice his son. Lindsay looks back on a fleeting riding career before rapidly increasing weight brought an end to his dream. His three years in the saddle were not without rewards. He looks back on the freakish stroke of luck that would change his life. With the help of a friend, Lindsay became a trackwork rider for Tommy Smith who was a regular in Brisbane at carnival time. That association was destined to last for several years. He remembers one outstanding horse he got to ride in trackwork. Lindsay talks of a move back to Brisbane and a job with talented trainer Kelso Wood. He looks back on a trip to the famous Cairns Amateurs with a few mates. He intended to stay for a week, but was still there three years later. During that time his training career had a low key start. On returning to Brisbane Lindsay would meet the lady destined to become his wife and the mother of his two children. Tracey wasn’t from a racing background but quickly learned the ropes. Lindsay brings us up to date with the current activities of son Thomas and daughter Jade. The trainer looks back on a fateful decision he made in 2010. Unhappy with the Toowoomba Turf Club’s decision to install a synthetic track, he applied for a job with John Sadler in Melbourne. He landed that job and loved every  minute of the experience.  Lindsay takes us back to the second phase of his Victorian experience- a stint with Team Snowden during which time he worked with some classy horses. He recalls his return to Queensland and a whole new career experience courtesy of old friend Tony Gollan. The talented trainer acknowledges some of the horses who’ve helped shape his career. Lindsay recalls the thrill of his recent win in the Battle Of The Bush Final with Peshwa ridden by his former apprentice Angela Jones. He pays tribute to the young lady who’s on the brink of history as the current season draws to a close. He speaks highly of Angela’s partner Kyle Wilson-Taylor who spent part of his apprenticeship with the Hatch stable. Lindsay looks back on the two lowest points of his fifty year involvement in racing. He talks of the shock bowel cancer diagnosis he was handed by doctors in 2017, and the twelve months disqualification he incurred when one of his horses returned a swab positive to cobalt in 2024. The disqualification was eventually replaced by a hefty fine.  It’s a laid back chat with a true blue Queenslander who wouldn’t swap his lot in life for “quids”.

Racing Victoria has always placed enormous importance on the education and welfare of the state’s junior jockeys. No stone is left unturned in developing the talents of promising young riders, at the same time closely monitoring any potential mental health issues that may arise. The governing body chose carefully a few years ago in selecting Darren Gauci and Alf Matthews to head up their jockey coaching initiative. Alf brought the curtain down on his riding career as far back as 1999 and has spent the ensuing 26 years working in apprentice jockey tuition and mainstream racing media. Adelaide born Alf Matthews has crammed a heck of a lot into his 69 years, and his story makes for an absorbing podcast. Great to have him on board this week.  Alf begins by talking about the high number of female apprentices coming through the system. He agrees the girls will comprise a high percentage of Australia’s jockey ranks  in the years ahead.  He talks of the benefits of Racing Victoria’s “mechanical horse” in schooling budding riders. Alf takes us through a day at  the races  with young riders in his group. He takes us back to his final race ride in 1998 when Craig Williams on Prime Address robbed him of victory in the Eclipse Stakes. Alf looks back on his very happy apprenticeship with optician turned horse trainer John Riggs at Morphettville. He’s never forgotten his first day at the races in 1972. He thought he had only one ride but finished up with a couple. He met an English riding legend during the day. Jockeys who win their first race on a metropolitan track are few and far between. Alf was one of them. He looks back on an early association with Bart Cummings and the opportunity to ride a classy 3 year old for the maestro.  Alf still can’t believe his luck in winning his first Gr 1 at home in the Adelaide Cup of 1975. He only had to wait a couple of months for his second Gr 1, this time down the historic Flemington straight six.  Alf says he was chuffed to win the Blue Diamond Stakes for legendary trainer Colin Hayes. He looks back on a transfer of his indentures to Randwick trainer “Skeeter” Bentley in 1976.  Not long after Alf arrived in Sydney Bart Cummings came looking for him to ride one of his runners in the time honoured Epsom Hcp. It was a roughly run Epsom, but Alf missed the trouble to land outsider La Neige a narrow winner.  He looks back on his association with classy mare Maybe Mahal in the 1977/1978 season. At his second ride on the bonny mare Alf got her home in the Craven A Stakes, his second win in that high profile Derby day sprint. He has fond memories of the mare. Alf looks back on a memorable Adelaide carnival in 1986 when he landed the winners of both the Oaks and SA Derby. He looks back on another Oaks win on the grey filly Pindi.  The former jockey was elated to win the famous Oakleigh Plate on Khaptingly for his great supporter David Hall. Alf says he  brought his Gr 1 tally to an even 10 on Minegold in the Australasian Oaks for old friend Leon Macdonald. He pays tribute to one of his favourites Blue Boss. He won seven races on the old warhorse including four at stakes level. Alf looks back on three overseas stints. He was all set to spend a season in Hong Kong but an Adelaide fall saw his contract cancelled. He pays tribute to one Adelaide rider who had a marked impact on his early career. Alf reviews his long association with Racing Victoria. The former outstanding jockey looks back on his 15 years with the Skychannel organisation and several other TV and radio experiences. Alf pays tribute to daughters April and Krystal and the three grandsons the girls have brought into the world. He acknowledges the undying support of wife Kellie. I can still see young Alf Matthews charging along the fence on La Neige to snatch victory in the last stride of the 1976 Epsom. It was one of an amazing tally of 1603 career winners. Those Victorian apprentices are indeed fortunate to have a former rider of such gr

Many punters have noted the absence of Luke Currie from the Melbourne riding ranks in recent weeks. The popular jockey has simply taken advantage of the off-season period to attend to a nagging knee issue he’s been dealing with for quite some time. He’s making great progress and hopes to return to the saddle in just a few weeks. Luke Currie has had a presence among Victoria’s top bracket of riders for close to three decades posting more than 1500 winners with 13 Gr 1’s prominent on his CV. He’s been on our podcast shortlist for a long time and we’ve been able to make it happen during his current layoff. Luke begins by tendering a full report on his troublesome knee. He says the timing of his hiatus wasn’t ideal. He’d been riding winners everywhere. The jockey looks back on his Tasmanian upbringing and an early apprenticeship to his father Ricky. He looks back on a couple of winners in his home state. The system was such that any Tasmanian wins would have had an effect on his Victorian claim. He had to relocate as soon as possible.  Luke looks back on his time with trainer and former champion jockey Pat Hyland. He talks of a transfer to Robbie Griffiths in the latter stages of his apprenticeship, and the golden opportunity he was given by his new boss. The high profile jockey looks back on a six race association with champion mare Makybe Diva. Luke remembers his first Gr 1 success on hardy gelding Roman Arch in the famous Toorak Hcp. He pays tribute to mentor, confidant and friend the late Deane Lester. He reminisces about two C.F Orr victories on Suavito and Manuel. The jockey pays a heartfelt tribute to brilliant mare Sunlight  who provided him with ten wins including two Gr 1’s. He recalls her fighting effort to beat some star colts in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.  Luke marvels at the mind boggling money generated by Sunlight and her relatives in the sale ring. Currie will always have a soft spot for Hey Doc. He rode the sprinter-miler 27 times for 8 wins including 4 Gr 1’s. He reviews his two memorable Blue Diamond wins on Lyre and Artorius. Luke says he was thrilled to win the 2021 Newmarket for old friend Matthew Ellerton. He agrees his McKinnon Stakes win on Arcadia Queen was perhaps the easiest elite level win he’s ever been involved with. Luke looks back on his Hong Kong experience at the height of the covid pandemic. He won at his first race ride, but everything went “belly up” from there. He says there was one memorable development during his time in Hong Kong when invited to fly home to ride Mr. Brightside in the All Star Mile at Moonee Valley. The story had a happy ending. Luke pays tribute to his girls- wife Sophia and daughters Mia and Miley.  This is a laid back chat with a Melbourne jockey whose reputation for hard work and reliability precedes him wherever he goes. 

A remarkable riding career came to an end at Doomben in July 2019 when Jeff Lloyd donned the silks for the final time. Imagine how many sets of colours this man had worn in a career embracing 41 years, 5500 winners, 94 Gr 1’s and countless stakes races. He was 50 years old when he arrived in Brisbane in  2012 but soon demonstrated the skills that had built his image as a world class jockey. Not even a 14 month absence recovering from the effects of a stroke could force his retirement until he was good and ready. The continued success of his sons Zac and Jaden has  triggered several requests for a podcast. We’ve been into the archives and regenerated an interview recorded with Jeff Lloyd almost 6 years ago. Let’s give it another gallop. He began by looking back on cherished memories from his final day at Doomben. The former ace jockey reflects on his English origins. He says there was no actual racing background in his family other than his father’s love of a punt. Jeff recalls watching racing on television at every opportunity and the hero worship he developed of legendary jockey Lester Piggott. He says Piggott had more impact on his life than any other jockey.He recalls riding with Piggott many years later in South African Invitational events. Jeff outlines the reason for his family’s move from Great Britain to South Africa. He’s never forgotten his enrolment with the famous South African Jockey’s Academy where strident discipline applied.  Lloyd recalls his initial apprenticeship to respected trainer Brian  De Villiers who gave him unexpected support. Like most jockeys Jeff vividly recalls his first winning ride. The former champion jockey talks about the development of his trademark style. Jeff picked up a special nickname early in his career which sticks to this day- a nickname inspired by his English roots. He reviews the  countless highlights of his South African career. Jeff says he competed in South Africa against some of the world’s best jockeys.  Lloyd still regards a 7 time Gr 1 winner called Wolf Power as the best horse he’s ridden. The big grey was a specialist miler in  South Africa. He looks back on a stunning day at the Kenilworth track shortly before his relocation to Australia. His haul of wins included three of the country’s top Gr 1 races. Jeff talks of his participation in the famous 2000m race the J&B Met. He won it five times. He talks of several trips to other countries including Mauritius. He was lukewarm about a short term contract but finished up riding more winners there than any other jockey before or since. When his stellar South African career came to a close he was given  two unforgettable sendoffs. Jeff Lloyd farewells at Scottsville and Turffontein were emotional experiences. Jeff looks back on the worrying aspect of living in Durban in the early 2000’s. He and wife Nickola lived in a housing estate which offered round the clock security. He says dining out wasn’t a pleasant prospect. When Jeff decided to try his luck in Australia, brother-in-law and fellow jockey Glyn Schofield opted to do the same.  The former star jockey pays tribute to the horse who got him up and running in his adopted country.  He’s never forgotten a Randwick treble on New Year’s Day 2008. Jeff says he was well aware Sydney racing people were talking about his unorthodox style. He simply let the results do the talking. He recalls his surprise when he learned that the Aussie horses were not as “hyped up” as their South African counterparts. Lloyd was overwhelmed when a wide range of Sydney trainers started to seek his services. Even Jack Denham jumped on  the bandwagon. He looks back on  a career defining win on Kiwi 3YO Nom De Jeu In the 2008 Australian Derby.  Then came a contract to ride in Hong Kong. Initially it was to be a three month arrangement but things changed. Jeff was delighted to win the Gr 1 HK Mile on the remarkable Able One, an unsound nine year old at the time.  When the decision was made

It’s doubtful that Queensland has ever produced a more versatile racing all rounder than Rockhampton based Tony McMahon who was forced to reduce his workload significantly following a freak stable accident in 2022. After 50 frantically busy years working in multiple roles within the racing industry, the 72 year old walked away from several commitments including his favourite pursuit of horse training. His many supporters were delighted to hear that the veteran will continue in the role of resident race caller for several regional race clubs. This man’s story is ready made for a racing podcast and we’re delighted he agreed to join this one. Tony begins our chat by looking back on the simple accident that would leave him with a badly damaged shoulder. He has three race horses still in work with other trainers. Tony identifies five tracks where he’ll continue to work as resident commentator.        The veteran takes us back to early days when he’d hitch a ride from the Gold Coast to Brisbane most Saturdays to meet an uncle at the metropolitan race meeting. Tony remembers the days when he’d practice race calling onto a tape recorder and get top caller Vince Curry to review his work. He recalls his disdain of the schoolroom and his first job with a Gold Coast bank.  He reflects on the night when he got a work colleague to listen to one of his phantom race calls. The exercise indirectly guided him towards a race calling career.   Tony hasn’t forgotten his audition call for the Lismore Turf Club whose course commentator was nearing retirement. He landed the job at just 17 years of age. He immediately quit his job at the ES&A Bank despite the misgivings of his parents.  He recalls jumping at an opportunity to call some harness racing for Brisbane radio.   Tony looks back on a surprise opportunity in the early 1970’s to act as race caller and handicapper for the Gold Coast Turf Club. A short time into the dual role he developed blood clots on his vocal chords. He was devastated to learn that his race calling days were over, at least in the short term. He was thrilled when another door opened almost immediately- the dual role of assistant handicapper and cadet steward with the NRRA. Tony talks of his next adventure. This time he landed the job of handicapper for the Newcastle Racing and Registration Board. He became the youngest handicapper to be appointed in NSW. He looks back on subsequent roles with the Wyong Race Club and the Newcastle Herald. It was around this time his voice returned and he was soon back behind the binoculars. He remembers another change of direction in 1978 when the NRRA appointed him chief steward for race meetings in their northern sector. This made him the youngest chairman of stewards ever appointed in northern NSW and possibly the nation. Finally Tony’s long time desire to train in his own right got the better of him. He acquired stables on the Gold Coast and kicked off with some ‘hand-me-down’ horses from Newcastle trainer Jim Johnstone. He joined an  elite group of trainers to score with his very first starter. Tony pays tribute to the horses who launched his career and helped him to establish a reputation as a serious horse trainer. He makes special mention of Konedobu, the frustrating horse who provided his first Brisbane city win and became his one and only Sydney runner.  The versatile racing identity pays a special tribute to former ace jockey Tony Erhart. He looks back on a decision to set up shop as a trainer in faraway Rockhampton. It also brought him closer to his future wife Jean who’s been a tower of strength in subsequent years.  Once again a new door opened for Tony not long after arriving in Rocky. He walked straight into the roles of Callaghan Park race caller and racing writer for the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin. He held both jobs for many years.  He expresses gratitude for two journalistic awards to come his way. Trainer McMahon pays tribute to three special horses who kep