Stephen Traecey

Stephen Traecey recently told family and friends he’s unlikely to ride in races again but most didn’t believe him. The remarkable 67 year old last rode in a race at Coffs Harbour in June. His last winner was in March on the same track. It suited Stephen to just fade away unnoticed, but I was having none of that. This man has given tremendous service over many years to racing in northern NSW and deserves due recognition. I hope this podcast serves as a lasting tribute to a bloke who just loves riding racehorses. Stephen says family and friends have taken his retirement announcement with a grain of salt. He admits that he hasn’t yet made a clean break. He’s still riding up to eight horses in trackwork most days of the week. Stephen acknowledges some of the trainers who continue to seek his services at trackwork. He talks of the two year old filly purchased online recently by wife Donna. He doesn’t exactly rule out the possibility of a comeback if the filly gets to the races. The veteran looks back on his last race ride, and his last winner Anotherbalconyboy. Stephen says he and Donna now live on the property previously occupied by Takeover Target’s trainer Joe Janiak. He looks back on his association with the former champion sprinter. He talks of childhood days in Balmain and his family’s association with a local swimming legend. Stephen pays tribute to his late father Bill, a successful jockey in his own right. He looks back on his dad’s decision to move his family to NZ after being injured in a race fall. Bill became stable foreman to a legendary trainer. He recalls the family’s move back to Australia and Bill’s return to the saddle. This time he rode trackwork alongside his father. Stephen reflects on his interview with Theo Green, already emerging as a master tutor of apprentices. Unfortunately there were no vacancies. He looks back on his short apprenticeship to Rosehill trainer Jack Norman, and the trackwork fall that left him with a broken leg. Stephen takes us back to his move back to the bush, and a new apprenticeship with Bill Thompson at Gunnedah. He has vivid recollections of his very first race win, and a move to the Peter Cleal stables. The veteran jockey takes us through the horrific car accident that could have claimed his life. He remembers the long rehabilitation period in Sydney, and the ramifications of the brain trauma sustained in the accident.  Stephen acknowledges the support of a country racing steward who helped to get him back on track. The jockey looks back on his return to race riding exactly three years after the Grafton road accident. He’s never forgotten his first win on the comeback trail- the race that reinvented him as a jockey. He pays a special tribute to Ross Stitt, the man who trained the horse in question. He continued to ride horses for Ross until very recently. Stephen talks of his affinity with the unique Bowraville track in the Nambucca Valley. He recalls with affection his long time association with Grafton trainer John Shelton and their joint success with Mother’s Gift in the time honoured Ramornie Hcp. Steve remembers the morning in flood time at Grafton when John Shelton told him not to come to trackwork. The trainer was amazed when he turned up as usual. Traecey says he rode in Brisbane many times but had only one ride in Sydney. He remembers his second placing at Randwick on a Ross Stitt trained mare. He talks of the current “toe-in” riding style used by the majority of modern day jockeys. He says he was happy to give it a try.  Stephen pays tribute to some of the great jockeys he’s ridden with on the northern rivers. He looks back on a Coffs Harbour Cup win by a huge margin. Stephen is proud to have an NRRA Jockey’s Premiership win on his CV. He makes special mention of his four children from previous marriages. It was an absolute delight to pay homage to a champion of northern NSW racing.

Stephen Traecey recently told family and friends he’s unlikely to ride in races again but most didn’t believe him. The remarkable 67 year old last rode in a race at Coffs Harbour in June. His last winner was in March on the same track. It suited Stephen to just fade away unnoticed, but I was having none of that. This man has given tremendous service over many years to racing in northern NSW and deserves due recognition. I hope this podcast serves as a lasting tribute to a bloke who just loves riding racehorses. Stephen says family and friends have taken his retirement announcement with a grain of salt. He admits that he hasn’t yet made a clean break. He’s still riding up to eight horses in trackwork most days of the week. Stephen acknowledges some of the trainers who continue to seek his services at trackwork. He talks of the two year old filly purchased online recently by wife Donna. He doesn’t exactly rule out the possibility of a comeback if the filly gets to the races. The veteran looks back on his last race ride, and his last winner Anotherbalconyboy. Stephen says he and Donna now live on the property previously occupied by Takeover Target’s trainer Joe Janiak. He looks back on his association with the former champion sprinter. He talks of childhood days in Balmain and his family’s association with a local swimming legend. Stephen pays tribute to his late father Bill, a successful jockey in his own right. He looks back on his dad’s decision to move his family to NZ after being injured in a race fall. Bill became stable foreman to a legendary trainer. He recalls the family’s move back to Australia and Bill’s return to the saddle. This time he rode trackwork alongside his father. Stephen reflects on his interview with Theo Green, already emerging as a master tutor of apprentices. Unfortunately there were no vacancies. He looks back on his short apprenticeship to Rosehill trainer Jack Norman, and the trackwork fall that left him with a broken leg. Stephen takes us back to his move back to the bush, and a new apprenticeship with Bill Thompson at Gunnedah. He has vivid recollections of his very first race win, and a move to the Peter Cleal stables. The veteran jockey takes us through the horrific car accident that could have claimed his life. He remembers the long rehabilitation period in Sydney, and the ramifications of the brain trauma sustained in the accident.  Stephen acknowledges the support of a country racing steward who helped to get him back on track. The jockey looks back on his return to race riding exactly three years after the Grafton road accident. He’s never forgotten his first win on the comeback trail- the race that reinvented him as a jockey. He pays a special tribute to Ross Stitt, the man who trained the horse in question. He continued to ride horses for Ross until very recently. Stephen talks of his affinity with the unique Bowraville track in the Nambucca Valley. He recalls with affection his long time association with Grafton trainer John Shelton and their joint success with Mother’s Gift in the time honoured Ramornie Hcp. Steve remembers the morning in flood time at Grafton when John Shelton told him not to come to trackwork. The trainer was amazed when he turned up as usual. Traecey says he rode in Brisbane many times but had only one ride in Sydney. He remembers his second placing at Randwick on a Ross Stitt trained mare. He talks of the current “toe-in” riding style used by the majority of modern day jockeys. He says he was happy to give it a try.  Stephen pays tribute to some of the great jockeys he’s ridden with on the northern rivers. He looks back on a Coffs Harbour Cup win by a huge margin. Stephen is proud to have an NRRA Jockey’s Premiership win on his CV. He makes special mention of his four children from previous marriages. It was an absolute delight to pay homage to a champion of northern NSW racing.

Episode 432: Stephen Traecey

Jon Grisedale

It’s only two and a half years since we last spoke with Jon Grisedale but much water has flowed under the bridge since, and he’s approaching a special birthday- special when you’re talking about an active jockey. He’ll be 60 on October 10th, but you’d never know it as the winners continue to flow including a couple over the recent Grafton July carnival. English born Grisedale was reluctant to do another interview so soon but I was able to talk him into it. Jon and his wife Donna remain delighted with their decision to move to Coffs Harbour in 2019. The jockey talks of a Lismore race fall soon after his arrival which was more serious than reported. He talks of the warm reception afforded him by local trainers. He established contacts by riding an enormous amount of trackwork. He’s had to regulate his track commitments to a sane level but still rides work for a handful of great local supporters. Jon says the competition on the rivers is ferocious. He compliments Ben Looker who’s approaching 120 winners for the season. The jockey looks back on Donna’s early training career at Kembla Grange and outlines the reason for their move north. Jon recalls his first meeting with Donna when both were riding work for Chris Waller at Rosehill. He talks of the decade Donna spent working for the late Jack Denham. Jon talks of Donna’s Coffs Harbour horses, and describes her strong points as a trainer. It’s not widely known that Jon emigrated from England with his family at four years of age. He recalls the ocean voyage. He talks of his apprenticeship to the late Bede Horan at Rosehill, and has nothing but praise for the respected horseman. The jockey says Horan regularly took horses to bush meetings and took his apprentice with him. Jon says he literally “cut his teeth” on the western line.  He talks of the support offered by Rosehill trainer Ray Guy who supplied his first city winner. The mare in question would become a broodmare gem. Jon looks back on the special day at a Canterbury midweeker when he rode four winners. He says the media attention was unexpected. He talks of his association with Brian Mayfield-Smith. He says he was virtually number three rider for quite some time. Jon looks back on a brief association with Marauding. He has no doubt the big colt was the best horse he’s ever ridden. He remembers a Tramway Hcp win on the genuine “bushie” Moville Peter and a Rosehill stakes win on Mount Verde. Jon talks of his love of riding in country areas and the success he enjoyed in major bush races. The veteran jockey reflects on what he calls the “lost year of his life”- a battle with a rare disease called Endocarditis or a severe infection of the inner lining of the heart. The prolonged illness cost him a kidney and twelve months away from the career he loved. Jon looks back on his association with Chris Waller soon after the NZ trainer set up shop at Rosehill.  He talks of Waller’s training methods and recalls one humorous comment offered by the trainer after an unsuccessful day at Newcastle. Grisedale reflects on an injury sustained when a horse reared over with him in the Kembla parade yard. Doctors misinterpreted the initial x/rays. It’s a bizarre story. He talks of the retirement that lasted only a few months. Jon talks of the move to Coffs Harbour and the stables he and Donna were able to purchase. This is a trip down memory lane with a remarkable jockey who will soon reach the age at which most riders are long retired. Thanks to ace photographer Steve Hart we’ve been able to add some wonderful photos of Jon Grisedale at the top of his game in the 1990’s. 

It’s only two and a half years since we last spoke with Jon Grisedale but much water has flowed under the bridge since, and he’s approaching a special birthday- special when you’re talking about an active jockey. He’ll be 60 on October 10th, but you’d never know it as the winners continue to flow including a couple over the recent Grafton July carnival. English born Grisedale was reluctant to do another interview so soon but I was able to talk him into it. Jon and his wife Donna remain delighted with their decision to move to Coffs Harbour in 2019. The jockey talks of a Lismore race fall soon after his arrival which was more serious than reported. He talks of the warm reception afforded him by local trainers. He established contacts by riding an enormous amount of trackwork. He’s had to regulate his track commitments to a sane level but still rides work for a handful of great local supporters. Jon says the competition on the rivers is ferocious. He compliments Ben Looker who’s approaching 120 winners for the season. The jockey looks back on Donna’s early training career at Kembla Grange and outlines the reason for their move north. Jon recalls his first meeting with Donna when both were riding work for Chris Waller at Rosehill. He talks of the decade Donna spent working for the late Jack Denham. Jon talks of Donna’s Coffs Harbour horses, and describes her strong points as a trainer. It’s not widely known that Jon emigrated from England with his family at four years of age. He recalls the ocean voyage. He talks of his apprenticeship to the late Bede Horan at Rosehill, and has nothing but praise for the respected horseman. The jockey says Horan regularly took horses to bush meetings and took his apprentice with him. Jon says he literally “cut his teeth” on the western line.  He talks of the support offered by Rosehill trainer Ray Guy who supplied his first city winner. The mare in question would become a broodmare gem. Jon looks back on the special day at a Canterbury midweeker when he rode four winners. He says the media attention was unexpected. He talks of his association with Brian Mayfield-Smith. He says he was virtually number three rider for quite some time. Jon looks back on a brief association with Marauding. He has no doubt the big colt was the best horse he’s ever ridden. He remembers a Tramway Hcp win on the genuine “bushie” Moville Peter and a Rosehill stakes win on Mount Verde. Jon talks of his love of riding in country areas and the success he enjoyed in major bush races. The veteran jockey reflects on what he calls the “lost year of his life”- a battle with a rare disease called Endocarditis or a severe infection of the inner lining of the heart. The prolonged illness cost him a kidney and twelve months away from the career he loved. Jon looks back on his association with Chris Waller soon after the NZ trainer set up shop at Rosehill.  He talks of Waller’s training methods and recalls one humorous comment offered by the trainer after an unsuccessful day at Newcastle. Grisedale reflects on an injury sustained when a horse reared over with him in the Kembla parade yard. Doctors misinterpreted the initial x/rays. It’s a bizarre story. He talks of the retirement that lasted only a few months. Jon talks of the move to Coffs Harbour and the stables he and Donna were able to purchase. This is a trip down memory lane with a remarkable jockey who will soon reach the age at which most riders are long retired. Thanks to ace photographer Steve Hart we’ve been able to add some wonderful photos of Jon Grisedale at the top of his game in the 1990’s.

Episode 431: Jon Grisedale

Michael Cahill had his first race ride on Red Affro at an obscure race meeting at Gooloogong in 1979. The horse ran second but Michael says he was beaten by pilot error. Since then he’s ridden with great skill to land a stunning total of 2600 winners in 4 jurisdictions. He’s coming up 59, and would love to ride in races until age 60. In our recent interview he talks about the style his late father Ossie helped him to develop during his apprenticeship at Cowra. Michael explains his reason for wearing two sets of goggles when riding in races. He says rides are still plentiful but the good opportunities are not what they used to be. Michael looks back on a simple fall on the Sunny Coast in December 2021 which sidelined him for seven months. Remarkably he rode a winner at Doomben on his first day back. He says he had a good run for nine months before another race fall halted his progress. This time he was back in a month. Michael takes us back to early days at Cowra NSW when he and brother Matthew were apprenticed to their father Ossie. He says their careers were carefully guided. The talented jockey has never forgotten the occasion of his first race win at Orange on Melbourne Cup day 1980. He reflects on the dedication of his mother Margaret who had the job of driving him to race meetings all over the western districts. Michael talks of his sister Kathryn who combines her day job with the training of a small team of horses. The veteran jockey pays a final tribute to his father. He recalls a win at Canterbury on a Cowra trained horse which led to an approach from a very high profile trainer. Michael looks back on the highs and lows of his short stint in Sydney. He looks back on his two and a half years as track rider and race jockey for media icon Mike Willesee based at the Transmedia Park Stud at Cootamundra. Not surprisingly Michael came under the notice of the late Richard Freyer who had attained legendary status in the Riverina. He took the job and rode 70 winners in 18 months for the Freyer stable. Tired of bitterly cold winters, Michael jumped at the opportunity to ride at the Grafton and Coffs Harbour carnivals. He says the warmer climate changed his future plans. He looks back on a surprise offer from leading Queensland trainer Bruce McLachlan. Michael says he changed direction again when Gerald Ryan offered him a plum job on the Gold Coast. The jockey talks of his marriage to former English riding instructor Maxine Harris. He looks back on his first overseas riding contract in Singapore, and pays tribute to some top NZ jockeys who were there at the same time. Michael pays tribute to the brilliant Falvelon. He has no doubt the son of Alannon was the fastest horse he’s ever ridden. Soon after his Doomben $10,000 win on Falvelon Michael accepted an offer to ride in Hong Kong. He talks of a first up win for John Moore. The jockey looks back on the circumstances that took him to Macau where he enjoyed a golden run. Michael talks of his Brisbane premiership win, and a narrow defeat in another. He talks of a Stradbroke win in 2005 for his great supporter Bevan Laming. Michael remembers wins in a Magic Millions 2YO Classic and a Winter Stakes now known as the Tatts Tiara. He remembers his nine rides on Victorian stayer Natural Blitz for trainer Doug Harrison. Michael talks of his association with NZ trainer Tony Pike which brought him a five win sequence on The Bostonian. The jockey reflects on a couple of stakes wins in Sydney, and a long list of Queensland black type wins. Michael talks of younger brother Matthew’s recent return from injury. Former jockey Shane Dye has been very vocal lately about modern day jockey safety vests. He believes there are flaws in the design and Michael agrees with him. Michael speaks fondly of daughter Amelia and son Harry who is just now showing signs of wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps. He closes with mention of his ambition to ride until age 60.

Michael Cahill had his first race ride on Red Affro at an obscure race meeting at Gooloogong in 1979. The horse ran second but Michael says he was beaten by pilot error. Since then he’s ridden with great skill to land a stunning total of 2600 winners in 4 jurisdictions. He’s coming up 59, and would love to ride in races until age 60. In our recent interview he talks about the style his late father Ossie helped him to develop during his apprenticeship at Cowra. Michael explains his reason for wearing two sets of goggles when riding in races. He says rides are still plentiful but the good opportunities are not what they used to be. Michael looks back on a simple fall on the Sunny Coast in December 2021 which sidelined him for seven months. Remarkably he rode a winner at Doomben on his first day back. He says he had a good run for nine months before another race fall halted his progress. This time he was back in a month. Michael takes us back to early days at Cowra NSW when he and brother Matthew were apprenticed to their father Ossie. He says their careers were carefully guided. The talented jockey has never forgotten the occasion of his first race win at Orange on Melbourne Cup day 1980. He reflects on the dedication of his mother Margaret who had the job of driving him to race meetings all over the western districts. Michael talks of his sister Kathryn who combines her day job with the training of a small team of horses. The veteran jockey pays a final tribute to his father. He recalls a win at Canterbury on a Cowra trained horse which led to an approach from a very high profile trainer. Michael looks back on the highs and lows of his short stint in Sydney. He looks back on his two and a half years as track rider and race jockey for media icon Mike Willesee based at the Transmedia Park Stud at Cootamundra. Not surprisingly Michael came under the notice of the late Richard Freyer who had attained legendary status in the Riverina. He took the job and rode 70 winners in 18 months for the Freyer stable. Tired of bitterly cold winters, Michael jumped at the opportunity to ride at the Grafton and Coffs Harbour carnivals. He says the warmer climate changed his future plans. He looks back on a surprise offer from leading Queensland trainer Bruce McLachlan. Michael says he changed direction again when Gerald Ryan offered him a plum job on the Gold Coast. The jockey talks of his marriage to former English riding instructor Maxine Harris. He looks back on his first overseas riding contract in Singapore, and pays tribute to some top NZ jockeys who were there at the same time. Michael pays tribute to the brilliant Falvelon. He has no doubt the son of Alannon was the fastest horse he’s ever ridden. Soon after his Doomben $10,000 win on Falvelon Michael accepted an offer to ride in Hong Kong. He talks of a first up win for John Moore. The jockey looks back on the circumstances that took him to Macau where he enjoyed a golden run. Michael talks of his Brisbane premiership win, and a narrow defeat in another. He talks of a Stradbroke win in 2005 for his great supporter Bevan Laming. Michael remembers wins in a Magic Millions 2YO Classic and a Winter Stakes now known as the Tatts Tiara. He remembers his nine rides on Victorian stayer Natural Blitz for trainer Doug Harrison. Michael talks of his association with NZ trainer Tony Pike which brought him a five win sequence on The Bostonian. The jockey reflects on a couple of stakes wins in Sydney, and a long list of Queensland black type wins. Michael talks of younger brother Matthew’s recent return from injury. Former jockey Shane Dye has been very vocal lately about modern day jockey safety vests. He believes there are flaws in the design and Michael agrees with him. Michael speaks fondly of daughter Amelia and son Harry who is just now showing signs of wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps. He closes with mention of his ambition to ride until age 60.

Episode 430: Michael Cahill

Twenty months ago Adam Campton was still working for the Hong Kong Jockey Club unsure of his next career move. He made the snap decision to return to Australia and take out a trainer’s  licence. A winner with his very first starter at Warwick set the scene for his immediate future. Since then he’s reeled off more than forty wins and is deadly serious about his future as a trainer. Adam begins by reviewing the short career of Deepour who’s won 5 from 7 since being sourced from the Inglis Digital On Line Sale.  The young trainer talks about his blueblood racing pedigree with special mention of his father Neil, a multiple Gr 1 winning jockey and successful trainer. Adam talks of his relationship with maternal grandfather, the late Les Coles rider of Even Stevens who won the Caulfield/Melbourne Cup double in 1962.  He talks of several other notable racing achievers in the immediate family. Adam takes us through the many and varied things he tried before settling on a training career. He talks of a short stint working for the Darley operation under Peter Snowden. He looks back on a lengthy involvement in the hospitality industry. He finished up as bar manager at a western Sydney pub. The thirty five year old looks back on his time with Rosehill trainer Tim Martin. Adam then moved into the on- line betting industry where he would spend four valuable years. He then talks of a very happy four years with the Hong Kong Jockey Club  looking after the interests of racehorse owners and young members. His partner Tayla Whalley accompanied him to HK. Adam explains that his decision to return to Australia happened overnight. He talks of a low key start as a trainer, and pays tribute to Lord Markel, the former Victorian horse who turned up in his Gold  Coast stable. This was the horse to give him a dream start in his new role. Adam talks of the purchase of his own stabling complex and the facilities on offer. He acknowledges the support he gets from partner Tayla Whalley, a Queensland born girl who has a great affinity with horses. The trainer talks about the regular video presentation he and Tayla compile for stable clients. He acknowledges the support of two special work riders. Adam pays a heartfelt tribute to Lord Markel, the horse he never expected to see in his stable. He talks of the heartbreaking disappointment he experienced a short time after beginning his training operation. Adam acknowledges the horses who’ve helped launch his training career. He talks of the talented Brazilian jockey who made a big impression during a short stay in Queensland.  He has nice things to say about apprentice Yvette Lewis who came to him from the Tamworth stables of Sue Grills. A little encouragement goes a long way. Adam says his Sydney based mother Trish is the unabashed leader of his fan club. The trainer talks about his brother-in-law by marriage, the champion Queensland jockey James Orman. It’s a laid back chat with a young horseman who took a while to sort out his career path. There’s no holding him now.

Twenty months ago Adam Campton was still working for the Hong Kong Jockey Club unsure of his next career move. He made the snap decision to return to Australia and take out a trainer’s  licence. A winner with his very first starter at Warwick set the scene for his immediate future. Since then he’s reeled off more than forty wins and is deadly serious about his future as a trainer. Adam begins by reviewing the short career of Deepour who’s won 5 from 7 since being sourced from the Inglis Digital On Line Sale.  The young trainer talks about his blueblood racing pedigree with special mention of his father Neil, a multiple Gr 1 winning jockey and successful trainer. Adam talks of his relationship with maternal grandfather, the late Les Coles rider of Even Stevens who won the Caulfield/Melbourne Cup double in 1962.  He talks of several other notable racing achievers in the immediate family. Adam takes us through the many and varied things he tried before settling on a training career. He talks of a short stint working for the Darley operation under Peter Snowden. He looks back on a lengthy involvement in the hospitality industry. He finished up as bar manager at a western Sydney pub. The thirty five year old looks back on his time with Rosehill trainer Tim Martin. Adam then moved into the on- line betting industry where he would spend four valuable years. He then talks of a very happy four years with the Hong Kong Jockey Club  looking after the interests of racehorse owners and young members. His partner Tayla Whalley accompanied him to HK. Adam explains that his decision to return to Australia happened overnight. He talks of a low key start as a trainer, and pays tribute to Lord Markel, the former Victorian horse who turned up in his Gold  Coast stable. This was the horse to give him a dream start in his new role. Adam talks of the purchase of his own stabling complex and the facilities on offer. He acknowledges the support he gets from partner Tayla Whalley, a Queensland born girl who has a great affinity with horses. The trainer talks about the regular video presentation he and Tayla compile for stable clients. He acknowledges the support of two special work riders. Adam pays a heartfelt tribute to Lord Markel, the horse he never expected to see in his stable. He talks of the heartbreaking disappointment he experienced a short time after beginning his training operation. Adam acknowledges the horses who’ve helped launch his training career. He talks of the talented Brazilian jockey who made a big impression during a short stay in Queensland.  He has nice things to say about apprentice Yvette Lewis who came to him from the Tamworth stables of Sue Grills. A little encouragement goes a long way. Adam says his Sydney based mother Trish is the unabashed leader of his fan club. The trainer talks about his brother-in-law by marriage, the champion Queensland jockey James Orman. It’s a laid back chat with a young horseman who took a while to sort out his career path. There’s no holding him now.

Episode 429: Adam Campton

Greg Eurell

Great to catch up with a man who’s had a more diversified background with horses than most Australian trainers. The former Olympic show jumping gun and respected horse breaker Greg Eurell turned to the training of thoroughbreds thirty years ago. Nine Gr 1 wins including a Cox Plate are testimony to his talents. Greg talks about the bustling Cranbourne training centre and the facilities available to trainers. He talks of his successful training partnership with Jim Mason. Greg talks of the availability of work riders and the time required to get 60 horses worked. He acknowledges he talents of his wife Danielle who rides daily trackwork before heading off to her day job in Melbourne- a very unlikely day job at that. Greg talks about the accessibility of his preferred race meetings. He takes us back to early days in Sydney’s Hills District and his involvement in pony club. The talented horseman is reluctant to talk about his inclusion in the Federation Equestrian team as a teenager. Greg was selected for the Australian squad bound for the Moscow Olympics in 1980. He and team mates were shattered when the Aussie equestrian team withdrew for political reasons. He says it was a long wait for the 1984 LA Games, but he made the squad again and actually took two horses of his own to the USA. One of them didn’t make it into the arena. Greg speaks with great reverence of the champion show jumper Johnny Mac, his once in a lifetime horse. He says the horse was discovered by another competitor. He looks back on Johnny Mac’s stunning success in elite company, and fondly remembers the presentation of a prized trophy by an iconic figure. Greg discusses Johnny Mac’s pedigree and his unlikely colouring. He talks of his late father’s busy Sydney plumbing firm. A qualified plumber himself, Greg decided to move away from the family business and set up shop as a horse breaker in Victoria. He finished up in keen demand and breaking horses for some high profile trainers. He talks of his modest transition into training and the horses to kick start his new career. Greg pays tribute to Princess D’Or, the talented mare he brought to Sydney to win an important stakes race at Warwick Farm. He recalls the first time he laid eyes on the spectacularly marked Apache Cat. He still can’t believe the brilliant sprinter gave him 8 Gr 1 successes. He talks of the horse’s obscure pedigree and his exceptional temperament. The trainer takes us through Apache Cat’s amazing career. The horse gave him two major scares during a 19 win career. The former Olympic competitor talks with great affection about the mare who would become Apache Cat’s successor at the elite level.  Greg remembers the nightmare that unfolded when Pinker Pinker suffered a fatal reaction to a commonly used injection. The Cranbourne trainer acknowledges a handful of special horses who flew the flag with distinction for the Eurell stable. It’s a laid back chat with a master horseman.

Great to catch up with a man who’s had a more diversified background with horses than most Australian trainers. The former Olympic show jumping gun and respected horse breaker Greg Eurell turned to the training of thoroughbreds thirty years ago. Nine Gr 1 wins including a Cox Plate are testimony to his talents. Greg talks about the bustling Cranbourne training centre and the facilities available to trainers. He talks of his successful training partnership with Jim Mason. Greg talks of the availability of work riders and the time required to get 60 horses worked. He acknowledges he talents of his wife Danielle who rides daily trackwork before heading off to her day job in Melbourne- a very unlikely day job at that. Greg talks about the accessibility of his preferred race meetings. He takes us back to early days in Sydney’s Hills District and his involvement in pony club. The talented horseman is reluctant to talk about his inclusion in the Federation Equestrian team as a teenager. Greg was selected for the Australian squad bound for the Moscow Olympics in 1980. He and team mates were shattered when the Aussie equestrian team withdrew for political reasons. He says it was a long wait for the 1984 LA Games, but he made the squad again and actually took two horses of his own to the USA. One of them didn’t make it into the arena. Greg speaks with great reverence of the champion show jumper Johnny Mac, his once in a lifetime horse. He says the horse was discovered by another competitor. He looks back on Johnny Mac’s stunning success in elite company, and fondly remembers the presentation of a prized trophy by an iconic figure. Greg discusses Johnny Mac’s pedigree and his unlikely colouring. He talks of his late father’s busy Sydney plumbing firm. A qualified plumber himself, Greg decided to move away from the family business and set up shop as a horse breaker in Victoria. He finished up in keen demand and breaking horses for some high profile trainers. He talks of his modest transition into training and the horses to kick start his new career. Greg pays tribute to Princess D’Or, the talented mare he brought to Sydney to win an important stakes race at Warwick Farm. He recalls the first time he laid eyes on the spectacularly marked Apache Cat. He still can’t believe the brilliant sprinter gave him 8 Gr 1 successes. He talks of the horse’s obscure pedigree and his exceptional temperament. The trainer takes us through Apache Cat’s amazing career. The horse gave him two major scares during a 19 win career. The former Olympic competitor talks with great affection about the mare who would become Apache Cat’s successor at the elite level.  Greg remembers the nightmare that unfolded when Pinker Pinker suffered a fatal reaction to a commonly used injection. The Cranbourne trainer acknowledges a handful of special horses who flew the flag with distinction for the Eurell stable. It’s a laid back chat with a master horseman.

Episode 428: Greg Eurell

Always nice to catch up with one of the many young hopefuls trying to establish themselves in the training ranks. The hours are long and the disappointments are many. Ballina’s Ethan Ensby has the right mix of determination and talent to make a go of an unforgiving business. Ethan begins by reviewing his recent run of success on northern tracks. He talks of the promising Maximum Vortex who came to town after two brilliant Grafton wins. Ethan says the horse wasn’t mentally equipped to handle the task. The young trainer talks of life in Ballina, and the rapport between local trainers. There’s been a recent arrival from Scone. Ethan says there is no racing in his family background other than his mother’s role as a Racing NSW swab steward. The twenty eight year old talks of his pony club days in Casino and the young local horseman he knew, who was destined to become one of Australia’s elite jockeys. Ethan reflects on his early experience as a trackwork rider and the trainers with whom he was associated. He looks back on the many ways in which he was able to generate an income from the local racing industry. Ethan talks of the legacy left by his late great grandmother which enabled him to get on his feet as a trainer. He talks about the first racehorse he ever owned. The gelding won his first race at Casino in the care of another trainer, but it wasn’t long before Ethan produced him to win on the Gold Coast. A heavy track dimmed the young trainer’s confidence. Ethan remembers with affection the horse he thought would provide his first city win. After a sequence of country wins Ethan brought Vitervo Star to Rosehill with very high hopes. The story had a sad ending. He talks of his stabling situation at Ballina and the facilities available to local trainers. Ethan remembers his early association with the young NZ girl destined to become his partner.  He talks of Jade’s family connection to a famous NZ trotting dynasty, and to her talents as a trackwork rider. Ethan acknowledges the happy association he’s had with Japanese born jockey Noriyuki Masuda, who’s ridden more winners for the Ensby stable than any other jockey. He pays tribute to northern rivers veteran Peter Graham whose daughter Cejay is one of his “go to” jockeys. Like many smaller stables, Ensby Racing utilises the resources of the bi-monthly Inglis Digital Online Sale. He’s had some excellent results, and highlights some recent acquisitions. Ethan leaves no doubt he’s in the training business for the long haul.

Always nice to catch up with one of the many young hopefuls trying to establish themselves in the training ranks. The hours are long and the disappointments are many. Ballina’s Ethan Ensby has the right mix of determination and talent to make a go of an unforgiving business. Ethan begins by reviewing his recent run of success on northern tracks. He talks of the promising Maximum Vortex who came to town after two brilliant Grafton wins. Ethan says the horse wasn’t mentally equipped to handle the task. The young trainer talks of life in Ballina, and the rapport between local trainers. There’s been a recent arrival from Scone. Ethan says there is no racing in his family background other than his mother’s role as a Racing NSW swab steward. The twenty eight year old talks of his pony club days in Casino and the young local horseman he knew, who was destined to become one of Australia’s elite jockeys. Ethan reflects on his early experience as a trackwork rider and the trainers with whom he was associated. He looks back on the many ways in which he was able to generate an income from the local racing industry. Ethan talks of the legacy left by his late great grandmother which enabled him to get on his feet as a trainer. He talks about the first racehorse he ever owned. The gelding won his first race at Casino in the care of another trainer, but it wasn’t long before Ethan produced him to win on the Gold Coast. A heavy track dimmed the young trainer’s confidence. Ethan remembers with affection the horse he thought would provide his first city win. After a sequence of country wins Ethan brought Vitervo Star to Rosehill with very high hopes. The story had a sad ending. He talks of his stabling situation at Ballina and the facilities available to local trainers. Ethan remembers his early association with the young NZ girl destined to become his partner.  He talks of Jade’s family connection to a famous NZ trotting dynasty, and to her talents as a trackwork rider. Ethan acknowledges the happy association he’s had with Japanese born jockey Noriyuki Masuda, who’s ridden more winners for the Ensby stable than any other jockey. He pays tribute to northern rivers veteran Peter Graham whose daughter Cejay is one of his “go to” jockeys. Like many smaller stables, Ensby Racing utilises the resources of the bi-monthly Inglis Digital Online Sale. He’s had some excellent results, and highlights some recent acquisitions. Ethan leaves no doubt he’s in the training business for the long haul.

Episode 427: Ethan Ensby

Great to catch up with a highly qualified lady who couldn’t imagine a life without horses. Despite holding a Bachelor Of Arts and a Degree in Accountancy, Natalie Jarvis opted for a career as a horse trainer. Natalie and husband Luke are currently running a successful training operation at the beautiful South Coast hamlet of Moruya. She talks about Thorotek Racing’s headquarters. Natalie says she likes to keep all horses in an outside environment. She talks about the grass track facilities, beach and river swimming availability and the peaceful bushland riding trails. The trainer acknowledges husband Luke’s role in the operation. She’ll long remember the thrill of producing four winners on Moruya Cup day with 130 stable clients in attendance. Natalie takes us back to childhood days at Terrey Hills where she and sister Stephanie were riding horses from an early age. She talks of her parents who had little interest in horses as their daughters were growing up. Today they’re keen followers of Natalie’s horses. Natalie looks back on her two stints at Sydney’s Macquarie University. She remembers her two years in the Racing NSW Finance Dept. Natalie recalls her visit to an open day at the Hawkesbury TAFE equine management school and the good advice she received. She was directed to Muskoka Farm at Gunderman  where her education with thoroughbreds began. She remembers a learning stint at the Hawkesbury Valley stables of trainer Warwick Hailes. Natalie fondly recalls the experience gained at the Ingham’s Belmont Park spelling and pre-training farm at North Richmond. During this time she met her future husband. She looks back on the horses who got her training career under way. Natalie talks of her regular use of the Inglis Digital platform and the handy horses she’s been able to source. The trainer explains that she and Luke are prepared to travel to distant meetings within a five hour time frame. Natalie acknowledges the jockeys with whom she’s enjoyed successful associations. She’s still riding the lion’s share of trackwork herself. Had racing not gotten in the way, this lady would probably be running a busy accountancy firm by now. Like so many before her, Natalie Jarvis is totally “hooked” on racing.

Great to catch up with a highly qualified lady who couldn’t imagine a life without horses. Despite holding a Bachelor Of Arts and a Degree in Accountancy, Natalie Jarvis opted for a career as a horse trainer. Natalie and husband Luke are currently running a successful training operation at the beautiful South Coast hamlet of Moruya. She talks about Thorotek Racing’s headquarters. Natalie says she likes to keep all horses in an outside environment. She talks about the grass track facilities, beach and river swimming availability and the peaceful bushland riding trails. The trainer acknowledges husband Luke’s role in the operation. She’ll long remember the thrill of producing four winners on Moruya Cup day with 130 stable clients in attendance. Natalie takes us back to childhood days at Terrey Hills where she and sister Stephanie were riding horses from an early age. She talks of her parents who had little interest in horses as their daughters were growing up. Today they’re keen followers of Natalie’s horses. Natalie looks back on her two stints at Sydney’s Macquarie University. She remembers her two years in the Racing NSW Finance Dept. Natalie recalls her visit to an open day at the Hawkesbury TAFE equine management school and the good advice she received. She was directed to Muskoka Farm at Gunderman  where her education with thoroughbreds began. She remembers a learning stint at the Hawkesbury Valley stables of trainer Warwick Hailes. Natalie fondly recalls the experience gained at the Ingham’s Belmont Park spelling and pre-training farm at North Richmond. During this time she met her future husband. She looks back on the horses who got her training career under way. Natalie talks of her regular use of the Inglis Digital platform and the handy horses she’s been able to source. The trainer explains that she and Luke are prepared to travel to distant meetings within a five hour time frame. Natalie acknowledges the jockeys with whom she’s enjoyed successful associations. She’s still riding the lion’s share of trackwork herself. Had racing not gotten in the way, this lady would probably be running a busy accountancy firm by now. Like so many before her, Natalie Jarvis is totally “hooked” on racing.

Episode 426: Natalie Jarvis

The popular north coast jockey knew something was wrong the moment she hit the ground in the early part of a Port Macquarie track gallop in April. She’d been back in the saddle for just three weeks following a lengthy break for the birth of her first baby. Belinda says she’s making good progress seven weeks after the spill. Belinda expresses her appreciation for the skills of her orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Cree. She says the horse she was riding in the track gallop was the quietest in the stable. Belinda outlines the cause of the fall, and her decision to remain completely still. The jockey talks of her first few rides back following extended “maternity leave”. Belinda says she’d been riding work for Port Macquarie trainer Paul Shailer for many weeks before taking race rides. She shares the remarkable story of her birth in Kempsey in the early 1990’s. Her arrival caught everyone by surprise. Belinda talks of her early life in Perth and a move back to Kempsey in 2002. When she made the decision to become a jockey, her mother Julie took out a trainer’s licence simply to apprentice her daughter. She recalls her first race ride and her first win at Taree on Melbourne Cup day 2008. The jockey remembers the ill judged ride on one of her mother’s horses that triggered the transfer of her indentures to another trainer. Belinda reflects on time spent with trainers Gordon Yorke, Ross Stitt, Marc Quinn and latterly with John Morrisey on the Gold Coast. This recent fall isn’t her first. She looks back on the time when she spent twenty months on the sidelines in a four year period. Belinda says her mother Julie is now out of racing and running a business in Grafton. She talks of other family members. She looks back on two wonderful seasons which brought her a total of 115 NSW winners. Belinda remembers some of her best country wins and acknowledges the support of one particular northern trainer. The talented jockey pays tribute to the veteran northern jockey who became a valued early tutor. She says he hasn’t had the good fortune to ride a top class horse, but makes mention of a few talented “bushies”. Belinda speaks of fiance Drew Smith, a former north coast Chairman of Stewards and currently the manager of several prominent jockeys and one leading northern rivers trainer. She says she won’t even contemplate her likely future until her recovery is complete. This is an interesting chat with one of the best of a strong group of female jockeys in northern NSW.

The popular north coast jockey knew something was wrong the moment she hit the ground in the early part of a Port Macquarie track gallop in April. She’d been back in the saddle for just three weeks following a lengthy break for the birth of her first baby. Belinda says she’s making good progress seven weeks after the spill. Belinda expresses her appreciation for the skills of her orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Cree. She says the horse she was riding in the track gallop was the quietest in the stable. Belinda outlines the cause of the fall, and her decision to remain completely still. The jockey talks of her first few rides back following extended “maternity leave”. Belinda says she’d been riding work for Port Macquarie trainer Paul Shailer for many weeks before taking race rides. She shares the remarkable story of her birth in Kempsey in the early 1990’s. Her arrival caught everyone by surprise. Belinda talks of her early life in Perth and a move back to Kempsey in 2002. When she made the decision to become a jockey, her mother Julie took out a trainer’s licence simply to apprentice her daughter. She recalls her first race ride and her first win at Taree on Melbourne Cup day 2008. The jockey remembers the ill judged ride on one of her mother’s horses that triggered the transfer of her indentures to another trainer. Belinda reflects on time spent with trainers Gordon Yorke, Ross Stitt, Marc Quinn and latterly with John Morrisey on the Gold Coast. This recent fall isn’t her first. She looks back on the time when she spent twenty months on the sidelines in a four year period. Belinda says her mother Julie is now out of racing and running a business in Grafton. She talks of other family members. She looks back on two wonderful seasons which brought her a total of 115 NSW winners. Belinda remembers some of her best country wins and acknowledges the support of one particular northern trainer. The talented jockey pays tribute to the veteran northern jockey who became a valued early tutor. She says he hasn’t had the good fortune to ride a top class horse, but makes mention of a few talented “bushies”. Belinda speaks of fiance Drew Smith, a former north coast Chairman of Stewards and currently the manager of several prominent jockeys and one leading northern rivers trainer. She says she won’t even contemplate her likely future until her recovery is complete. This is an interesting chat with one of the best of a strong group of female jockeys in northern NSW.

Episode 425: Belinda Hodder

Todd Smart

Great to catch up with an ever enthusiastic Todd Smart who’s based at Canberra’s Thoroughbred Park with his fifteen horse team. A welder by trade, Todd graduated from bull riding to thoroughbreds when he sustained a serious shoulder injury. He’s sure it was meant to happen. He talks of early mornings in the bleak Canberra winters. Todd says he began his training career at Wagga but was talked into a move to Canberra by a fellow trainer. He talks of his early life in Gundagai and early education on his favourite pony. Todd pays tribute to the local trainer who taught him the basics of horse management.  He remembers his reluctance to join the family butchering business, and the completion of his welding apprenticeship. Todd looks back on an unlikely connection with bull riding and his relocation to Canada in quest of big prize money. He doesn’t remember a lot about his major accident. The trainer talks of his return home for surgery, and a subsequent trip to London with a group of mates. This is where he deployed his welding talents. Smart hasn’t forgotten the phone call to Randwick trainer John O’Shea which would set him on the path to a life in racing. He talks of his introduction to riding trackwork, and fondly recalls a couple of special horses on the O’Shea team. Todd remembers a move to Melbourne and a job with a leading trainer which lasted only four days. He remembers the chance phone call to a Melbourne based friend who told him of a job opportunity destined to change his life.  Todd regards himself as extremely lucky to have known and worked with the recently retired Colin Little. You’ll enjoy the Canberra horseman’s reminiscences about his time at the unique Macedon Lodge training operation. Todd remembers Macedon for another special reason. One night at the Macedon pub he met the remarkable lady who would become his wife and the mother of his son Harry. Todd and Jayann are a great combination. When it was time to launch his own training career, he was fortunate to acquire boxes at the Wagga racecourse. He knew the going would be tough but was in for a major shock. He was close to quitting before he started. He pays tribute to the former John O’Shea galloper who got him up and running. Todd speaks of the history behind the acquisition of his dazzling stable colours. The dedicated horseman runs through some of the talented horses who’ve helped him along in recent years with special acknowledgement of Love Shuck who recently provided his career highlight at Scone. Todd speaks of a promising unraced horse he has in the stable currently. Might be one for the punters to watch. It was nice to catch up with the trainer once described by Colin Little as a “gun horseman”.

Great to catch up with an ever enthusiastic Todd Smart who’s based at Canberra’s Thoroughbred Park with his fifteen horse team. A welder by trade, Todd graduated from bull riding to thoroughbreds when he sustained a serious shoulder injury. He’s sure it was meant to happen. He talks of early mornings in the bleak Canberra winters. Todd says he began his training career at Wagga but was talked into a move to Canberra by a fellow trainer. He talks of his early life in Gundagai and early education on his favourite pony. Todd pays tribute to the local trainer who taught him the basics of horse management.  He remembers his reluctance to join the family butchering business, and the completion of his welding apprenticeship. Todd looks back on an unlikely connection with bull riding and his relocation to Canada in quest of big prize money. He doesn’t remember a lot about his major accident. The trainer talks of his return home for surgery, and a subsequent trip to London with a group of mates. This is where he deployed his welding talents. Smart hasn’t forgotten the phone call to Randwick trainer John O’Shea which would set him on the path to a life in racing. He talks of his introduction to riding trackwork, and fondly recalls a couple of special horses on the O’Shea team. Todd remembers a move to Melbourne and a job with a leading trainer which lasted only four days. He remembers the chance phone call to a Melbourne based friend who told him of a job opportunity destined to change his life.  Todd regards himself as extremely lucky to have known and worked with the recently retired Colin Little. You’ll enjoy the Canberra horseman’s reminiscences about his time at the unique Macedon Lodge training operation. Todd remembers Macedon for another special reason. One night at the Macedon pub he met the remarkable lady who would become his wife and the mother of his son Harry. Todd and Jayann are a great combination. When it was time to launch his own training career, he was fortunate to acquire boxes at the Wagga racecourse. He knew the going would be tough but was in for a major shock. He was close to quitting before he started. He pays tribute to the former John O’Shea galloper who got him up and running. Todd speaks of the history behind the acquisition of his dazzling stable colours. The dedicated horseman runs through some of the talented horses who’ve helped him along in recent years with special acknowledgement of Love Shuck who recently provided his career highlight at Scone. Todd speaks of a promising unraced horse he has in the stable currently. Might be one for the punters to watch. It was nice to catch up with the trainer once described by Colin Little as a “gun horseman”.

Episode 424: Todd Smart

Steve Vardy

In a way it’s a pity this podcast was recorded ten days before Crafty Eagle’s brilliant win in Saturday’s Midway. I’m sure syndicator Steve Vardy would have been very excited by the dominance of the win. Steve worked for some years as a plumber and car detailer before biting the bullet and acquiring his syndicator’s licence as recently as 2020. Steve begins by revisiting the magical morning at Warwick Farm trackwork when he fell in love with thoroughbreds. He talks about his years in the trades, and the nagging desire to do something in the racing industry. Steve recalls his very first venture into horse ownership- a small share in a horse called King Lear who was destined to win seven races. His admiration for King Lear led him to the purchase of a half brother. He syndicated the youngster among friends and associates and had the thrill of seeing him win at Port Macquarie for trainer Kristen Buchanan. He talks of another Port Macquarie win provided by Kristen, who’s one of Vardy Thoroughbreds’ regular trainers. Steve fondly recalls his very first serious appearance at the Inglis Classic Sale where he bought a Star Turn filly for $50,000. She’s already a two time winner and very promising. He looks back on the whole exciting experience, and acknowledges Marc Quinn’s involvement in the syndication of the filly. Steve looks back on the acquisition of Crafty Eagle at the Inglis Ready To Race Sale. He summarises  the promising gelding’s career so far. He talks of the progress made by a filly called Hellbent On You who’s been showing great promise at the trials for trainer John Thompson. Steve talks of other young horses he currently has in work with his “go to” trainers- John Thompson, Kristen Buchanan, Marc Quinn and Brad Widdup. He acknowledges the support of business partner Gavin Clugston who’s actively involved in the operation of Vardy Thoroughbreds. Steve pays a heartfelt tribute to his wife Louise and their young family. He makes special mention of Brook and Matt, elder children from his previous marriage. The syndicator issues an invitation for interested parties to join him on Sunday June 4th at Hanover Lodge Wilberforce, where five yearlings will be paraded.  Steve expresses the intention of his company to find a suitable home for horses when their racing careers are over. He acknowledges the support he receives from Paringa Stud at Gresford. Steve endorses the work of syndication companies who endeavour to make ownership a reality for the smaller players, in a very expensive business. It’s a laid back chat with a man who knew what he wanted in life, the  moment he saw track workers emerge from the fog at Warwick Farm more than four decades ago. 

In a way it’s a pity this podcast was recorded ten days before Crafty Eagle’s brilliant win in Saturday’s Midway. I’m sure syndicator Steve Vardy would have been very excited by the dominance of the win. Steve worked for some years as a plumber and car detailer before biting the bullet and acquiring his syndicator’s licence as recently as 2020. Steve begins by revisiting the magical morning at Warwick Farm trackwork when he fell in love with thoroughbreds. He talks about his years in the trades, and the nagging desire to do something in the racing industry. Steve recalls his very first venture into horse ownership- a small share in a horse called King Lear who was destined to win seven races. His admiration for King Lear led him to the purchase of a half brother. He syndicated the youngster among friends and associates and had the thrill of seeing him win at Port Macquarie for trainer Kristen Buchanan. He talks of another Port Macquarie win provided by Kristen, who’s one of Vardy Thoroughbreds’ regular trainers. Steve fondly recalls his very first serious appearance at the Inglis Classic Sale where he bought a Star Turn filly for $50,000. She’s already a two time winner and very promising. He looks back on the whole exciting experience, and acknowledges Marc Quinn’s involvement in the syndication of the filly. Steve looks back on the acquisition of Crafty Eagle at the Inglis Ready To Race Sale. He summarises  the promising gelding’s career so far. He talks of the progress made by a filly called Hellbent On You who’s been showing great promise at the trials for trainer John Thompson. Steve talks of other young horses he currently has in work with his “go to” trainers- John Thompson, Kristen Buchanan, Marc Quinn and Brad Widdup. He acknowledges the support of business partner Gavin Clugston who’s actively involved in the operation of Vardy Thoroughbreds. Steve pays a heartfelt tribute to his wife Louise and their young family. He makes special mention of Brook and Matt, elder children from his previous marriage. The syndicator issues an invitation for interested parties to join him on Sunday June 4th at Hanover Lodge Wilberforce, where five yearlings will be paraded.  Steve expresses the intention of his company to find a suitable home for horses when their racing careers are over. He acknowledges the support he receives from Paringa Stud at Gresford. Steve endorses the work of syndication companies who endeavour to make ownership a reality for the smaller players, in a very expensive business. It’s a laid back chat with a man who knew what he wanted in life, the  moment he saw track workers emerge from the fog at Warwick Farm more than four decades ago.

Episode 423: Steve Vardy

John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.

Craig Rixon was one of those jockeys who flew under the radar for most of his twenty year career. He concentrated largely on provincial and country tracks, but lacked nothing against the top riders whenever he came to town. He quit the saddle in 2006 and immediately joined the ranks of jockey agents. He took to his new career with ease. Craig talks about some of the jockeys he’s managed in recent years.  He makes special mention of talented apprentice Anna Roper who was making headlines before she suffered a complicated knee injury last November. Craig speaks highly of Donovan Yeo, a former South African jockey who’s getting close to making his Australian debut.  He says he was very small when he began his apprenticeship with Kevin Wallis at Hawkesbury. Craig had more than the required number of barrier trial rides before applying for his ticket to ride in races. He was shattered when he got a refusal at the first attempt. He looks back on his first race ride at Newcastle. Craig talks of the ten year old boy who helped him with his riding gear in the jockey’s room. His first winner came at his 17th race ride in 1984. He has a photograph on the wall at home. It’s the only racing photo he displays. Craig has never forgotten his first city win on a horse trained by the remarkable Betty Lane- the first female trainer to be licensed by the AJC. He recalls the transfer of his indentures to Rosehill trainer Ted Stanton. Craig looks back on the wonderful support he received from Stanton. He remembers some of his winners for the stable and the tuition he received from veteran jockey Cliff Clare. Rixon talks of the WA filly Ted Stanton looked after during a Sydney preparation. He handled her in all of her trackwork and is adamant she’s the best horse he ever rode. He remembers the part he played in a Randwick win on a Stanton trained horse which landed a huge plunge.  The former jockey talks about his rewarding association with astute Hawkesbury trainer Jack Jury. Together they won a string of races with the precocious two year old Dapper Magic in the early 90’s. He recalls winning rides on other Jury trained horses.  Craig talks of the support he received from high profile trainers during his years at Rosehill. He makes special mention of Barry Lockwood. He looks back on two winning quintets on country tracks. Craig talks of his “sea change” in 2003. He actually built a house at Port Macquarie and spent three happy years riding on the North Coast. He won many races including a string of country Cups. Nowadays Craig not only manages a handful of jockeys from his Newcastle office, but actually supplies form analysis to fellow jockey managers. He concludes with one special memory from a Rosehill meeting over twenty years ago. He got a handshake and a greeting from the man who held the highest office in the land. He was stunned. It’s a laid back chat with the man they call “Cricket”.

Craig Rixon was one of those jockeys who flew under the radar for most of his twenty year career. He concentrated largely on provincial and country tracks, but lacked nothing against the top riders whenever he came to town. He quit the saddle in 2006 and immediately joined the ranks of jockey agents. He took to his new career with ease. Craig talks about some of the jockeys he’s managed in recent years.  He makes special mention of talented apprentice Anna Roper who was making headlines before she suffered a complicated knee injury last November. Craig speaks highly of Donovan Yeo, a former South African jockey who’s getting close to making his Australian debut.  He says he was very small when he began his apprenticeship with Kevin Wallis at Hawkesbury. Craig had more than the required number of barrier trial rides before applying for his ticket to ride in races. He was shattered when he got a refusal at the first attempt. He looks back on his first race ride at Newcastle. Craig talks of the ten year old boy who helped him with his riding gear in the jockey’s room. His first winner came at his 17th race ride in 1984. He has a photograph on the wall at home. It’s the only racing photo he displays. Craig has never forgotten his first city win on a horse trained by the remarkable Betty Lane- the first female trainer to be licensed by the AJC. He recalls the transfer of his indentures to Rosehill trainer Ted Stanton. Craig looks back on the wonderful support he received from Stanton. He remembers some of his winners for the stable and the tuition he received from veteran jockey Cliff Clare. Rixon talks of the WA filly Ted Stanton looked after during a Sydney preparation. He handled her in all of her trackwork and is adamant she’s the best horse he ever rode. He remembers the part he played in a Randwick win on a Stanton trained horse which landed a huge plunge.  The former jockey talks about his rewarding association with astute Hawkesbury trainer Jack Jury. Together they won a string of races with the precocious two year old Dapper Magic in the early 90’s. He recalls winning rides on other Jury trained horses.  Craig talks of the support he received from high profile trainers during his years at Rosehill. He makes special mention of Barry Lockwood. He looks back on two winning quintets on country tracks. Craig talks of his “sea change” in 2003. He actually built a house at Port Macquarie and spent three happy years riding on the North Coast. He won many races including a string of country Cups. Nowadays Craig not only manages a handful of jockeys from his Newcastle office, but actually supplies form analysis to fellow jockey managers. He concludes with one special memory from a Rosehill meeting over twenty years ago. He got a handshake and a greeting from the man who held the highest office in the land. He was stunned. It’s a laid back chat with the man they call “Cricket”.

Episode 422: Craig Rixon

Tracey is still punishing himself over a momentary lapse of concentration which could have cost him his life. The former jockey and multiple Gr 1 winning trainer committed the sin many horse people are guilty of when trying to cut corners. He got in the way of a cranky mare whose double barrelled kick missed another horse and connected with him. Eight weeks and five operations later Tracey is relieved to be back at work and making a good recovery. He’s the first to admit the accident shouldn’t have happened. Tracey says he learned what pain was all about in his riding days, and when he suffered a serious medical issue in 2006. He says the pain resulting from his recent accident was the worst he’s ever experienced. He shudders to think of the likely outcome had his wife not come to the rescue.  Tracey looks back on his tiny stature when he first became  apprenticed to the late Frank Penfold. He says he weighed 36 kgs when he rode his first winner. He says he wasn’t the first jockey in the family. Tracey pays a heartfelt tribute to the man who taught him the fundamentals of horse management. He now realises that he couldn’t have been with a better teacher. He says another Rosehill trainer provided his very first winner. The respected horseman looks back on his first metropolitan win on the Penfold trained Folkestone Bay. He says he was merely a passenger on the giant gelding. Tracey hasn’t forgotten the publicity sparked by the win and clearly remembers a Channel 9 News Story the following day. He talks of the transfer of his indentures to Kerry Walker when Frank Penfold relocated to Queensland. The Wyong trainer says the Walker trained Dinky Flyer was the best horse he’s ridden. He also won a race for Tommy Smith on Dinky Flyer’s full brother Rajahmah. He looks back on half a dozen rides on the notable stayer Lord Hybrow which included a win in the listed Stayer’s Cup at Rosehill. Tracey reflects on the thrill of riding two high profile horses in trackwork. He talks of the Narromine race fall that brought his riding career to an abrupt halt. His injury list was horrendous. Tracey says he was 42 and just beginning to gather momentum as a trainer, when stopped in his tracks by a cancer diagnosis. He won the battle and was enjoying good health until his recent setback. He says 2006 was a year of fluctuating fortunes. He was barely getting his life back on track after the cancer scare, when his once in a lifetime horse walked into his stables. Tracey fondly remembers the early career of Snipers Bullet and the gelding’s thrilling Stradbroke win as a three year old. He looks back on the remainder of the horse’s stellar career which featured two more Gr 1 victories. Bartley speaks highly of Slick Sniper with whom he won 13 races and posted 14 placings. He was Sniper’s Bullet’s full brother. With the two day Scone Carnival just over, Tracey recalls his trilogy of black type wins in 2018.  He looks back on the career of talented mare In Good Time whose best days came after a horror accident in the Wyong equine swimming pool. Tracey presents an insight into the career of Kiss Sum, winner of the inaugural Four Pillars in 2021. He’s looking forward to the gelding’s next preparation. The trainer brings us up to date with the progress of his brilliant apprentice Anna Roper who’s been on the sidelines since November with a complicated knee injury. It’s a laid back chat with a first class horseman and a first class bloke.

Tracey is still punishing himself over a momentary lapse of concentration which could have cost him his life. The former jockey and multiple Gr 1 winning trainer committed the sin many horse people are guilty of when trying to cut corners. He got in the way of a cranky mare whose double barrelled kick missed another horse and connected with him. Eight weeks and five operations later Tracey is relieved to be back at work and making a good recovery. He’s the first to admit the accident shouldn’t have happened. Tracey says he learned what pain was all about in his riding days, and when he suffered a serious medical issue in 2006. He says the pain resulting from his recent accident was the worst he’s ever experienced. He shudders to think of the likely outcome had his wife not come to the rescue.  Tracey looks back on his tiny stature when he first became  apprenticed to the late Frank Penfold. He says he weighed 36 kgs when he rode his first winner. He says he wasn’t the first jockey in the family. Tracey pays a heartfelt tribute to the man who taught him the fundamentals of horse management. He now realises that he couldn’t have been with a better teacher. He says another Rosehill trainer provided his very first winner. The respected horseman looks back on his first metropolitan win on the Penfold trained Folkestone Bay. He says he was merely a passenger on the giant gelding. Tracey hasn’t forgotten the publicity sparked by the win and clearly remembers a Channel 9 News Story the following day. He talks of the transfer of his indentures to Kerry Walker when Frank Penfold relocated to Queensland. The Wyong trainer says the Walker trained Dinky Flyer was the best horse he’s ridden. He also won a race for Tommy Smith on Dinky Flyer’s full brother Rajahmah. He looks back on half a dozen rides on the notable stayer Lord Hybrow which included a win in the listed Stayer’s Cup at Rosehill. Tracey reflects on the thrill of riding two high profile horses in trackwork. He talks of the Narromine race fall that brought his riding career to an abrupt halt. His injury list was horrendous. Tracey says he was 42 and just beginning to gather momentum as a trainer, when stopped in his tracks by a cancer diagnosis. He won the battle and was enjoying good health until his recent setback. He says 2006 was a year of fluctuating fortunes. He was barely getting his life back on track after the cancer scare, when his once in a lifetime horse walked into his stables. Tracey fondly remembers the early career of Snipers Bullet and the gelding’s thrilling Stradbroke win as a three year old. He looks back on the remainder of the horse’s stellar career which featured two more Gr 1 victories. Bartley speaks highly of Slick Sniper with whom he won 13 races and posted 14 placings. He was Sniper’s Bullet’s full brother. With the two day Scone Carnival just over, Tracey recalls his trilogy of black type wins in 2018.  He looks back on the career of talented mare In Good Time whose best days came after a horror accident in the Wyong equine swimming pool. Tracey presents an insight into the career of Kiss Sum, winner of the inaugural Four Pillars in 2021. He’s looking forward to the gelding’s next preparation. The trainer brings us up to date with the progress of his brilliant apprentice Anna Roper who’s been on the sidelines since November with a complicated knee injury. It’s a laid back chat with a first class horseman and a first class bloke.

Episode 421: Tracey Bartley

Great to catch up with a lady who’s more than making up for her late start in racing. Connie dabbled with show horses during the decade in which she worked as Bakery Manager at Woolworths Emu Plains. She later gained a job with a Hawkesbury thoroughbred trainer and her life changed dramatically. Connie talks about her frantically busy lifestyle at Dubbo. She explains that she and business partner Michelle Jones own most of the horses in the stable. The trainer says she rides many of her horses in trackwork but is ably assisted by jockey Ken Dunbar. Connie talks of her commitment to keeping her horses outdoors. She talks of recent wins at professional race meetings in the west. Connie explains her move to the picnic circuit and comes up with some interesting statistics. She acknowledges the welcome increase in amateur prize money in recent years. She talks of the one anomaly confronting picnic racing- a worrying shortage of jockeys. Connie acknowledges the successful partnership she’s formed with Brazilian born Liandro Ribeiro who’s in huge demand on the picnic circuit. She talks of Liandro’s full time job with Sydney trainer Gary Portelli. The trainer acknowledges the talents of Ribeiro’s partner, fellow jockey Julia Presits. Connie talks of her exciting win in last year’s Picnic Championship Final on her home track at Dubbo. She makes special mention of Sally Faulks who only recently joined the ranks of picnic jockeys. Sally rode her first winner at Tullibigeal in March, and made it a double later in the day. Connie says she enjoys the relaxed atmosphere of picnic racing and talks of one venue where all participants are treated to a sumptuous feast. She talks of her trusty Mercedes truck and the long hours she spends on the road. Horse loving Connie looks back on her job at the Hawkesbury Valley stables of David Keegan and her scary introduction to trackwork. She recalls with affection her association with 8 time Gr 1 winner Apache Cat. Simply by being in the right place at the right time she got to ride him trackwork on his first Sydney campaign. She later accompanied the legendary sprinter to Brisbane. Connie talks of the $1000 mare who launched her solo training career. That mare was called Lay Down Sally for very good reason. She says she combined racehorse training with the pre-training of young horses for trainers like Graeme Begg and Gerald Ryan during the Hawkesbury years. Connie endorses the Inglis Digital On Line Sale which has brought her some surprise results. She speaks with great affection about an evergreen member of the team who races under the curious name of Billy Bent Ear. The trainer makes no apology to the western race callers who have to work hard to cope with multiple runners in her spectacular yellow and purple stable colours. Connie talks of the talented galloper Deel Street and the brilliant apprentice Anna Roper who will resume shortly from injury. Anna rides regularly for the Greig stable.

Great to catch up with a lady who’s more than making up for her late start in racing. Connie dabbled with show horses during the decade in which she worked as Bakery Manager at Woolworths Emu Plains. She later gained a job with a Hawkesbury thoroughbred trainer and her life changed dramatically. Connie talks about her frantically busy lifestyle at Dubbo. She explains that she and business partner Michelle Jones own most of the horses in the stable. The trainer says she rides many of her horses in trackwork but is ably assisted by jockey Ken Dunbar. Connie talks of her commitment to keeping her horses outdoors. She talks of recent wins at professional race meetings in the west. Connie explains her move to the picnic circuit and comes up with some interesting statistics. She acknowledges the welcome increase in amateur prize money in recent years. She talks of the one anomaly confronting picnic racing- a worrying shortage of jockeys. Connie acknowledges the successful partnership she’s formed with Brazilian born Liandro Ribeiro who’s in huge demand on the picnic circuit. She talks of Liandro’s full time job with Sydney trainer Gary Portelli. The trainer acknowledges the talents of Ribeiro’s partner, fellow jockey Julia Presits. Connie talks of her exciting win in last year’s Picnic Championship Final on her home track at Dubbo. She makes special mention of Sally Faulks who only recently joined the ranks of picnic jockeys. Sally rode her first winner at Tullibigeal in March, and made it a double later in the day. Connie says she enjoys the relaxed atmosphere of picnic racing and talks of one venue where all participants are treated to a sumptuous feast. She talks of her trusty Mercedes truck and the long hours she spends on the road. Horse loving Connie looks back on her job at the Hawkesbury Valley stables of David Keegan and her scary introduction to trackwork. She recalls with affection her association with 8 time Gr 1 winner Apache Cat. Simply by being in the right place at the right time she got to ride him trackwork on his first Sydney campaign. She later accompanied the legendary sprinter to Brisbane. Connie talks of the $1000 mare who launched her solo training career. That mare was called Lay Down Sally for very good reason. She says she combined racehorse training with the pre-training of young horses for trainers like Graeme Begg and Gerald Ryan during the Hawkesbury years. Connie endorses the Inglis Digital On Line Sale which has brought her some surprise results. She speaks with great affection about an evergreen member of the team who races under the curious name of Billy Bent Ear. The trainer makes no apology to the western race callers who have to work hard to cope with multiple runners in her spectacular yellow and purple stable colours. Connie talks of the talented galloper Deel Street and the brilliant apprentice Anna Roper who will resume shortly from injury. Anna rides regularly for the Greig stable.

Episode 420: Connie Greig

This is an interesting chat with a 43 year old from Foxton on New Zealand’s north island who’s been around thoroughbreds all his life. He started life as an apprentice jockey under the tutelage of Kevin Gray, a man who could be likened to the late Theo Green as a master tutor of apprentices. Paul begins by talking about his good fortune in securing boxes at Port Macquarie racecourse where his solo training career began eighteen months ago. He talks of his current team and the availability of beach facilities at the popular north coast location. Paul says nowhere is too far to travel if the right horse comes along. The former jockey is counting the minutes to the arrival of the twin sons he and partner Michelle are expecting.  He looks back on the barrier trial he contested as a thirteen year old in NZ. Paul has always thanked his lucky stars that he gained a start with the legendary horseman Kevin Gray. he remembers Gray’s private training property at Patea near Waverley in the Taranaki district. He talks of the wonderful filly Gray brought to Australia to win the Oaks at Randwick in 2009. He says his old boss is still training in his mid 80’s. Paul looks back on his brief professional riding career on the flat, and a fleeting experiment over the jumps. He talks of Chris Waller’s early education with renowned trainer Paddy Busuttin at Foxton. Paul recalls Waller’s successful stint in Sydney with a mare called Party Belle. He confirms that he and Stephanie Waller are first cousins. He recalls a four year stint as a work rider for Chris Waller at Rosehill, which led him to later roles as foreman and assistant trainer.  The Port Macquarie trainer looks back on his return to NZ and a successful training partnership with his brother Kris. Paul talks of the surprise invitation he received from Chris Waller to supervise the operation of a new Gold Coast stable. He talks of a few special horses he got to look after during his time on the Gold Coast. Paul talks openly about his much publicised split with Chris Waller following media reports about a staff party which took place after Shaqero’s Magic Millions win. He says he felt obliged to resign in the wake of ongoing media attention. Paul acknowledges the support of some high profile Queensland owners who rallied to get him started as a trainer in his own right. He talks of the time required to get a commercial training venture on its feet. Paul endorses the good results he’s having with Pryde’s EasiFeed products. He talks of the jockeys he’s most admired in Australia and New Zealand. Paul makes special mention of a couple of horses on his current team

This is an interesting chat with a 43 year old from Foxton on New Zealand’s north island who’s been around thoroughbreds all his life. He started life as an apprentice jockey under the tutelage of Kevin Gray, a man who could be likened to the late Theo Green as a master tutor of apprentices. Paul begins by talking about his good fortune in securing boxes at Port Macquarie racecourse where his solo training career began eighteen months ago. He talks of his current team and the availability of beach facilities at the popular north coast location. Paul says nowhere is too far to travel if the right horse comes along. The former jockey is counting the minutes to the arrival of the twin sons he and partner Michelle are expecting.  He looks back on the barrier trial he contested as a thirteen year old in NZ. Paul has always thanked his lucky stars that he gained a start with the legendary horseman Kevin Gray. he remembers Gray’s private training property at Patea near Waverley in the Taranaki district. He talks of the wonderful filly Gray brought to Australia to win the Oaks at Randwick in 2009. He says his old boss is still training in his mid 80’s. Paul looks back on his brief professional riding career on the flat, and a fleeting experiment over the jumps. He talks of Chris Waller’s early education with renowned trainer Paddy Busuttin at Foxton. Paul recalls Waller’s successful stint in Sydney with a mare called Party Belle. He confirms that he and Stephanie Waller are first cousins. He recalls a four year stint as a work rider for Chris Waller at Rosehill, which led him to later roles as foreman and assistant trainer.  The Port Macquarie trainer looks back on his return to NZ and a successful training partnership with his brother Kris. Paul talks of the surprise invitation he received from Chris Waller to supervise the operation of a new Gold Coast stable. He talks of a few special horses he got to look after during his time on the Gold Coast. Paul talks openly about his much publicised split with Chris Waller following media reports about a staff party which took place after Shaqero’s Magic Millions win. He says he felt obliged to resign in the wake of ongoing media attention. Paul acknowledges the support of some high profile Queensland owners who rallied to get him started as a trainer in his own right. He talks of the time required to get a commercial training venture on its feet. Paul endorses the good results he’s having with Pryde’s EasiFeed products. He talks of the jockeys he’s most admired in Australia and New Zealand. Paul makes special mention of a couple of horses on his current team

Episode 419: Paul Shailer

This is a breezy chat with a little lady who has endeared herself to many in just six years as a professional jockey. She’s based at Port Macquarie and is a regular at most meetings in the region, but just lately Cejay has been sneaking to Brisbane where she’s come under the notice of trainers like Tony Gollan. Cejay talks of life as the daughter of respected jockey Peter Graham, and her late decision to become a jockey. She begins by talking about a freak accident at a recent Doomben meeting. She talks about her home base at Port Macquarie and the property she shares with partner, jockey Kirk Matheson. The apprentice says she was in no hurry to become a jockey but suddenly the spark ignited. Cejay explains the origins of her christian name. She talks of her apprenticeship to respected local trainer John Sprague and her good fortune in being coached by her father Peter, rider of more than 2300 winners. Cejay delights in heaping praise on Peter Graham, the horseman and the dad. She looks back on her first race ride and the thrill of winning her first race at Armidale. Cejay remembers the trauma of her first race crash at a time when she was on the crest of a winning wave. She was elated to hold onto country apprentice premiership honours despite months on the sidelines. Cejay was thrilled to be invited to spend some time in Sydney with the powerful Snowden stable. She stayed 18 months and rode more than 50 winners. She reflects on several landmark achievements. She talks of partner Kirk Matheson’s amazing comeback from serious injury. He’s currently in strong demand on the NSW north coast. The 24 year old talks of the  nightmare experience on a veritable “buckjumper” at a Lismore meeting. It was to be nearly a year before she was back in the saddle. Lady Luck again deserted the talented young jockey when Emma Rosa crashed to the turf at Grafton in April 2022. Another broken wrist, and many more frustrating months out of action. Cejay talks of a thrilling return in February with a winning double at Port Macquarie for her old boss John Sprague. The popular jockey closes with special mention of mother Karen, sister Rori and brother Jesse. A nice chat with a vibrant young lady.

This is a breezy chat with a little lady who has endeared herself to many in just six years as a professional jockey. She’s based at Port Macquarie and is a regular at most meetings in the region, but just lately Cejay has been sneaking to Brisbane where she’s come under the notice of trainers like Tony Gollan. Cejay talks of life as the daughter of respected jockey Peter Graham, and her late decision to become a jockey. She begins by talking about a freak accident at a recent Doomben meeting. She talks about her home base at Port Macquarie and the property she shares with partner, jockey Kirk Matheson. The apprentice says she was in no hurry to become a jockey but suddenly the spark ignited. Cejay explains the origins of her christian name. She talks of her apprenticeship to respected local trainer John Sprague and her good fortune in being coached by her father Peter, rider of more than 2300 winners. Cejay delights in heaping praise on Peter Graham, the horseman and the dad. She looks back on her first race ride and the thrill of winning her first race at Armidale. Cejay remembers the trauma of her first race crash at a time when she was on the crest of a winning wave. She was elated to hold onto country apprentice premiership honours despite months on the sidelines. Cejay was thrilled to be invited to spend some time in Sydney with the powerful Snowden stable. She stayed 18 months and rode more than 50 winners. She reflects on several landmark achievements. She talks of partner Kirk Matheson’s amazing comeback from serious injury. He’s currently in strong demand on the NSW north coast. The 24 year old talks of the  nightmare experience on a veritable “buckjumper” at a Lismore meeting. It was to be nearly a year before she was back in the saddle. Lady Luck again deserted the talented young jockey when Emma Rosa crashed to the turf at Grafton in April 2022. Another broken wrist, and many more frustrating months out of action. Cejay talks of a thrilling return in February with a winning double at Port Macquarie for her old boss John Sprague. The popular jockey closes with special mention of mother Karen, sister Rori and brother Jesse. A nice chat with a vibrant young lady.

Episode 418: Cejay Graham

Paul Jarman

When we wound up our podcast with Stan Aitken last September he suggested we should consider talking to his great mate and former fellow Melbourne jockey Paul Jarman. Stan supplied the phone number and we made contact with Paul who was a little shy about doing the interview. We talked him into it, and I hope he enjoyed it half as much as I did. Paul Jarman more than held his own among an elite group of jockeys and won some very famous races along the way. Paul talks about his decision to quit the saddle at just 39 years of age.   Always a bloke who tended to make things happen, Paul enrolled for a building and construction course at TAFE. He looks back on the beginning of his new career. Paul says the Gold Coast was the place to be for any aspiring builder in the late 1980’s. His judgement proved correct. During his busy twelve years in the building trade he found the perfect diversion in fishing and crabbing. He talks about his passion for both pursuits. The former top jockey talks about yet another offbeat hobby. Paul is an experienced apiarist of all things. Paul talks of childhood days in Melbourne and his apprenticeship to Jack Besanko at the famous Epsom training centre. He talks about the trainer’s popular nickname. He revisits the occasion of his first race ride on one of the Besanko team at Mornington. Paul says he had 32 rides before his first winner came up. He’s never forgotten the 13fls race at Werribee. The horse was trained by Des McCormick. He looks back on his first city winner at Caulfield in 1964. The horse started at 100/1.  The multiple Gr 1 winning jockey was champion Melbourne apprentice three times in the 1960’s. He credits the support of many trainers. His premiership wins earned him a start in a jockey’s invitation race at Morphettville in 1966. He still can’t believe he stole the prize from some of Australia’s most elite riders. Paul looks back on the thrill of being offered the ride on Savoy in the Victoria Derby by respected trainer Ken Hilton. He cherishes the memory of his 1970 W.S Cox Plate victory on the Geoff Murphy trained Abdul. He and Murphy devised a daring plan which came off in spectacular fashion. Paul looks back on his association with Murphy whose talents as a trainer were matched only by his fiery post race disposition. Jarman talks of another Murphy trained horse who was at the centre of perhaps his greatest disappointment. He has no doubt severe interference cost him the 1971 Golden Slipper.  Paul remembers his great friendship with the legendary Roy Higgins. He says Higgins once presented him with a special gift. He looks back on a memorable winning day at Woodend on horses trained by his future father-in-law Bill Warke. He acknowledges his fifty years of marriage to the former Lyn Warke. Paul looks back on his twelve or thirteen Melbourne Cup rides. He managed two fourths. He says it was a privilege to go around so many times in the iconic race. One of his Cup rides ended in disaster. He cherishes the memory of race rides on legendary horses Tauto and All Shot. Paul looks back on an unexpected opportunity to ride in Ireland for trainer Kevin Prendergast. He and his new wife Lyn enjoyed the experience for two seasons. He won an Irish St Leger and enjoyed the experience of riding in some famous English classics. He even had a brief brush with royalty. On returning to Melbourne he hit an unexpected low point at Pakenham. He’s very open in his recollections of a disqualification. He still believes he was hard done by. In the late 1970’s the astute Andy White entrusted him with the ride on emerging stayer Big Print. In winning his second Vic Derby, Paul defeated the legendary Kingston Town. Paul has fond memories of his association with the legendary trainer Bob Hoysted. He highlights a couple of talented horses he got to ride for the champion horseman. The former ace jockey enjoyed a Tasmanian Derby win on Sobrikay in 1984. He looks back on a surprise Ascot Vale Stakes win on 140/1 “pop” Zephyr Cross in 1986. Paul talks of a career ending fall at Sandown in 1987. He decided on an early exit from race riding. Paul pays tribute to son Ben, daughter Tammy and six grandchildren. The entire family are together in Queensland. This is one for those who were around in the heady days of Melbourne racing in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and for younger people who are curious about the skills of the top jockeys of the era.

When we wound up our podcast with Stan Aitken last September he suggested we should consider talking to his great mate and former fellow Melbourne jockey Paul Jarman. Stan supplied the phone number and we made contact with Paul who was a little shy about doing the interview. We talked him into it, and I hope he enjoyed it half as much as I did. Paul Jarman more than held his own among an elite group of jockeys and won some very famous races along the way. Paul talks about his decision to quit the saddle at just 39 years of age. Always a bloke who tended to make things happen, Paul enrolled for a building and construction course at TAFE. He looks back on the beginning of his new career. Paul says the Gold Coast was the place to be for any aspiring builder in the late 1980’s. His judgement proved correct. During his busy twelve years in the building trade he found the perfect diversion in fishing and crabbing. He talks about his passion for both pursuits. The former top jockey talks about yet another offbeat hobby. Paul is an experienced apiarist of all things. Paul talks of childhood days in Melbourne and his apprenticeship to Jack Besanko at the famous Epsom training centre. He talks about the trainer’s popular nickname. He revisits the occasion of his first race ride on one of the Besanko team at Mornington. Paul says he had 32 rides before his first winner came up. He’s never forgotten the 13fls race at Werribee. The horse was trained by Des McCormick. He looks back on his first city winner at Caulfield in 1964. The horse started at 100/1.  The multiple Gr 1 winning jockey was champion Melbourne apprentice three times in the 1960’s. He credits the support of many trainers. His premiership wins earned him a start in a jockey’s invitation race at Morphettville in 1966. He still can’t believe he stole the prize from some of Australia’s most elite riders. Paul looks back on the thrill of being offered the ride on Savoy in the Victoria Derby by respected trainer Ken Hilton. He cherishes the memory of his 1970 W.S Cox Plate victory on the Geoff Murphy trained Abdul. He and Murphy devised a daring plan which came off in spectacular fashion. Paul looks back on his association with Murphy whose talents as a trainer were matched only by his fiery post race disposition. Jarman talks of another Murphy trained horse who was at the centre of perhaps his greatest disappointment. He has no doubt severe interference cost him the 1971 Golden Slipper.  Paul remembers his great friendship with the legendary Roy Higgins. He says Higgins once presented him with a special gift. He looks back on a memorable winning day at Woodend on horses trained by his future father-in-law Bill Warke. He acknowledges his fifty years of marriage to the former Lyn Warke. Paul looks back on his twelve or thirteen Melbourne Cup rides. He managed two fourths. He says it was a privilege to go around so many times in the iconic race. One of his Cup rides ended in disaster. He cherishes the memory of race rides on legendary horses Tauto and All Shot. Paul looks back on an unexpected opportunity to ride in Ireland for trainer Kevin Prendergast. He and his new wife Lyn enjoyed the experience for two seasons. He won an Irish St Leger and enjoyed the experience of riding in some famous English classics. He even had a brief brush with royalty. On returning to Melbourne he hit an unexpected low point at Pakenham. He’s very open in his recollections of a disqualification. He still believes he was hard done by. In the late 1970’s the astute Andy White entrusted him with the ride on emerging stayer Big Print. In winning his second Vic Derby, Paul defeated the legendary Kingston Town. Paul has fond memories of his association with the legendary trainer Bob Hoysted. He highlights a couple of talented horses he got to ride for the champion horseman. The former ace jockey enjoyed a Tasmanian Derby win on Sobrikay in 1984. He looks back on a surprise Ascot Vale Stakes win on 140/1 “pop” Zephyr Cross in 1986. Paul talks of a career ending fall at Sandown in 1987. He decided on an early exit from race riding. Paul pays tribute to son Ben, daughter Tammy and six grandchildren. The entire family are together in Queensland. This is one for those who were around in the heady days of Melbourne racing in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and for younger people who are curious about the skills of the top jockeys of the era.

Episode 417: Paul Jarman

Cherie Curtis

Lee Curtis has been training racehorses in Sydney since the mid 90’s when he was based at Canterbury. He was forced to relocate to Rosehill at the end of the decade when the STC decided to develop the precinct as a quarantine station for overseas horses. Cherie joined his staff twenty years ago from Berry on the South Coast. The couple married in 2015 and became training partners in 2020. We begin the podcast with Lee who explains that he has no intention of increasing the stable numbers. Lee talks about the family training partnership. He says he and Cherie might disagree from time to time but invariably reach the best conclusion. He talks of his continued insistence on relocating horses who are not paying their way. Lee acknowledges the effectiveness of the Inglis Digital twice monthly auction. The Gr 1 winning trainer talks of Dalchini and Achira, two talented mares he’s currently training. He expresses thanks to the two trainers who taught him the basics of horse management. Lee remembers his first training complex- the little backyard operation at Canterbury which housed his first few winners. He looks back on the relocation of Canterbury trainers to other places. Some decided to terminate their training careers. Lee acknowledges some of the handy horses to get him up and running in the early days. He speaks with reverence of the horse who took him to another level as a commercial trainer. Lee actually bred Mistegic, the colt who would compete with distinction against some of the best sprinters of the era. Mistegic provided his first Gr 1 triumph. Lee pays tribute to popular owners Frank and Christine Cook who have given him tremendous support since his move to Rosehill. The Lasqueti Spirit story is a fascinating one, and nobody tells it better than Lee Curtis- the story of the one paced filly who was bred to sprint but finished up winning the historic Victoria Oaks over the Flemington 2500m. Lee says every avenue should be explored before a horse is given its marching orders. He talks of the progress of Lasqueti Spirit’s progeny to date. Most trainers have a story about the “one that got away.” Lee’s story concerns a brilliant mare who retired with a record of twelve wins including three Gr 1’s and $3.4 million in prize money. He put a lot of work into the education and development of Private Steer but trained her for only six runs. Her 3 wins for Curtis included the listed Reginald Allen Hcp Randwick. He’s happy to talk about the biggest disappointment of his training career. Lee talks of his six children whose ages range from 27 down to 3.  He says the elder three are very interested in the racing careers of the horses. Lee hands the phone over to Cherie who says her interest in horses began when her parents dabbled in ownership. She recalls being delighted when her parents purchased a property at Berry which they established as a spelling farm. She was soon surrounded by horses and quickly took to the saddle. Cherie talks of her friendship with a famous Berry family who had enjoyed top level success with thoroughbreds and harness horses. She recalls her move to Sydney and a new job with the Lee Curtis training establishment at Rosehill. Cherie says the combination of her stable commitments and the demands of motherhood make for some pretty hectic days.  It’s a laid back chat with a popular Sydney racing duo.

Lee Curtis has been training racehorses in Sydney since the mid 90’s when he was based at Canterbury. He was forced to relocate to Rosehill at the end of the decade when the STC decided to develop the precinct as a quarantine station for overseas horses. Cherie joined his staff twenty years ago from Berry on the South Coast. The couple married in 2015 and became training partners in 2020. We begin the podcast with Lee who explains that he has no intention of increasing the stable numbers. Lee talks about the family training partnership. He says he and Cherie might disagree from time to time but invariably reach the best conclusion. He talks of his continued insistence on relocating horses who are not paying their way. Lee acknowledges the effectiveness of the Inglis Digital twice monthly auction. The Gr 1 winning trainer talks of Dalchini and Achira, two talented mares he’s currently training. He expresses thanks to the two trainers who taught him the basics of horse management. Lee remembers his first training complex- the little backyard operation at Canterbury which housed his first few winners. He looks back on the relocation of Canterbury trainers to other places. Some decided to terminate their training careers. Lee acknowledges some of the handy horses to get him up and running in the early days. He speaks with reverence of the horse who took him to another level as a commercial trainer. Lee actually bred Mistegic, the colt who would compete with distinction against some of the best sprinters of the era. Mistegic provided his first Gr 1 triumph. Lee pays tribute to popular owners Frank and Christine Cook who have given him tremendous support since his move to Rosehill. The Lasqueti Spirit story is a fascinating one, and nobody tells it better than Lee Curtis- the story of the one paced filly who was bred to sprint but finished up winning the historic Victoria Oaks over the Flemington 2500m. Lee says every avenue should be explored before a horse is given its marching orders. He talks of the progress of Lasqueti Spirit’s progeny to date. Most trainers have a story about the “one that got away.” Lee’s story concerns a brilliant mare who retired with a record of twelve wins including three Gr 1’s and $3.4 million in prize money. He put a lot of work into the education and development of Private Steer but trained her for only six runs. Her 3 wins for Curtis included the listed Reginald Allen Hcp Randwick. He’s happy to talk about the biggest disappointment of his training career. Lee talks of his six children whose ages range from 27 down to 3.  He says the elder three are very interested in the racing careers of the horses. Lee hands the phone over to Cherie who says her interest in horses began when her parents dabbled in ownership. She recalls being delighted when her parents purchased a property at Berry which they established as a spelling farm. She was soon surrounded by horses and quickly took to the saddle. Cherie talks of her friendship with a famous Berry family who had enjoyed top level success with thoroughbreds and harness horses. She recalls her move to Sydney and a new job with the Lee Curtis training establishment at Rosehill. Cherie says the combination of her stable commitments and the demands of motherhood make for some pretty hectic days.  It’s a laid back chat with a popular Sydney racing duo.

Episode 416: Lee & Cherie Curtis

Craig Carmody

In looking for a horseman who has a close connection with the Queen Elizabeth Stakes we plucked from the archives,  a podcast with Craig Carmody. The former successful jockey is now training a small team at Randwick, hoping another Intergaze will walk into his stables. Craig rode the talented chestnut in his two Queen Elizabeth Stakes wins in the late 90’s. Craig reflects on his decision to retire after returning from Singapore in 2005. He looks back on his transition into the training ranks. Craig speaks of the plight of the smaller trainers who don’t have access to the spending power of wealthy owners. The former multiple Gr 1 winning jockey talks of a few special horses who got him on his way as a trainer. He acknowledges the talents of Sydney’s female jockeys He talks about his final riding contract in Singapore which brought him in touch with his future wife. Craig looks back on his starring role in a Telecom TV commercial. He was one of several young Sydney jockeys who auditioned for the part. His screen test blew the others out of the water. He remembers the first moment he sat on a horse’s back. A spark was ignited. Craig reviews his apprenticeship to Rod Craig and the enduring friendship they continue to share. He reflects on his long association with Les Bridge- an association which led to his first Melbourne Cup ride. Craig reminisces about his winning rides on quality gallopers Stylish Century and Angst. He remembers the retainer he held with the vast Nebo Lodge operation at Rosehill. Craig speaks with great affection of his once in a lifetime horse Intergaze. He reviews some of the stallion’s best performances. Craig and his wife Keline are the proud parents of Liam and Mandy. Both children show exceptional sporting talent. Liam was a member of the under 12 Cronulla team in last year’s Div 2 Little League baseball competition. His team won both the state and national titles after which they participated in the Warboys Cup. Formerly known as the Sydney Cup this is an individual competition offering an amazing incentive- a trip to Cooperstown in New York state  for a World Series in junior baseball. Not surprisingly Cronulla won the Warboys competition, with Liam one of the star players.  Craig and Keline have opted to take their first holiday in fifteen years and will fly to NY with Liam and his sister Mandy in July. A win for Liam’s team would mean as much to Craig Carmody as his dual Queen Elizabeth Stakes victories on his old mate Intergaze.  

In looking for a horseman who has a close connection with the Queen Elizabeth Stakes we plucked from the archives,  a podcast with Craig Carmody. The former successful jockey is now training a small team at Randwick, hoping another Intergaze will walk into his stables. Craig rode the talented chestnut in his two Queen Elizabeth Stakes wins in the late 90’s. Craig reflects on his decision to retire after returning from Singapore in 2005. He looks back on his transition into the training ranks. Craig speaks of the plight of the smaller trainers who don’t have access to the spending power of wealthy owners. The former multiple Gr 1 winning jockey talks of a few special horses who got him on his way as a trainer. He acknowledges the talents of Sydney’s female jockeys He talks about his final riding contract in Singapore which brought him in touch with his future wife. Craig looks back on his starring role in a Telecom TV commercial. He was one of several young Sydney jockeys who auditioned for the part. His screen test blew the others out of the water. He remembers the first moment he sat on a horse’s back. A spark was ignited. Craig reviews his apprenticeship to Rod Craig and the enduring friendship they continue to share. He reflects on his long association with Les Bridge- an association which led to his first Melbourne Cup ride. Craig reminisces about his winning rides on quality gallopers Stylish Century and Angst. He remembers the retainer he held with the vast Nebo Lodge operation at Rosehill. Craig speaks with great affection of his once in a lifetime horse Intergaze. He reviews some of the stallion’s best performances. Craig and his wife Keline are the proud parents of Liam and Mandy. Both children show exceptional sporting talent. Liam was a member of the under 12 Cronulla team in last year’s Div 2 Little League baseball competition. His team won both the state and national titles after which they participated in the Warboys Cup. Formerly known as the Sydney Cup this is an individual competition offering an amazing incentive- a trip to Cooperstown in New York state  for a World Series in junior baseball. Not surprisingly Cronulla won the Warboys competition, with Liam one of the star players.  Craig and Keline have opted to take their first holiday in fifteen years and will fly to NY with Liam and his sister Mandy in July. A win for Liam’s team would mean as much to Craig Carmody as his dual Queen Elizabeth Stakes victories on his old mate Intergaze.

Episode 415: Craig Carmody

It would have been a massive shock to his family had Cody Morgan not pursued a career with horses. With a mum and dad who were wizards in the saddle and a brother who could ride a rampaging rhinoceros, it was unlikely Cody would ever become a ballet instructor. We talk to the young Tamworth horseman about his start as a bronc rider, the transition to professional race riding and finally to the training ranks. Cody begins by talking of Talbragar who shapes up as one of the top chances in the Country Championship Final. He talks of his on course location at Tamworth and his reluctance to leave there. Cody looks back on his very first phone call from Australian Bloodstock’s Luke Murrell. He could have wrecked the partnership there and then. He talks of his favourites among the Australian Bloodstock horses. One of the horses featured in a memorable Rosehill double. The thirty two year old says his aspiration to become a jockey was triggered by his first ride on a mechanical horse. He looks back on the thrilling experience of his first win at Quirindi, and a funny recollection from his days at Quirindi High School. Cody looks back on a transfer to the late “Pud” Davies at Cessnock. He speaks of the famous jockey who drove him to countless race meetings and gave him wise counsel. He looks back in awe on his time with Tony McEvoy at the famous Lindsay Park training operation at Angaston. He talks of life on the farm, and the great horse he got to ride on the training track. Cody says his weight was on the rise when he arrived back in Tamworth. He knew his riding career was coming to an end. He talks of father Glenn’s wonderful achievements as a saddle bronc rider, and his subsequent experience as a specialist announcer on Foxtel rodeo telecasts. Cody talks of the serious Quirindi race fall that could have ended his career. By a freak of nature he rode the following day. He looks back on another nasty accident only two years ago when riding one of his own horses in trackwork. Cody takes us back to the occasion of his last winning race ride, and the low key commencement of his training career. He looks back on the online purchase of a mare destined to kick start his training career. It wouldn’t have been possible without some financial assistance from brother Luke. He pays tribute to his “go to” jockey. Cody is still abuzz with the excitement of a major Gold Coast win early this year courtesy of Ezekeil and Jamie Kah. He acknowledges a few special horses who’ve helped his career along the way, and lauds the regular TAB Highway races. Cody’s happy to talk about the lowest point in his training career- a two year disqualification on a race day treatment charge. He says it gave him a massive shake up. He talks of two apprentices who’ve been through his “school” and his ambition to reach a special milestone on his home track at Tamworth. It’s an enjoyable yarn with a great young bush trainer, who knows how to win a race in town.

It would have been a massive shock to his family had Cody Morgan not pursued a career with horses. With a mum and dad who were wizards in the saddle and a brother who could ride a rampaging rhinoceros, it was unlikely Cody would ever become a ballet instructor. We talk to the young Tamworth horseman about his start as a bronc rider, the transition to professional race riding and finally to the training ranks. Cody begins by talking of Talbragar who shapes up as one of the top chances in the Country Championship Final. He talks of his on course location at Tamworth and his reluctance to leave there. Cody looks back on his very first phone call from Australian Bloodstock’s Luke Murrell. He could have wrecked the partnership there and then. He talks of his favourites among the Australian Bloodstock horses. One of the horses featured in a memorable Rosehill double. The thirty two year old says his aspiration to become a jockey was triggered by his first ride on a mechanical horse. He looks back on the thrilling experience of his first win at Quirindi, and a funny recollection from his days at Quirindi High School. Cody looks back on a transfer to the late “Pud” Davies at Cessnock. He speaks of the famous jockey who drove him to countless race meetings and gave him wise counsel. He looks back in awe on his time with Tony McEvoy at the famous Lindsay Park training operation at Angaston. He talks of life on the farm, and the great horse he got to ride on the training track. Cody says his weight was on the rise when he arrived back in Tamworth. He knew his riding career was coming to an end. He talks of father Glenn’s wonderful achievements as a saddle bronc rider, and his subsequent experience as a specialist announcer on Foxtel rodeo telecasts. Cody talks of the serious Quirindi race fall that could have ended his career. By a freak of nature he rode the following day. He looks back on another nasty accident only two years ago when riding one of his own horses in trackwork. Cody takes us back to the occasion of his last winning race ride, and the low key commencement of his training career. He looks back on the online purchase of a mare destined to kick start his training career. It wouldn’t have been possible without some financial assistance from brother Luke. He pays tribute to his “go to” jockey. Cody is still abuzz with the excitement of a major Gold Coast win early this year courtesy of Ezekeil and Jamie Kah. He acknowledges a few special horses who’ve helped his career along the way, and lauds the regular TAB Highway races. Cody’s happy to talk about the lowest point in his training career- a two year disqualification on a race day treatment charge. He says it gave him a massive shake up. He talks of two apprentices who’ve been through his “school” and his ambition to reach a special milestone on his home track at Tamworth. It’s an enjoyable yarn with a great young bush trainer, who knows how to win a race in town.

Episode 414: Cody Morgan

Luke Pepper joins the ranks of smaller trainers who only need the right horse to showcase their talents. Until Opal Ridge came along Luke had been achieving consistent results with average horses. Suddenly he’s in the big league with last start stakes winner Opal Ridge, who’ll contest the Gr 3 P.J Bell Stakes on Saturday. We go right back to Luke’s early days in pony club and the wide experience he gained before taking out his own trainer’s licence. Luke begins by talking about his reasons for relocating from Canberra to Scone in the middle of last year. He has high praise for the facilities offered by the Scone Race Club and speaks of the multi million dollar stabling complex already under construction. Luke talks of Opal Ridge’s purchase from the Inglis Classic Sale at a bargain basement price. He talks of the amazing attitude displayed by the young filly as far back as the breaking in stage. Luke talks of her amazing growth spurt and the ease of her first win. He wasn’t quite as buoyant the morning after her Canberra success. He takes us through her eight start racing career right up to the Darby Munro Stakes on Slipper day.  Luke heaps praise on young jockey Tyler Schiller, Opal Ridge’s regular rider. The trainer says his talents were obvious in the Riverina. Luke’s talks of his introduction to thoroughbreds during his time at Meringo Stud on the NSW South Coast. He talks of the foal born at Meringo destined to become a world class sprinter. Luke looks back on his time with Canberra trainer Barbara Joseph who’d already made her mark at Gr 1 level. He remembers with affection Barbara’s top mare Ain’t Seen Nothin’. He looks back on a short but successful stint as an amateur jockey. Luke talks of his time as stable foreman for Nick Olive and his reconnection with the special foal born on the Meringo Stud. He looks back on two memorable overseas trips he had with Takeover Target- one was a career highlight, the other a disaster. Luke talks of his entry into professional training at Thoroughbred Park. He talks of his unforgettable first win, and the horses who have helped to establish him as a well respected trainer. Luke acknowledges the support of partner Tahnee who landed the job she wanted soon after arriving in Scone. The trainer tells the story of the surprise yearling he stumbled upon in a Tasmanian sales catalogue last year. That horse is now in his Scone stable.

Luke Pepper joins the ranks of smaller trainers who only need the right horse to showcase their talents. Until Opal Ridge came along Luke had been achieving consistent results with average horses. Suddenly he’s in the big league with last start stakes winner Opal Ridge, who’ll contest the Gr 3 P.J Bell Stakes on Saturday. We go right back to Luke’s early days in pony club and the wide experience he gained before taking out his own trainer’s licence. Luke begins by talking about his reasons for relocating from Canberra to Scone in the middle of last year. He has high praise for the facilities offered by the Scone Race Club and speaks of the multi million dollar stabling complex already under construction. Luke talks of Opal Ridge’s purchase from the Inglis Classic Sale at a bargain basement price. He talks of the amazing attitude displayed by the young filly as far back as the breaking in stage. Luke talks of her amazing growth spurt and the ease of her first win. He wasn’t quite as buoyant the morning after her Canberra success. He takes us through her eight start racing career right up to the Darby Munro Stakes on Slipper day.  Luke heaps praise on young jockey Tyler Schiller, Opal Ridge’s regular rider. The trainer says his talents were obvious in the Riverina. Luke’s talks of his introduction to thoroughbreds during his time at Meringo Stud on the NSW South Coast. He talks of the foal born at Meringo destined to become a world class sprinter. Luke looks back on his time with Canberra trainer Barbara Joseph who’d already made her mark at Gr 1 level. He remembers with affection Barbara’s top mare Ain’t Seen Nothin’. He looks back on a short but successful stint as an amateur jockey. Luke talks of his time as stable foreman for Nick Olive and his reconnection with the special foal born on the Meringo Stud. He looks back on two memorable overseas trips he had with Takeover Target- one was a career highlight, the other a disaster. Luke talks of his entry into professional training at Thoroughbred Park. He talks of his unforgettable first win, and the horses who have helped to establish him as a well respected trainer. Luke acknowledges the support of partner Tahnee who landed the job she wanted soon after arriving in Scone. The trainer tells the story of the surprise yearling he stumbled upon in a Tasmanian sales catalogue last year. That horse is now in his Scone stable.

Episode 413: Luke Pepper

John Tapp Racing

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