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Golf has long been the most popular pastime of professional jockeys. Some have attained a very high level in the sport, others are happy to “puddle” around once or twice a week with a few mates. Highly respected southern districts jockey Richard Bensley has come up with a recreation far removed from conventional sports. Thanks to the influence of his late father Bryson, Richard is a master exponent of the ancient art of carriage driving. He frequently jumps into a sparkling old world buggy drawn by a high stepping Hackney and competes at the highest level. He’s also ridden more than 900 winners in a successful 25 year career mostly on southern district tracks. Richard Bensley is a podcast guest with a difference. He talks firstly about a promising mare he’s been riding just lately for Goulburn trainer Patrick Murphy.
He acknowledges the talents of former jockey Pat Murphy.
Richard talks about the equine skills of his late father Bryson, his father-in-law Rick Jones and late mother Joanne who was also a noted horsewoman.
The successful jockey talks about his Goulburn property and the large number of horse drawn vehicles tucked away in a shed. One of those vehicles is a century old hearse.
He talks about the never ending work involved in maintaining leather harness and brass fittings.
Richard talks about the English bred Hackney, the horse most commonly used in carriage driving around the world. The breed is diminishing but the jockey does his bit to help save the species.
He pays tribute to wife Melissa, son Mitchell and daughter Chelsea.
Richard remembers the occasion when breeder Peter Stewart told Bryson that his son’s feet were too big for him to even consider becoming a jockey.
He recalls a chance conversation his father had with trainer Ken Callaughan who’d only just moved to the new Goulburn training complex. That conversation changed Richard’s life.
The jockey hasn’t forgotten Callaughan’s all round horsemanship skills.
He remembers his hometrack debut on a Callaughan runner in 2000, and the thrill of his first win at Cootamundra.
Richard says it took him a long time to ride a city winner.
He acknowledges his successful association with trainer Nick Olive for whom he rode more than one hundred winners.
Richard looks back on some of the nice horses he got to ride for the Olive stable.
The jockey looks back with delight on a Black Opal Stakes win for old friend trainer Gratz Vella. He takes us through his win on You’re Canny.
Richard expresses his appreciation of the staunch support he had from the Vella stable.
He looks back on a winning association with Loved Up, a talented mare from the Brett Cavanough yard.
Richard remembers a black type win on Loved Up in the Scone Guineas and the unlikely circumstances that brought him a second stakes win on the same day.
The forty two year old speaks highly of The Monstar, another talented horse from the Brett Cavanough stable. He got to ride the sprinter in a couple of high quality races in Melbourne.
Richard names a handful of outstanding country jockeys for whom he’s had high regard throughout his career.
He looks back on a second placing in a Rosehill TAB Highway destined to be promoted by default.
Richard confirms that retirement is not yet on the radar. That applies to race riding and carriage driving.
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Brilliant apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald was shattered recently when a sudden bout of appendicitis interrupted her march towards a possible NSW jockey’s premiership win in just her second season of race riding. The twenty two year old daughter of former successful jockey Malcolm Fitzgerald, had ridden 123 winners in just twenty one months leading up to her recent setback. Only a handful of wins separated Mollie, Aaron Bullock and Jean Van Overmeire at the time of her diagnosis.
Her amazing win rate on northern rivers tracks attracted the attention of the Neasham/Alexander stable who invited her to join the team last October. After five weeks on the sidelines Mollie returned to trackwork duties on Thursday May 1st, and is champing at the bit to resume her premiership chase. She talks about her general malaise leading up to the discovery of appendicitis.
Mollie says she hasn’t given up on catching Bullock and Van Overmeire but realises she now has a tough task.
She talks of the fairy tale start to her riding career.
Mollie has only heard about her father’s riding days but is well aware of his talents and constant battle with weight. She’s grateful to have his guidance and wise counsel in the early stages of her career.
The apprentice brings us up to date with the progress of her two siblings, sister Lacey and brother Cameron.
Mollie talks of her early involvement with the Bellingen Pony Club.
She looks back on a move to Camden Haven when her father was a jockey mentor for Racing NSW.
Mollie remembers Malcolm’s switch of direction when Racing NSW developed a rehoming property on Oxley Island near Taree. While awaiting new ownership the former racehorses had to be exercised on a nearby beach. This was where young Fitzgerald was first bitten by the thoroughbred bug.
She talks about her first job in a racing stable which she juggled with her schooling. Mollie looks back on a pleasing result in the Higher School Certificate.
The young jockey says she put horses aside for a full year while gaining work experience in a local real estate business.
Finally an apprenticeship opportunity came up with Taree trainer Tony Ball. Mollie jumped at the chance and the rest is history.
She talks about the magical day at Bowraville when her first winner came along. Before the day was over, she’d won another race.
Mollie says her dad became her regular chauffeur to many northern meetings. He was the perfect sounding board on the return journey to Taree.
She’s adamant a couple of troublesome wisdom teeth prevented her winning fifty races in her first season.
Mollie acknowledges the great support of Grafton trainer John Shelton who made her the regular rider of Cassia Lane. She won three straight on the genuine mare including the 2024 Inverell Cup. She won the feature sprint on the same day.
She looks back on a special day at Inverell last year when she was one of five female jockeys to make a clean sweep of the programme.
It was another all girls affair at Moree on Sept 1st last year. She was thrilled to win two races including the Moree Cup.
Mollie talks about her day of days so far- four wins and a second from seven rides at an Armidale meeting.
She relives the thrill of winning the Rising Stars Apprentices Series this season.
Mollie talks about the offer from Anabel Neasham and the nice horses she’s already ridden for the stable. Highlight was a treble at Kembla in January. One of the winners has become her stable favourite.
Great to catch up with an intelligent young lady who’s been the talk of racing in the last year or so. It was only a matter of time before she was approached by a Sydney stable. You won’t see her in town for a while yet, but she’s certain to be a favourite with provincial punters while her claim lasts.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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For many decades the NSW Riverina has produced an endless list of outstanding trainers and jockeys. One of the latest recruits to hit the headlines on the big stage is young jockey Tyler Schiller who reeled off a couple of Gr 1 wins during the recent Championships. One man to leave his mark as a jockey and trainer is Dave Heywood who retired in 2020 after six decades in the racing industry. As a jockey he rode exclusively in the Riverina and Victoria. Surprisingly he never once got to ride on a Sydney track but he trained numerous winners in the harbour city. Dave Heywood earned the respect of all sections of the industry during 12 years in the saddle and another 48 years as a trainer. The rising 80 year old is in reminiscent mood as he joins us on the podcast.
Dave says he’s blessed with good health.
Right off the top he answers the commonly asked question about his relationship if any to ace jockey Nick Heywood.
Dave says his primary sporting interests these days revolve around the dart board and the pool room.
Few realise Dave was Victorian born. He explains how the family got to settle in the Riverina.
The veteran horseman remembers riding trackwork at age 11 for legendary trainer Bert Honeychurch who became his master.
Dave hasn’t forgotten his very first day as a professional jockey. He greeted the judge twice. He talks about the horses involved.
He still remembers the thrill of riding a winner first up on the historic Flemington course.
Dave looks back on the transfer of his indentures to top Melbourne trainer Brian Courtney.
He realises how lucky he was to pick up a ride in the Melbourne Cup at just 15 years of age. He talks of the horse he rode for an iconic trainer and takes us through the running of the Centenary Melbourne Cup of 1960. One of the runners was Dave’s favourite horse.
He looks back on his association with the man who took Phar Lap to America in 1932.
Dave got to ride the talented Webster in an unsuitable race at Werribee. Although unplaced he still regards the horse as the best he ever rode in a race.
He acknowledges several other talented horses he got to ride during his time in Melbourne. One of them was owned by a Hollywood movie legend.
Dave was back in the Riverina in 1969. His weight was on the rise but he managed to ride for another few years with great success. He’s especially proud of a winning sequence over two days at Benalla.
He explains that he was actually talked into applying for a trainer’s licence.
Dave looks back on his “Indies trilogy”- Prince Of Indies, Pride Of Indies and King Of Indies, three talented horses who won more than 60 races between them.
He pays tribute to his late brother-in-law Russ Milne who owned the Indies trio. He also loved a punt whenever his horses were racing.
Dave is adamant the unsound Shadameneo was the best horse he trained.
The former outstanding horseman pays tribute to the indestructible Green Ridge, veteran of 200 race starts.
He looks back on prolific winners like Vain Alert, Hillston Exchange, Man Of Peace and Living On A Prayer.
This is a long overdue chat with a great competitor and a gentleman of Riverina racing.
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When Michael Beattie became Deputy Chairman of Stewards for the Hunter And North Western Racing Association in 1985 he wasn’t made welcome by all of his new colleagues. In fact one senior member of staff was clearly unhappy about the appointment of the bloke he called “the brash young steward from Grafton”. Beattie’s lifelong tendency to call a spade a spade has earned him a reputation as a tough, hard operator- some have branded him a “bully”. Others have testified to his fairness and his insistence on listening to every shred of available evidence Few have ever left a Beattie inquiry without knowing exactly where they stood. The sixty six year old has swapped stewarding for racing administration on a couple of occasions over more than fifty years in the industry. This is a podcast with a straight shooter who tells his life story with candour, humour and a touch of showmanship. Michael talks about his good fortune in landing back in his beloved hometown of Grafton as CEO of the Clarence River Jockey Club.
He talks of the dozen Grafton Cups he’s overseen since returning to the northern rivers. He’s a great admirer of the 2022 Cup winner Arapaho.
Michael talks of early days in Grafton when his favourite entertainment was the Friday night ABC television coverage of the Harold Park trots. He couldn’t wait for Fridays to come.
He revisits the 1971 Miracle Mile win by freakish Western Australian pacer Mount Eden. The performance made a lasting impression on the budding racing aficionado.
He takes us back to the heady days when he’d climb a Jacaranda tree outside the Grafton racecourse to watch the horses come down the straight. Finally his father Les agreed to take him to the races as a paying customer.
Michael’s a good storyteller and regales us with some entertaining yarns- like the one about his offer to a prominent trainer who always seemed to be short on helpers.
He’s always been able to open doors. At just fourteen years of age in 1973, he put a proposal to the four race clubs who used the Grafton racecourse. We’re talking about 37 race meetings a year. Next thing young Beattie was writing all of the racebook form for those four clubs.
Michael tells the story of a winner on Ramornie day 1973 owned by a respected Doctor who wanted him to strap the horse no matter what. You’ll enjoy the rest of the story.
He takes us through the rigorous procedure he had to follow in quest of a job with NSW Government Railways. It was worth the trouble.
The former international steward looks back on his appointment as a cadet with the Northern Rivers Racing Association (NRRA), and an introduction to the tough task of handicapping.
Michael’s desire to spread his wings saw him apply for an important new job in 1985. He was 26 when appointed Deputy Chairman of Stewards with the Hunter and North Western Racing Association. He remains grateful for the enormous experience he gained over fourteen years.
His first stint as a racing administrator came in 1999 when he successfully applied for the CEO’s role with the Gosford Race Club. He gained invaluable experience over almost seven years. Michael reflects on a conversation with trainer Joe Janiak who’d indicated he might set rising sprint star Takeover Target for the 2004 Pacesetter Stakes. That conversation took a few twists and turns.
Michael looks back on Gosford Committee meetings when he persuaded board members to consider purchasing more real estate around the racecourse. He remains gratified that there’s now sufficient space for Racing NSW to develop a huge training complex in the future.
He reflects on the surprise phone call from former high profile steward John Schreck advising him of an upcoming position with the Macau jockey Club. Michael took the job but opted out of his contract less than a year later. The reason for his change of mind is perfectly understandable.
It was back to Sydney and a new role as Chairman Of Stewards for Harness Racing NSW at precisely the time the dreaded EI virus made its presence felt in Sydney. Michael takes us through some highlights and lowlights of his time at the helm of harness racing.
He recalls another surprise approach from the Macau Jockey Club who were keen to get him back for another stint. The offer came shortly before the infamous “green light scandal” dealt the trotting industry a crushing blow.
Michael responds to the reputation he’s carried for years as a very tough man to deal with in the stewards room. He doesn’t deny the claims but believes his fairness more than counterbalances his stern disciplinary measures.
He talks about his current online involvement in the buying and selling of local thoroughbred bloodstock. To date he’s moved some 400 horses for northern rivers owners. He has the backing of the CRJC Committee who are delighted to see most of the money being recycled in the region.
This is the story of a country kid who made things happen from a very early age. It’s unlikely anybody could tell it better than the man himself. A very entertaining podcast from a true blue Aussie racing tragic who happened to be blessed with multiple talents.
He didn’t waste one of them.
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Racing has seen few more distinguished careers than the one enjoyed by Ron Quinton over six rewarding decades. His stellar riding career spanned almost thirty years. His successful training career is now in its thirty second year and counting. Ron’s an inductee of the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame and the recipient of a Medal Of The Order Of Australia, fitting acknowledgements of his contribution to Australian racing.
I’ve conducted interviews with Ron Quinton many times over sixty years and there was a comprehensive podcast in 2018, but several recent email requests for an updated version have got us on the job. It’s a pleasure to revisit the career of an iconic Australian horseman. His passion for the game is unwavering. His recall of horses, horsemen and events will take you on a nostalgic journey. Ron admits he’s a disciplined trainer who never takes his eye off the ball.
The seventy seven year old acknowledges the support of long time client Ray Gall who’s rarely without a horse or two in the stable. Ron remembers the first yearling Ray gave him to train. That filly was Mamzelle Pedrille who remains the trainer’s all time favourite.
Ron pays tribute to his first Gr 1 winner. His magic moment came on the opening day of the famous Melbourne Cup carnival in the year 2000.
He looks back on another unforgettable day at Flemington when he won the historic Victoria Oaks with Bulla Borghese- his second Gr 1 as a trainer.
Ron has had a commanding presence in the history of the Coolmore Classic run at Rosehill during the Golden Slipper carnival. He won it twice as a jockey and four times as trainer. He looks back on his quartet of training wins beginning with classy mare Ofcourseican.
He remembers Peeping, Daysee Doom and Dixie Blossoms who all won the high profile race.
The veteran horseman looks back on his association with the respected owner Millie Fox. He was recommended for the job by Brian Mayfield-Smith who’d decided to explore the possibility of becoming a conservationist in South Africa.
Ron looks back on the best of the 95 winners he trained in four years for the universally popular Mrs.Millie Fox.
He pays tribute to the lengthy list of talented junior riders who spent all or part of their apprenticeships under his wing.
Ron looks back on his twenty years as stable jockey for legendary trainer Neville Begg. He speaks of Begg’s affinity with fillies and mares.
He goes back to childhood days at Mendooran in the Central West and early days in the saddle.
Ron pays tribute to his master and mentor Theo Green.
He looks back on a rewarding apprenticeship and the wonderful opportunities afforded him by leading stables.
Ron takes us on a nostalgic journey as he revisits his association with horses like Analie, Bletchingly, Emancipation, Dalmacia, Marscay, Sir Dapper, Rory’s Jester, Marauding, Kingston Town, and Baguette- a true galaxy of stars.
The former great jockey was involved in twelve race falls during three decades in the saddle. When it comes to injury he regards himself as one of the lucky ones.
From the outset of his riding career Ron harboured an ambition to ride overseas. He looks back on three memorable stints with champion Irish trainer John Oxx.
Ron talks of the devastating loss in 2017 of Margaret, his wife of 45 years. His horses helped him through a difficult time.
He talks of children Shawn, Trent and Annabel and of his four grandchildren.
Ron looks at his future direction.
This is a wonderful trip down memory lane with a giant of Australian racing.
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There’s no busier jockey in northern NSW than Wauchope based Luke Rolls. The expat Kiwi drives huge mileage to honour commitments at northern rivers and tablelands tracks. Born and reared in Fielding on New Zealand’s North Island, Luke was initially apprenticed to Bruce Marsh at Foxton. He transferred to a Victorian stable in the early 2000’s and his subsequent journey has produced an impressive tally of more than 760 winners. Luke begins our chat by talking about his move to the NSW mid north coast with Cassie Schmidt, the lady destined to become his wife. He says hard work was the only way to go in the first few years.
The jockey takes us through a normal day in his life. Few jockeys ride more trackwork than Luke Rolls.
Luke says he has to keep an eye on the clock when he has commitments at a faraway meeting. The constant travelling is the toughest part of his job.
He acknowledges the ongoing support of a special group of northern trainers.
Luke takes us back to early days on the farm at Fielding NZ. Horse racing wasn’t on his radar.
He admits he was more intent on becoming an All Black than a professional jockey.
Luke looks back on his initial apprenticeship to top trainer Bruce Marsh. He’d never been on a horse.
He looks back on his first race ride. He finished second but says the horse should have won.
Luke hasn’t forgotten his first winning ride. It turned out to be his one and only NZ winner.
He talks of a transfer to a Victorian stable when Bruce Marsh landed a contract to train in Singapore.
The jockey remembers a happy 18 months with Terry O’Sullivan at Stawell and the handful of winners he rode on country tracks.
Luke admits he suddenly lost interest in racing after the Victorian stint. He went to Sydney with mates and landed a job as a welder.
He looks back on a return to NZ and a job with Affco Abbatoirs. That job generated an opportunity to work in rural Queensland which didn’t work out. Next step was another meatworks job on the Gold Coast.
Finally the lure of the thoroughbred prompted him to give riding another crack. A newspaper advertisement led him to a job with a Gold Coast trainer.
Luke was thrilled to win a race at Ballina soon after returning to race riding.
He talks of a tremendous winning run on the Gold Coast which yielded a local apprentices premiership.
Luke remembers a growing interest in his services from Brisbane stables. He’s never forgotten his first trip to the metropolitan winner’s circle. In fact it happened twice on the day.
He talks of the jockey who became a formidable rival on the Gold Coast and of the day he rode the first four winners on the programme.
Luke looks back on his only ride in a Gr 1 race. He was flown to Sydney by Queensland owners to handle a lightweight in The Galaxy of 2009. For one thrilling moment at the 200m he thought the race was in his keeping.
He talks of an Eagle Farm win on a horse destined to win a Gr 1 down the track.
Luke acknowledges the successful riding career of wife Cassie despite a torturous battle with weight. When she opted to relocate from the Gold Coast to her native Wauchope he elected to go with her.
Cassie’s “dream job” came along soon after.
He says nobody was surprised when Cassie decided on a training career. Her first win came not long after gaining her licence and Luke Rolls was the jockey.
Luke talks of his marriage to Cassie and the successful trainer/jockey combination they’ve developed.
It’s a nice chat with a Kiwi born jockey who preferred motor bikes to horses in his early days at Fielding.
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We’re approaching the fifth anniversary of one of the most unique race days ever seen in Sydney. Drastic covid protocols saw only jockeys, trainers and a handful of stable staff in attendance to watch the running of the Derby, Doncaster, T.J Smith and Sires Produce Stakes on day 1 of The Championships.. The day belonged to that pizza eating, beer swilling, arrogant mare Nettoyer who came from near last to win the Doncaster for trainer Wendy Roche and jockey James Innes Jnr. Jimmy joins us on the podcast to reminisce about an experience he still describes as surreal.
James talks about his recent move to Canberra and a whole new phase in his career. It’s not the first time he’s had a Canberra connection.
He says the eerie emptiness of Randwick on Doncaster day 2020 didn’t detract from the thrill of winning his first Gr 1.
James credits a well known Sydney trainer for getting him the ride on Nettoyer.
He confirms the many stories that were doing the rounds about the mare’s vile temperament.
The jockey says it took him forever to get her to the mile starting point. A friend who worked on the barriers saved the day.
James takes us through the running of the 2020 Doncaster. He says the mare went from a bolter’s chance at the 800m to a realistic chance on top of the rise.
He says he tried hard to control his emotions on returning to scale, but lost it completely.
The jockey relates a humorous story about father James and mother Julie who watched the race at home.
James Jnr pays a heartfelt tribute to his dad who rode many winners before his retirement in 2007.
He talks about several trainers who contributed to his education along the way.
James reflects on a serious fall at Bathurst which put him out for an extended period. He says it took a long time to get over the accident.
He regards a stint with Keith Dryden during his apprenticeship as a life changer.
James looks back on a bout of depression during his time with the Godolphin operation. He was on the brink of quitting the saddle when he received a timely phone call from Gerald Ryan.
He acknowledges the best horses he got to ride for the Ryan stable. One of them remains his all time favourite.
The jockey has vivid memories of a stakes win for Waterhouse/Bott at Rosehill. He was pleasantly surprised.
James talks affectionately of his young sons Carter and Asher who live in Victoria with their mother Aimee.
He says Canberra is the perfect base for his regular day trips to country venues.
Innes says he’s not as light as he used to be, but lighter than many of his fellow jockeys.
James acknowledges the talents of partner Teaghan Martin who’s had her share of injury in recent times.
It’s an enjoyable chat with a personable young man who’s very good at what he does.
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The famous Hoysted racing dynasty had its origins in Victoria early in the twentieth century and has produced generations of successful horse trainers. The most celebrated was Fred Hoysted who won 17 Melbourne premierships from his Mentone base. Like most of his predecessors 33 year old Matthew Hoysted began his journey in Wangaratta, before working under the wing of some top Melbourne horsemen. In 2014 he decided on a move to Queensland when a job came up with Tony Gollan after which he spent eight years in partnership with recently retired Steve O’Dea. Matt went solo just over a year ago, and is already making his presence felt in the Brisbane training ranks. He begins the podcast by talking about his on course stabling at Eagle Farm and the close proximity of his home.
Matt talks about the success he enjoyed on Saturday March 15th- a quinella in the last race at Eagle Farm and a Gold Coast double which included a win with Hearts Are Better in the 3YO Jewel.
He looks back on eighteen rewarding months with Tony Gollan whose star was rising rapidly.
Matt says the offer he received from Steve O’Dea was too good to refuse. He spent four years as O’Dea’s assistant trainer before being promoted to training partner.
He formed an association with Jamie Walter’s Proven Thoroughbreds during his time with Steve O’Dea and was delighted when Walter agreed to continue that support following O’Dea’s retirement.
One of the best horses Hoysted got to co-train with O’Dea was Scallopini who won 13 races and was placed 14 times. He acknowledges the talents of the genuine galloper.
Matt says he and Steve O’Dea were usually on the same wavelength when it came to planning the campaigns of horses in their care.
He pays a fitting tribute to Uncommon James, the best horse he got to co-train with O’Dea. He looks back on the gelding’s Oakleigh Plate win in 2023 as an almost surreal experience.
Matt says he wasn’t surprised when Steve announced his retirement from the Brisbane training ranks.
The young trainer looks back on early days with the O’Dea stable where he met the girl destined to become his wife and the mother of his two young daughters.
He talks about Caitlin’s pride and joy Pickabee, a daughter of Jet Spur with whom she won five races. Coincidentally, Pickabee would become the dam of Uncommon James.
Matt looks back on his formative years in Wangaratta and early tuition from his father Greg. He also spent some time with another training relative Roger Hoysted.
He puts the spotlight on grandfather Ron (call me Mick) who trained a Gr 1 sprinter in the 1980’s. Another member of the clan to get a mention is Hal Hoysted winner of 25 premierships in north eastern Victoria.
Matt relates the stories he’s heard from family members about Fred “Father” Hoysted, winner of 17 Melbourne premierships between 1933 and 1958.
He talks of the racing blood on the distaff side of his family. His mother Ronda is the daughter of John Hickmott and sister to Robert and Michael- all successful trainers.
Matt takes us back to the early years of his racing education and valuable time spent at Flemington and Macedon Lodge.
He talks of his association with some high profile horses during his time under the Lloyd Williams banner.
He treasures the memory of five years with the late Michael Moroney at Flemington. Matt adds his personal tribute to the many already circulated for the great New Zealand born horseman.
For punters listening to the podcast, Matt pointers a couple of promising horses currently in the stable.
It’s a laid back chat with a young man who has the right pedigree and the right temperament to make it to the top in a very demanding profession.
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When Rod Quinn won on Merlin Mustang at Rosehill in 2013 he had no idea it was fated to be his last ride in a race. When he and wife Alannah departed on a European holiday, Rod fully intended to resume riding on returning to Australia. Why that didn’t happen is a story in itself. Rod takes us through a stellar career that began at Nyngan in the far west of NSW destined to take him to the top of his profession. Rod begins by reminiscing about that final ride at Rosehill in 2013.
He explains why he was known as R.M Quinn throughout his forty year career.
Rod talks about his weight gain during the European holiday with wife Alannah. He’d had the problem many times before but on this occasion he couldn’t face the horrors of the sauna.
He remembers the moment when he informed the family of his decision to call time on his riding career.
The former outstanding jockey talks about the home sauna just outside the back door of his Chipping Norton home.
He says most people expected him to gain weight rapidly after retirement. That’s not the way it turned out.
Rod says he received a timely phone call from Maurice Logue on behalf of Racing NSW soon after his retirement. He takes us through a normal day at the races in his role as mentor of apprentices.
He takes us back to early days at Nyngan in western NSW. He remembers grandfather Cy and father Kevin Quinn who had both been jockeys.
Rod talks about his master Ray Burton and fondly recalls his first winning ride way out west at Enngonia.
He looks back on a difficult situation involving his father’s role as a stipendiary steward at western districts meetings. Rod was not allowed to ride at meetings where Kevin Quinn was the sole steward officiating.
The 65 year old says the problem was solved when his master decided to move his team of horses to Warwick Farm. That move turned out to be a life changer for the talented apprentice.
Rod looks back on the huge grey mare who launched his metropolitan career and his near miss in a Sydney apprentice’s premiership.
The former jockey remembers his decision to concentrate on outside Saturday meetings. He soon earned the nickname ‘King of Kembla’.
Rod still can’t believe he rode his first Gr 1 winner at just 48kgs. That luxury didn’t last long.
He looks back on a twenty year association with Ingham’s Crown Lodge empire. He was never the number one stable jockey, but that suited the quiet man of Sydney racing.
Rodney remembers three stakes wins on the quirky Viscount. He clearly remembers a freakish incident towards the finish of the 2001 Champagne Stakes that could have ended in disaster.
He looks back on a quartet of wins on Align for trainer John Hawkes, and an agonisingly close second in a Golden Slipper.
Rod says his George Ryder win on Lord Essex wasn’t a complete surprise, but his Mercedes Classic victory on Curata Storm was the least expected win of his career.
He looks back on the thrill of winning 6 races on champion Lonhro and the disappointment of losing the ride after having been booked for a stakes race.
Rod has fond memories of a BMW win on Grand Zulu for the late Gwenda Markwell. He humbly regards it as perhaps his best Gr 1 ride.
He still marvels at the bizarre circumstances that led him to a winning ride in a Sydney Cup for the Waller stable.
Rod looks back on his final Gr 1 win in 2011.
He talks about a horse who would have risen to much greater heights had he not had an aversion to eating.
Rod says the best thing about retirement is the fact that many niggling aches and pains have disappeared.
He proudly summarises his new role as a grandfather of four.
It’s a lovely trip down memory lane with one of the best riders of his generation.
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We’ve had a number of syndication company founders on the podcast over recent years, all sharing stories about their childhood passion for racing. James Moss is no different. His interest in the sport was ignited by trips to the track with his father and grandfather. Further motivated by the deeds of champion mare Sunline, James was completely “hooked” by the time he reached early twenties. Family and friends were not surprised when he launched Tricolours Racing and Syndications in 2016. We talk to James about his subsequent journey. He responds to a high compliment afforded him by one of the company’s trainers.
He talks of a return to equities trading once the company was up and running.
James talks of the family who’ve supported him every step of the way.
The syndicator remembers his late father Jack whose love of the Roosters NRL team inspired the company name and racing colours.
James remembers early days at the track and his fascination with the mighty Kiwi mare Sunline.
He pays tribute to a couple of his favourite jockeys from the era.
James agrees the choice of his second favourite horse might raise an eyebrow or two.
The forty six year old talks about his career in the field of equities trading.
He acknowledges the input of his business partner Paul King and communications and administration assistant Maryanne Sayers.
James remembers the purchase of his very first yearling, an Uncle Mo filly for $50,000 at the 2017 Karaka Sales. Trainer John Sargent was there with him.
The Tricolours founder summarises the purchase and subsequent deeds of the company’s best performers to date.
James says he doesn’t set out to buy fillies but agrees it probably looks that way.
He talks about recent winners Manuscript, The Novelist and The Playwright two geldings and one filly all sired by Written By.
James elaborates on the potential of promising two year olds Autumn Blonde and Artistic Venture.
He talks about his determination to buy at the right price.
Syndication has become a very important component in the burgeoning Australian racing industry. Great to chat with one of its most professional operators.
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Zac Lloyd’s day of days at Rosehill on February 22nd was soured by a five meeting suspension incurred on the third of his five winners on the programme. This remarkable quintet came just nine months after his previous best, a four win haul at Randwick. The Zac Lloyd story is well documented. He’s the son of former champion jockey Jeff Lloyd who today acts as his son’s manager and adviser. Zac’s career began modestly with a win at Dalby in 2020. Just over four years later the 21 year old is sitting on 385 winners, two apprentice’s titles and a couple of Gr 1’s. Young Zac begins by looking back on his bittersweet day at Rosehill recently.
He talks of his first ever race ride on the exciting three year old Broadsiding. The young jockey fully realises he won’t be riding the colt on a regular basis.
Zac talks of brother Jaden who rode a Gold Coast winner on the same day.
He talks about a glut of suspensions he’s had since relocating to Sydney, and emphasises his resolve to keep out of trouble.
He says he was just four years old when his dad Jeff Lloyd decided to try his luck in Australia. He was just beginning to realise that his father was a very famous jockey.
Zac clearly remembers another move when his father landed a Hong Kong contract.
The young jockey looks back on the family’s relocation back to Australia and the decision to settle on the Gold Coast. He’s delighted to have Jeff Lloyd as his official manager. His father watches every move he makes in races.
Zac says he regularly communicates with his mother Nicola, herself a member of a successful South African racing family.
He talks about his initial apprenticeship to the Edmonds stable on the Gold Coast. His father was still riding trackwork at the time.
The twenty one year old won’t forget his first day at the races in November 2020. He got his first taste of the highs and lows of racing.
Zac looks back on a brief transfer of his indentures to a Brisbane stable.
He confirms that Darren Beadman played a role in his apprenticeship to the Godolphin racing machine in Sydney.
Zac talks about his first Sydney apprentice’s title and a ding dong battle with good mate Dylan Gibbons.
He was grateful to win a second junior title, a feat achieved with no allowance.
Zac highlights some of the best horses he’s ridden in the world famous royal blue silks of the Godolphin operation.
The young jockey’s capability to ride at a featherweight earned him the Stradbroke ride on Stefi Magnetica last year. He looks back on the dream run that carried him to victory, and to his first Gr 1 success.
Zac looks back on his first Sydney Gr 1- the Flight Stakes on star filly Lady Shenandoah.
He talks about his current trackwork routine.
Zac talks of his close friendship with fellow jockey and first cousin Chad Schofield.
He talks about the luxury provided by his ability to ride so light, and the contrast of styles between himself and father Jeff.
Zac looks at future aspirations and his appreciation of being a part of the vibrant Australian racing industry.
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Allan Kehoe has had some handy horses through his hands in twelve years as a professional trainer, but until recently a horse with that elusive X factor had never walked into his Wyong stables. Fate played a hand just over a year ago when a colt he was chasing at the Inglis Classic Sale was suddenly withdrawn by the vendor. That vendor knew of Allan’s interest and called him unexpectedly a few days later.
That phone call triggered a deal which saw the Wyong horseman actually take out a three year lease on the son of freshman sire Sandbar. That colt now bearing the curious name of Shaggy is unbeaten in three starts, culminating in a dashing defeat of some hot opposition at Randwick on Feb 15th. Shaggy has lifted the profile of his hard working trainer literally overnight. I joined the media scrum last week in getting Allan to join me on the podcast just 48 hours after the talented horseman had “ bitten the dust” in a nasty spill on his private training track. He explains how the tumble happened and describes the extent of his injuries.
Allan says Shaggy spent a few quiet days after the Randwick win in a spacious paddock on his Gorokan property near Wyong.
He takes us back to last year’s Inglis Classic Sale where he made a close inspection of the Sandbar colt, and expressed his interest to the vendor.
Allan talks of the sire Sandbar who’s had a flying start to his stud career thanks to the emergence of a very talented two year old in his first crop.
The trainer has opted to run Shaggy in the Skyline Stakes on March 1st which leaves a three week corridor into the Golden Slipper.
Allan explains how the youngster was given his curious name.
He looks back on two brilliant wins at Coffs Harbour and on the Sunny Coast, and says he was quietly confident going into the Pierro Plate.
The versatile horseman explains the reason why Aaron Bullock had to be replaced last minute by Adam Hyeronimus.
Allan describes the facilities at his disposal on a twenty five acre property a stone’s throw from Wyong racecourse where he also has 10 permanent boxes.
He talks about his personal involvement in trackwork and explains that other Wyong trainers sometimes use his services. The 41 year old talks about the breaking-in and pre-training arm of his business.
He talks about his siblings and early life in Newcastle, Scone and Narromine. He looks back with gratitude on his first job and the opportunity to work with a great horseman.
Allan says his four years with the late John Lundholm at Coonamble provided a great learning curve in his life. He looks back on time spent with other top horsemen in his formative years.
Kehoe says his brief stint as a picnic jockey provided some of the happiest years of his racing life.
Allan is proud to be a father of four. He and first wife Kelly are the parents of daughter Mikayla and son Beau who follow his progress as a trainer.
He and partner Kim have a pigeon pair Mia and Jack. 14 year old Mia is displaying definite signs of considering a future as a jockey
Allan looks back on the thrill of saddling up his first winner as a solo trainer in 2012, and pays tribute to some of the horses who’ve subsequently shaped his career. He mentions a couple who are currently in work.
Allan’s been around for a long time and his reputation in the industry is a sound one. Shaggy has propelled him into new found prominence on the eve of the autumn carnival.
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We’ve had several emails lately enquiring about Jim Byrne’s future plans. He was missing in action for the latter half of 2024 and has been relatively quiet since returning to the saddle. We haven’t had Jim on the podcast for close to five years. The time is right to catch up with one of Queensland’s best ever jockeys. Jim begins by talking about Michael Cahill’s recent farewell meeting on the Gold Coast, but makes it clear he’s not yet ready to follow suit.
He talks of his departure from the riding ranks in late 2023, a break he was badly needing.
Jim says he was relatively injury free for the first half of his long riding career. He says most of his troubles began in 2019 when he was dislodged from a young horse after a track gallop.
He says he was unaware of the extent of the damage. It was two weeks later when he virtually lost the use of his right arm during a two year old race at Eagle Farm.
Jim admits to being a very bad patient during long injury layoffs.
The champion jockey recalls the wonderful trot he was enjoying in late 2019 when involved in a freakish fall after passing the post at Doomben. More surgery followed.
He was barely back in the saddle when he came down with a golden staph infection in one elbow. He also needed minor surgery when one of the screws holding a knee plate suddenly slipped out of alignment.
Jim finally got on a trouble free run and the winners were flowing again. He was lucky enough to form an association with the brilliant Rothfire. His five wins on the horse included the Gr 1 J.J Atkins.
Around the same time Byrne teamed up with the brilliant Apache Chase. One of his six wins on the horse came in the Gr 1 Kingsford Smith Cup. The jockey was especially thrilled to win the feature race for longtime supporter Desleigh Forster.
The veteran jockey talks of his apprenticeship to the highly respected Pat Duff whose recent passing saddened the Queensland racing industry.
Jim hasn’t forgotten the name of his first winner at Beaudesert but the trainer’s name has slipped his memory.
He talks of his first ever metropolitan win on the Noel Doyle trained White Hope.
Jim has no doubt a win in the Gr 3 Lightning Hcp at Eagle Farm was the one to bring him under notice as an emerging talent.
He delights in reflecting on his 13 rides on the Newcastle trained Adam, the first of them resulting in a narrow defeat in the Doomben $10,000. He looks back on his homestretch duel with Michael Pelling on Laurie’s Lottery. He even threw in a protest.
The jockey pays tribute to Adam’s trainer Ray Brock.
Jim then looks back on his first Gr 1 win- a thrilling Stradbroke victory on Adam.
He remembers a Sydney Gr 2 win on the genuine stallion and several placings in elite company.
Jim looks back on a brief association with brilliant grey filly Gold Edition. The daughter of Lion Hunter gave the jockey two wins at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week in 2006.
He looks back on a surprise “pick up” ride in 2008 which gave him an unexpected win in the time honoured Queensland Derby.
Jim was often a “go-to” jockey for interstate trainers taking horses to the Brisbane winter carnival. He remembers with affection a brief but exciting partnership with Redzel which produced an all the way win in the Doomben $10,000.
He talks of a Ramornie Hcp win at Grafton for the Snowden stable.
Jim has fond memories of a Gr 2 Hill Stakes win on Desert War for the Waterhouse stable.
The ace rider reflects on his association with the dynamic sprinter General Nediym. He says the horse was probably past his best, but still very effective at the top level.
Jim has been quietly planning his life after racing for several years. He and wife Rhamie are developing a very workable saddlery shop in the basement of their Brisbane home. Rhamie is emerging as a Group 1 seamstress.
The veteran jockey pays a much deserved tribute to his wife of 30 years.
Jim brings us up to date with the current progress of his four kids, Corey, Georgia, Madison and Lachlan.
Jim Byrne has a legion of fans in the Sunshine State. They’ll be delighted to hear from the four time Brisbane premiership winner.
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Angela Jones has ridden another two winners since our podcast was recorded on Friday Feb 7th. She won the last at Doomben on Master Showman for Stuart Kendrick and scored on Wanganeen for Tony Gollan at Caloundra on Sunday. That makes it 65 in the state and 38 in town for the current season. Angela’s backstory makes for an interesting podcast. She grew up on a sprawling cattle farm 300 kms south west of Mackay where she and four sisters were schooled at home. She could ride a horse at age 3, but had no idea a racing industry existed, until she went to boarding school. Angela begins by confirming that she and partner Kyle Wilson-Taylor talk of little else but racing.
She acknowledges how lucky she is to have no weight issues.
Angela explains that she rode with no allowance towards the end of her apprenticeship. She was pleasantly surprised when race rides kept coming her way.
The twenty three year old takes us back to childhood days on the farm. She says a 20,000 acre spread isn’t all that uncommon in rural Queensland.
She remembers early times on horseback including long days with her dad out on the muster.
Angela talks more of father Jason, mum Julie and her four sisters.
The young jockey explains that Julie and all four sisters live in Toowoomba nowadays.
She takes us back to boarding school days in Charters Towers. She chose that particular school only because it provided accommodation for one of her horses.
Angela remembers a day at Charters Towers races where Racing Queensland had installed an information booth. That booth was manned by former champion jockey Shane Scriven. Angela bombarded him with questions about the racing game.
She looks back on a happy apprenticeship to Lindsay Hatch and an exciting first day as a professional jockey. She takes us through her Dalby treble.
Angela says Lindsay Hatch restricted her to non TAB meetings early days. The trainer didn’t put a race ride her way for quite some time.
She looks back on her transition to the provincial circuit and finally a transfer to top Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan.
Angela hasn’t forgotten her first meeting with future partner Kyle Wilson-Taylor.
The young jockey explains that Tony Gollan arranged extra tuition from retired jockey Robbie Fradd whose stellar international career is well documented.
Angela takes us through the horses who’ve impacted her career thus far with special mention of the talented Zarastro.
She says wins in the Ipswich and Caloundra Cups have been career highlights.
Angela outlines the ambitions she harbours going forward.
This is an insight into the life of a very grounded country girl who followed a dream and hasn’t wasted an opportunity.
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At the time this podcast was recorded on Thursday January 30th, Jamie Mott had ridden 71 Victorian winners for the current season, with only Blake Shinn ahead of him on the premiership ladder. A few hours later he booted home two winners at the Pakenham twilight meeting taking him to 73. On Friday evening he was at the Moonee Valley night meeting where after three early placings he won the final race on Excess for great supporter Julius Sandhu. His seven rides at Sandown on Saturday yielded a win on Russian Meteor and one placegetter. Winner tally was now 75.
Jamie talks about his current run of success for a wide range of stables.
He talks about the never ending task of keeping his weight where it needs to be.
The in- form jockey speaks glowingly of My Gladiola and Royal Insignia, two young horses who could provide him with stakes success over the autumn carnival. He also reflects on the Blue Diamond that slipped through his fingers in 2022.
Jamie pays tribute to Royal Insignia’s dam Yau Chin who had to be euthanised the day before his Manfred Stakes win.
The jockey talks of his family background and agrees he was destined to be a jockey.
Jamie talks of his early apprenticeship to his late grandmother Janet and a transfer to the Flemington stables of Leon Corstens.
He’s still embarrassed about his very first race ride at Cranbourne on a Corstens trained mare.
Jamie hasn’t forgotten about his first win on a horse trained by his grandmother. He led all the way.
He looks back on a short stint with Danny O’Brien during which time he received a suspension. He was stunned when his weight suddenly soared to 62kgs. Disillusioned, he quit his apprenticeship and returned home to Geelong.
When the bug bit again, Jamie based himself at Cranbourne and began riding work for a wide range of trainers. His weight came down and he was able to return to race riding.
He talks about another setback in 2009 when he failed a jockey’s room drug test. Outed for six months he made up his mind to keep his weight in check.
Jamie looks back on the freak winning run he enjoyed on the comeback trail- something like 24 winners in the first month.
Lady luck hadn’t quite finished with young Mott. He went through a trifecta of trauma all in the space of a week- a race fall, a trackwork fall and an unexpected assault at a Melbourne nightclub. Doctors sidelined him for many months.
Jamie’s life took a turn for the better when he returned to trackwork next time around. He was a massive 71kgs when he linked up with the late Russell Cameron at Flemington- a man destined to become his mentor, his best mate and his salvation.
The jockey endorses the sentiments of Victorian participants who were deeply saddened by Russell Cameron’s premature passing.
Jamie talks of his good fortune in meeting his future wife at the Cameron stables. Carol Ann was a member of the team and it wasn’t long before she and Jamie became partners. He looks back on the fairytale wedding he and Carol Ann were able to enjoy in a 13th century Irish village.
He talks of the wonderful family life he and Carol Ann share with their sons Henry (7) and Charlie (4).
Jamie looks back on his brief but successful stint as a jumps jockey. He had the time of his life.
The 178cm jockey talks of the bizarre fall in 2019 which left him with two broken legs. He was off the scene for six long months.
Jamie was hungry for winners when he returned to the saddle and he didn’t have to wait long. At his very first ride back he stormed home on Rock the Ring to win a maiden at Sale, and the winners continued to flow.
Jamie’s maiden Gr 1 win was on Callsign Mav in the Rupert Clarke Stakes for Danny O’Brien. He says he was worried on the turn.
The jockey talks about his second win at the elite level. A lucky late ride paved the way for a thrilling win in the Champion’s Sprint at Flemington on expat Kiwi mare Roch ‘N’ Horse who made a habit of upsetting high profile opposition.
This is a laid back interview with a gifted horseman who’s been able to overcome all sorts of adversity to join the ranks of Melbourne’s top tier jockeys.
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The legendary jockey’s sudden retirement announcement in December caught the NZ racing industry by surprise. Opie says he’d been contemplating retirement for six months but it took a simple experience on Xmas Day to convince him the time was right. The champion jockey was out jogging on Xmas morning, wearing his mandatory heavy sweat gear when he was suddenly conscious of passers by in high spirits, out enjoying life on such a special day. Opie was unplaced on 3 rides at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Driving home to Matamata after the races he made the massive decision to call time on his stellar 30 year career. He says the withdrawal symptoms have been manageable so far.
Opie says he was a little hesitant as he sat down to type out his retirement announcement for release on social media.
The jockey says weight issues have plagued him for many years. He explains just how tough it’s been over time.
He reminds us that he walked away from racing more than twenty years ago when wasting got the better of him. He spent eighteen months out of the industry during which time he gave the rugby code some serious attention.
Kiwis and Australians alike have been curious about the champion jockey’s unusual christian name. He puts forward a simple explanation.
Opie talks about an apprenticeship to his godfather Steve Autridge, at the time head trainer for the Te Akau machine. He says Autridge has been an important influence in his life.
He talks about the TeAkau training operation at Matamata, and the breathtaking environment of Te Akau Stud in the Waikato, where it all begins for the David Ellis homebreds.
Opie was happy to wander down memory lane. He’s never forgotten his very first day as a professional jockey.
His first winning ride in 1995 left an indelible memory.
The brilliant jockey announced his arrival in a big way. He was only 17 when he won his first Gr 1, the 1998 Auckland Cup on Jezabeel.
Opie wasn’t retained on Jezabeel in the Melbourne Cup of the same year but was lucky enough to get on a wonderful NZ staying filly during the same carnival. He won the historic Victoria Oaks on Grand Archway.
Shortly before that Melbourne carnival he made a quick trip to NSW as a favour to a young Kiwi friend who was just getting started as a trainer in Sydney. He happened to ride the trainer’s first Australian winner in an obscure maiden at Wyong.
Opie looks back on some stunning NZ career statistics.
He makes no secret of the fact that the brilliant sprinting mare Imperatriz was his all time favourite. He talks about the brilliant mare’s best performances.
Second only to Imperatriz on Bosson’s list of favourites is the dynamic Melody Belle. He looks back on 6 Gr 1 wins on the wonderful mare. He was delighted to partner Melody Belle in her only Australian Gr 1 victory.
He speaks with great admiration of another top tier Te Akau mare, the talented Avantage. He rode her in eight of sixteen wins which included five Gr 1’s.
Opie looks back on his association with several other exciting horses he got to ride in the famous tangerine and royal blue Te Akau colours. He makes special mention of the lightly raced Te Akau Shark. He says we never saw the best of this exciting Rip Van Winkle gelding.
The 99 time Gr 1 winning rider devotes extra time to his memories of Mongolian Khan, the top class stayer who gave him victory in two of Australia’s most famous races.
Opie came back to ride him in three Sydney races the following autumn, but says he wasn’t the same horse. The jockey pays a warm tribute to Mongolian Khan’s trainer Murray Baker.
The newly inducted retiree speaks of his three children. He and first wife Samantha Spratt are the parents of 19 year old Cody who shares his father’s love of hunting and fishing.
Opie talks of the two younger children he shares with second wife Emily- Max who’s six, and daughter Honour who’s nearing three years of age.
The Auckland Racing Club acknowledged Opie’s impact on NZ racing when they released a special audio presentation a few years ago. Whenever the jockey won a race at the Karaka Millions meeting the catchy chant of “There’s Only One Opie Bosson” resonated through the public address system, generating great crowd involvement. He talks of his reaction to a rare honour.
Great to catch up with a jockey who was appointed an Officer Of The NZ Order OF Merit in 2023 for his services to racing.
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Received a couple of emails lately requesting information on two former elite racehorses. My correspondents are two younger racing enthusiasts curious about the deeds of Battle Heights and Manikato- the former a dour New Zealand stayer, the latter a dynamic Australian sprinter of the late 70’s and early 80’s. By coincidence both horses were ridden many times in races by Gary Willetts, an expatriate Kiwi jockey who settled in Australia in late 1975 destined for undreamed of success. Who better to reflect on the talents of both horses? My emailers are probably unaware of a 2021 podcast we posted with Gary Willetts right at the height of the covid lockdowns. In this interview the former champion jockey comprehensively reviews the careers of Battle Heights, Manikato and several other wonderful horses he got to ride. Let’s give it another run this week. Gary admits he didn’t want to come to Australia to ride Battle Heights in 1974. He says the NZ jockey’s premiership was his primary focus.
The former ace jockey talks of his move into the hotel business after a career ending race fall. He looks back on the injury toll from that fateful fall at Yarra Glen.
Gary takes us back to childhood days in Auckland when he frequently attended race meetings with his parents.
He reflects on work experience in the stables of leading trainer Fred Smith who later indentured him.
Gary looks back on his first winner Silver Lad who started at massive odds.
He remembers his chance meeting at the races with the young lady from Matamata destined to become his wife. The Willetts are closing in on 60 years of marriage.
The former ace jockey has never forgotten the horse who changed his life. He takes us through the remarkable career of iron gelding Battle Heights.
Gary was stable jockey for Bon Hoysted when a precocious, chestnut son of Manihi arrived in the stables. He remembers Manikato’s quirky early habits and takes us through the highlights of the powerhouse sprinter’s amazing career.
He reflects on the training genius of Bob Hoysted who took over the training of Manikato following the sudden death of his brother Bon.
Willetts pays tribute to several other topliners he got to ride beginning with Rose Of Kingston who in 1982 became the first filly in 38 years to win the AJC Derby.
This was my first interview with Gary Willetts in many years. It was a delight to catch up with a true gentleman of the turf, and the rider of some of the best horses of his era.
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Following in the footsteps of jockeys like Jeff Lloyd, Robbie Fradd and Larry Cassidy, Vlad Duric has chosen Brisbane as home base for the latter years of his riding career. Vlad arrived in Queensland early last year after a wonderfully successful six years in Singapore where he won four local jockey’s premierships and a host of feature races. A Doomben treble got him away to a flying start and the winners have continued to flow. The veteran rider says his passion for race riding hasn’t diminished.
Vlad talks about the great support he’s received from Brisbane trainers since arriving in Queensland.
He talks about a quartet of stakes wins to come his way including the Gr 2 Victory Stakes on talented galloper Antino.
Vlad says he decided on a brief stint in his native Victoria last August to coincide with the beginning of daughter Sage’s riding career.
The jockey was surprised and delighted to pick up rides from old friends. To ride a couple of Gippsland winners was a bonus.
Vlad acknowledges the talents of his 22 year old daughter, and brings us up to date on the career direction taken by Sage’s sisters Lily and Audrey.
He pays tribute to his wife Storm, herself a former jockey who rode ten winners in a brief career.
Vlad reveals the European origins of his first and second names and reflects on the support he was given by hard working parents Steve And Elina when he opted for a riding career.
He looks back on his apprenticeship to Cranbourne trainer Alan Williams and the enduring friendship he formed with Alan’s son Craig.
The forty seven year old looks back on the milestone achievements of his early career- first winner, first city winner and initial Gr 1 success.
Vlad fondly remembers Gr 1 winner Bon Hoffa as the first high quality horse he got to ride. He sings the praises of Bon Hoffa’s trainer Wendy Kelly.
Appropriately Vlad Duric pays a lengthy tribute to Master O’Reilly, a horse he rode in 30 races and the horse to take him to racing’s biggest stage with a Caulfield Cup win in 2007. There are some interesting sidelights to the Master O’Reilly story, especially the drama in the barriers before the running of the Caulfield Cup.
Vlad remembers his first trip to Singapore in 2009 and the flying start he gained on brilliant three year old Gingerbread Man. He won 51 races in his first season.
He looks back on a return to Victoria and his association with the very talented horse Mourinho. He won the Gr 1 Underwood Stakes on Mourinho plus three other Gr 2 races.
Vlad comprehensively covers his return to Singapore and a six year stay that brought him four jockeys premierships and many feature races. He looks back on the outstanding horses and horsemen who made it all possible.
There were a handful of health related low points in the latter stages of his time in Singapore. He says he was stopped in his tracks on three occasions.
Vlad Duric has been a popular and well respected jockey for more than three decades. He shares his story with us in a most entertaining way.
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When Luke Nolen’s in full swing it’s difficult to get him to sit still long enough to conduct an interview. Currently he’s on the sidelines indefinitely following a freakish fall at Geelong early in December. Although frustrated and in some discomfort, the champion jockey gave us all the time we needed to get a podcast “in the can”. What a career it’s been for the Victorian born horseman whose riding record is one of Australian racing’s most enviable. Almost 2000 wins, 40 Gr 1’s, three Melbourne jockey’s premierships and two Scobie Breasley medals. There was an awful lot to talk about. Luke begins by taking us through the horror Geelong fall which was attributable to a broken stirrup leather.
He talks of surgery already completed and what lies ahead.
Luke reflects on early days when his dad Tal took the family all over Australia looking for suitable job opportunities. The jockey talks of school days and an aversion to study.
He pays tribute to Tal, to his late mother Margaret and brother Shaun.
Luke looks back on a move back to Victoria when Tal was able to arrange an apprenticeship with master mentor Gerald Egan.
Like most apprentices he hasn’t forgotten the buzz around his very first win at Albury in 1998.
Luke talks of the reputation he quickly earned as an unflappable young rider. He remembers two nicknames he picked up in his youth, and the circumstances behind their creation.
He looks back on time spent with former champion trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith at Flemington.
Luke was thrilled beyond belief to win his first Gr 1 race for the maestro Bart Cummings.
He clearly remembered the first ride he ever had for Peter Moody.
The jockey talks of his enduring relationship with Moody and gives the reasons that partnership has stood the test of time.
By his own admission Luke says he never tires of talking about Black Caviar.
He won 22 of 25 on the champion mare. He agrees Jarrod Noske and Ben Melham who rode her in the other three wins will have something to tell their grandchildren.
Luke says Black Caviar was an uncomplicated race mare.
He pinpoints the best of her 25 wins.
Looks back on her near defeat at Royal Ascot in 2012. He says she was battling niggling muscle issues on the day.
He talks of Black Caviar’s tendency to “come back underneath him” in the closing stages. He also heaps praise on runner up Moonlight Cloud who went within a head of destroying the great mare’s iconic record.
Luke talks of the champion’s debilitating fight with laminitis and subsequent euthanisation. To add to the tragedy Black Caviar’s Snitzel colt also died.
The star jockey highlights a few personal favourites from the long list of outstanding horses he’s ridden beginning with Typhoon Tracey. He looks back on Peter Moody’s decision to walk away from racing following his suspension on cobalt charges.
Luke acknowledges the deeds of elite gallops I Wish I Win, and El Segundo.
He pays tribute to Alicia his wife of 17 years, and children Dane and Kailey.
Luke says he’s grateful to have three Melbourne jockey’s premierships and two Scobie Breasley medals on his CV.
We close the podcast by referring to a quote from Gerard Whateley’s 2012 biography on Black Caviar. Gerard goes behind the public persona in identifying the real Luke Nolen.
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There was one common thread among the hundreds of tributes paid to Ross Stitt after his recent retirement. Unequivocally, friends and fellow horsemen agreed that the 83 year old had been an ornament to his profession as a man and a professional horse trainer. I’d like to add my sentiments by plucking from the archives an interview we recorded with Ross almost six years ago.
He was in reminiscent mood on the day, and took us on a nostalgic journey through his life with horses. Ross began by reflecting on childhood days on the family dairy farm in the Manning Valley. He was milking the cows from age 9 before going to school.
He says showjumping was his first equine passion, and it appears he was pretty adept at the sport.
Ross recalls that his first thoroughbred idol was the legendary broodmare Dark Jewel. He formed the attachment simply because he had a show jumper called “Jewel” at the time.
It’s not widely known that Ross Stitt could easily have pursued a career in harness racing. His earliest tutor was trots trainer Ned Coleman. He says he was very close to acquiring his licence to drive in races.
Ross says he was 24 years old when he bought his first galloper Bold Pirate from an Inglis Mixed Sale. He initially gave the maiden performer to a local trainer, but later took over the training himself.
He remembers ex Sydney gallopers Gold Optic and Royal Kirk as the horses to get him up and running on north coast tracks.
The retired trainer rates Critic’s Pride as his first headline horse. That’s no surprise when you consider Critic’s Pride won a whopping 29 races for his up and coming trainer.
Ross Stitt had the amazing ability to keep horses up for lengthy periods and to keep them winning. Half brothers Our Ambition and Gilded Blue are two prime examples. They won 48 races between them.
He acknowledges the support of owner Ron Shaw, a former accountant who settled in nearby Old Bar following his retirement. He and Ross enjoyed a great association.
Ross talks about his infatuation with Sir Dapper, a brilliant racehorse who later became a successful sire. The trainer won multiple races in the late 90’s and early 2000’s with Dapper Spirit, Just Dapper and Chilli Dapper.
He pays a heartfelt tribute to former record breaking jockey Robert Thompson who retired just under three years after our podcast was recorded. Thompson rode more winners for the Stitt stable than any other rider.
Ross looks back on his pleasing record in NSW Country Cups. Surprisingly it took him 35 years to win a Kempsey Cup.
The veteran trainer was fairly emphatic in declaring Precise Timing to be the best horse he ever trained. An inveterate trier, Precise Timing won a total of 18 races including the 2006 Launceston Cup. Ross explains what prompted him to venture all the way to Tasmania.
He delights in telling the story of Heavenly Glow, the $10,000 Gold Coast purchase destined to win two Gr 1 races. When he realised the filly was good enough to run at the elite level, Ross had no hesitation in sending her to a Sydney trainer.
Ross tells the story of Youthful Jack, the unfashionably bred gelding who would win 18 races and $1.15 million in prize money.
He placed him with other trainers at varying stages with great results- Rex Lipp at Toowoomba, Allan Denham in Sydney and Adam Trinder in Tasmania. Ross himself won 7 races with Youthful Jack including the Grafton Ramornie Hcp.
The recently retired trainer pays tribute to some of the talented riders with whom he was associated over the years.
This podcast has been in the archives for quite some time but remains relevant by way of our tribute to a country training marvel.
- Visa fler
