Podcast
John Tapp Racing
Hosted by The Supernova Tribe · EN
John Tapp interviews the people who make racing tick.
11episodes
Episodes
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Episode 583: Brad Rawiller - A Doomben $10,000 win on a mount he didn’t see coming. He and Rothfire have a lot in common.
Yesterday01:04:13Tap to summarizeYou don’t see too many $61.00 “pops” generating ovations like the one Rothfire and Brad Rawiller got after the recent Doomben $10,000. The horse all but written off when he broke down almost six years ago, and the tough-as-teak veteran jockey served up a fairy tale story in winning the famous sprint after a very wide run. It was Gr 1 number 26 for the hard working Rawiller who hadn’t won at the elite level since scoring on Elite Street in Perth’s Winterbottom Stakes five and a half years ago. Brad, who makes a habit of “walking racetracks” when track conditions are suspect, went out with a set plan. He answers all of the questions that people have pondered in this week’s podcast. He begins by explaining how he secured the ride from a stable he hasn’t ridden for previously. The jockey takes us through the tactics he employed in the big sprint. He talks of Rothfire’s unlucky seventh in the Kingsford Smith Cup two weeks later. Brad pays tribute to his remarkable dad Keith, a versatile horseman who enjoyed success as a jockey both on the flat and over the jumps. Rawiller Snr also made his mark as a trainer and driver of harness horses. The jockey gives a shout out to his mum Elaine who closely monitors the progress of brothers Nash and Brad. Brad makes special mention of brother Todd and sister Stacey, both highly efficient horse people in their own right. He makes no secret of the fact that brother Nash is his primary inspiration. Brad goes back to his initial apprenticeship to Alan Bowell at Bendigo and a later transfer to Tony Noonan at Mornington. In his final year with Noonan he won the Victorian country jockey’s premiership. He’s never forgotten his win as a 19 year old in an Apprentice’s Cup at Belmont in WA. He formed an instant attachment to Perth racing. Brad was thrilled to win his first Gr 1 in Perth for high profile trainer David Hayes. He looks back on a national jockey’s title in the 2007/2008 season. His win tally was extraordinary. Brad recalls the unfortunate circumstances that brought him a Golden Slipper win on Phelan Ready in 2009. He looks back on a brief association with the grand stayer Viewed. He enjoyed a freak run to win the Caulfield Cup on the handsome stallion. Brad reminisces about his exciting journey with the talented galloper Weekend Hussler. He won 11 races on the gelding including 7 Gr 1’s. Only one other horse even gets close to Weekend Hussler in the jockey’s affections. He pays homage to the remarkable Black Heart Bart, a horse he partnered in 6 Gr 1 wins. The last of those wins triggered high emotion. Brad looks back on his snap decision in 2020 to try his luck on a permanent basis in Perth. There were several highs and one devastating low. The 47 year old is greatly inspired by older brother Nash but there are two other Victorian jockeys for whom he had special admiration. Brad makes special mention of daughter Cleo (14) and son Lucas (11). A nice chat with one of Australia’s hardest working jockeys who hopes to enjoy similar longevity to brother Nash.
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Episode 582: Simon Price - South Australia has produced a long line of top jockeys. Simon Price is high on the list.
1w ago00:59:51Tap to summarizeSimon Price hasn’t ridden in a race for five years but still spends plenty of time in the saddle. He’s at Morphettville trackwork three mornings a week, and has a regular presence at the barrier trials and jumpouts. With sons Will and Ben both forging successful riding careers in Adelaide, Price Snr is content to take a back seat these days. Simon’s CV credits him with close to 2000 winners including a host of black type features. At the height of his career he had regular support from many leading stables and a strong public following. In response to several requests for an interview with the talented horseman I’m pleased to say job’s done! Simon joins us on this week’s podcast to look back on his very rewarding career. He talks about his Morphettville trackwork involvement three times a week for some discerning trainers. Simon says he also works a “day job” at a prominent landscaping business owned by an old friend. He looks back on a snap decision in 2020 to relocate to NSW at the request of former South Australian horseman Sam Kavanagh. Simon recalls going all the way to Mudgee to ride his first winner for Kavanagh. The veteran says a Tamworth success on More Sundays for Kavanagh was his last winning ride. Simon pays tribute to Sam Kavanagh who died after a short illness 18 months ago. He looks back on childhood days in Adelaide and pays tribute to his parents. Simon recalls the unlikely circumstances that would trigger his introduction to horses. He talks of early tuition from George Davison and a subsequent apprenticeship to Peter Hayes at Oakbank. Simon says Peter Hayes was a thoughtful boss who encouraged him to ride for other trainers. He clearly remembers his first race ride at Cheltenham and his first win at a now defunct racecourse close to the Victorian border. The fifty five year old remembers the support he received from some prominent Adelaide trainers. He looks back on a “loan-out” to Cranbourne trainer Colin Alderson. During this time Peter Hayes sent a horse to Melbourne to run in the inaugural C.S Hayes Stakes at Moonee Valley. Young Simon gained the ride and it was a dream result. We randomly reminisce with Price about some of his favourite horses beginning with the Russell Cameron trained Shavano Miss- an unpleasant mare with great ability. Simon looks back on a surprise phone call from the Waterhouse stable and the offer of a Doncaster ride. He thought someone was “pulling his leg.” He looks back on a brief association with the Leon Corstens trained Cherontessa which led to a win in the Gr 1 South Australian Oaks. Simon couldn’t believe his luck when history repeated itself the following year. WA owner Bob Peters sent Miss Margaret to Peter Hayes for a three race campaign. Simon got the ride and won the Gr 3 Auraria, ran second in the Australasian Oaks before winning the Gr 1 South Australian Oaks. The jockey enjoyed several successful stints in Singapore including one twelve month stay. He was delighted to win the 1998 Gr 1 Singapore Gold Cup on the Malcolm Thwaites trained Three Crowns. It was the last Cup to be staged at the Bukit Timah track. Six weeks later Simon rode Three Crowns in the Melbourne Cup, and was deeply saddened when the genuine gelding broke down at the top of the straight. Simon had little hesitation in declaring Fields Of Omagh to be the best horse he rode in a race. The jockey was on board for three of the gelding’s South Australian wins. One of those wins was at Cheltenham the other two at Victoria Park. Both tracks have subsequently been closed. Price had a big opinion of the brilliant but unsound mare La Baraka. He won two Group 3 races on the daughter of Euclase and hasn’t forgotten her glaring conformation faults. Most Adelaide jockeys greatly value wins in the Goodwood Hcp and the Adelaide Cup. He regrets not being able to win either. He ran second in both races to horses ridden by the same top Victorian jockey. Simon says a busy work routine has helped him deal with a difficult time since the passing of his wife Belinda. He pays tribute to sons Will and Ben and daughter Abby who has in turn given him two adored grandsons. The elder Price reviews the careers so far of sons Will and Ben. Both young jockeys are currently settled in Adelaide where they’re getting good support from prominent stables. I remember the days in the broadcast box when I’d watch Adelaide races in between Sydney events. Simon Price won a huge number of those races. Great to welcome him as a podcast guest.
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Episode 581: Coriah Keatings - One of the new wave of gifted Australian female jockeys
2w ago00:56:58Tap to summarizeThe girls have had an extraordinary impact on Australian racing in recent years. A current emerging talent is twenty five year old Coriah Keatings who just recently won her first race at black type level. Coriah, apprenticed to Nick Olive at Canberra has a very impressive 135 wins on the board after just four years of race riding. Born and reared on her family’s farm just outside Albury, Coriah was in the saddle at a very early age and went on to become highly successful in many equestrian pursuits. Her entry into the racing industry happened almost by accident.This is an absorbing chat with a country girl who would have excelled in any one of several sports, but her innate love of horses influenced her decision to become a jockey. Coriah says she’s still on cloud nine after winning her first stakes race on Spicy Lu at Eagle Farm. The young jockey explains the origins of her intriguing given name. Coriah says her early passion for horses was encouraged by mother Kerrin, herself an avid horse lover. She says her father Craig had little interest in racing, but has become one of her staunchest fans. Coriah joined pony club at four years of age and was still heavily involved into her late teens. The 25 year old says she had little difficulty with academic studies but much preferred school sporting activities. The young jockey was all set to enrol for a university course when Covid got in the way. She earned some pocket money at a Zambrero Restaurant in Albury. At the suggestion of a friend Coriah made enquiries about a job with former successful jockey Jodi Bohr who was training horses in Albury at the time. She openly admits to being all at sea when she began riding trackwork. Coriah looks back on two other jobs she undertook, one in hospitality the other in retail. At one stage she was working both jobs at the same time. She recalls an invitation from leading Albury trainer Ron Stubbs to join his team. Coriah says Ron wasn’t in the position to offer her an apprenticeship, but knew of another trainer who was. She looks back on a very happy stint with Donna Scott who became a valued tutor and friend. Coriah looks back on her first race ride. She finished second but believes she should have won. She got the shock of her life after passing the post. She was delighted to win her first race on a horse trained by Donna Scott. Coriah looks back on a relocation to Canberra and the transfer of her indentures to her current boss Nick Olive. The jockey talks of her partner Matthew Kelly, a young Canberra trainer who’s beginning to make his mark. Coriah pays tribute to some of the horses who’ve kick started her riding career with special mention of the Nick Olive trained mare she regards as her favourite to this point in time. She says there’s one member of the Olive team she’s “busting” to win a race on. Coriah speaks fondly of talented mare All Adore and makes mention of two other metropolitan winners she’s ridden for Canberra trainers. She talks of her versatility in being able to use the whip in either hand. Coriah agrees she’s on the tall side as jockeys go, but appreciates the luxury of being able to ride on the limit weight. She clearly remembers two occasions when she came away from the races with winning trebles, one at Cowra and the other at Canberra. It’s a nice chat with one of the rising stars of the female riding ranks.
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Episode 580: Andrew Gluyas - Adelaide trainer continues on where his tutor Leon Macdonald left off.
3w ago01:00:28Tap to summarizeAndrew Gluyas had a huge pair of shoes to fill in July of 2023 when he took over the running of French Cotton Lodge at Morphettville. The stables had been home base to legendary trainer Leon Macdonald for more than four decades. Andrew had been married to Leon’s daughter for five years when he went to work for his father-in-law in 2002. Seven years later he was delighted to formulate a partnership with the veteran which would generate 560 wins up to the time of Leon’s retirement. Andrew got away to the best possible start as a trainer in his own right, when he won the Victoria Derby with Goldrush Guru the following year. The winners have continued to flow. Delighted to have him on the podcast this week. Andrew begins by explaining the origins of his unusual surname. He looks back on his father-in-law’s retirement in 2023, and recalls the freak accident at Morphettville trackwork when Leon was bowled over by a spooky horse. Andrew talks of the 21 year association with Leon that shaped his future. Gluyas looks back on his previous life as an electrical fitter. He speaks of his good fortune in being able to co-train some outstanding horses in partnership with Leon. Andrew pays tribute to astute owner/breeder Harry Perks whose continued support of his stable has been overwhelming. He acknowledges the talents of Dilly Dally and Go Indy Go, two other very good horses he got to work with. Andrew speaks glowingly of Goldrush Guru, the horse to kick start his solo training career. He takes us through that exciting Victoria Derby win not long after taking over the operation of French Cotton Lodge. He speaks highly of the talents of Watchme Win, already the winner of six races. He gives punters a good pointer to the future prospects of lightly raced 3YO filly Bassett Babe. Andrew pays tribute to his three sons and to Sue, his wife of 29 years. The 55 year old trainer endorses the talents of his stable apprentice Taylor Johnston. While on the subject of jockeys, Andrew expresses his admiration for two former Macdonald apprentices who went on to great acclaim. One of them is still going strongly. He looks back on a freakish fall in 2019 which ended the career of brilliant young stable apprentice Raquel Clark. Andrew says he’s delighted to be occupying prominent spots on both the SA and Adelaide trainer’s premiership ladders. The trainer acknowledges the achievements of Terry McAuliffe, his brother-in-law by marriage. Terry was a top Adelaide race caller before switching career direction to become Adelaide racing correspondent for Racing.Com. We couldn’t let Andrew go without some reference to his former passion for the game of baseball. Those who knew him early days remember his achievements for the Glenelg Club. A lovely chat with a man who learned from a master, and is heading in the same direction.
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Episode 579: A Tribute to Tobin Bronze- A THOROUGHBRED SUPERSTAR OF THE 1960’S. TALENTED, VERSATILE AND AS TOUGH AS NAILS.
4w ago00:34:00Tap to summarizePlease forgive my deviation from our usual interview format but the discovery of some very old broadcast tapes has set me upon a sentimental journey and rekindled memories I’d like to share with you. The centuries old proverb “handsome is as handsome does” has never been better exemplified than it was by the celebrated racehorse Tobin Bronze. He ticked every box as a thoroughbred type and endeared himself to racing fans in four magnificent seasons on Australian tracks. His few disappointing performances always came with a legitimate excuse. His finest moments are still revered by those who were around in the days of the horse they called the “Bronze Bullet”. We’ll get back to our usual podcast format next week, but for now I’d like to invite you to join me on a trip down memory lane as we look at the racing life of a deep chestnut stallion who captivated Australia’s thoroughbred lovers in the 1960’s. Sincere thanks to Melbourne historian Dennis Najin who made available Bill Collins’ graphic calls of Tobin Bronze’s wins in the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate of 1967.
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Episode 578: David Taggart
May 500:59:40Tap to summarizeI was thrilled to meet David Taggart for the first time at the recent Sydney premiere of the “J.Mac Story”. Like many Aussie racing fans I was well acquainted with his story. The story of a distinguished riding career being abruptly halted in 2007 by a freakish fall at Stony Creek- a career which had brought him more than 800 wins including 48 black type races. Included in that impressive tally are six Gr 1’s. “Tags” as he’s affectionately known, suffered years of post accident trauma before a stroke of good fortune changed his future direction. He’s still battling a few issues but occupies his mind with the task of preparing and presenting four weekly segments on Melbourne’s SEN Track. I quickly pinned him down to a podcast and we got the job done this week. David begins his inspirational story by talking about his current immobility problems and the way he overcomes them. He talks about the lucky break that led him to a radio career. David pays tribute to his SEN sidekick Gareth Hall. The former successful jockey takes us back to the freakish Stony Creek fall that ended his career. He talks about the injuries, the rehabilitation and the emotional aftermath. Dave looks back on his apprenticeship to legendary trainer Frank King, the man described as Melbourne’s answer to Theo Green. He remembers Frank’s undying devotion to his apprentices. “Tags” remembers the thrill of his first winning ride. He talks of the overwhelming experience of being engaged for a Gr 1 ride by none other than Bart Cummings. The 52 year old shares recollections of a very special day. David speaks glowingly of Greg Mance, the trainer who supplied his second Gr 1 winner. He enjoyed great success for the Mance stable over a lengthy period of time. His Stony Creek accident was bad enough but he looks back on another freak mishap at Moonee Valley that put him out for eight months. Dave pays tribute to Seascay, a high quality horse who gave him two wins and several placings at the elite level. He looks back on another Gr 1 win in the famous Goodwood Hcp at Morphettville for legendary trainer George Hanlon. He shares memories of a special day. David looks back on a successful stint in Macau. He originally planned on a three month term which stretched to four years. He elaborates on the Hollow Bullet story- the $10,000 filly who gave him his sixth Gr 1 victory in the historic Oaks at Flemington. He shares several great stories surrounding the filly and the running of the 2004 Crown Oaks. Dave pays tribute to his 25 year old daughter Grace. He’s already introduced her to the AFL and to his favourite team. This is an inspiring interview with a personable little bloke who’s learned to blend the good with the bad in life. Keen racing people will find him very entertaining as he looks back on the highs and lows.
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Episode 577: Justin Sheehan - The heavyweight jockey whose enforced retirement cut a brilliant career far too short.
Apr 2801:11:44Tap to summarizeThe first bloke to give me a wrap for the talents of Justin Sheehan was John O’Shea. It was 2000 and John’s solo training career had just begun at Warwick Farm. Sheehan was then 28 and although struggling with weight issues, was quickly establishing himself with some very discerning trainers. O’Shea described him as an “innately talented rider.” Just eight years later Justin’s career was all over as the ravages of the sweat box began to affect his health. In his relatively short time as a professional jockey he stamped himself as one of the best in the land. The 54 year old Queensland born horseman joins us on the podcast this week to look back on the highs and lows of an amazing twenty one year career as a professional jockey. Justin begins by talking about some recent health issues. He looks back on fifteen years as an in demand trackwork rider at Warwick Farm. Justin has clear recollections of his final day at the races- two unplaced rides at Rosehill in 2008. His final win at Kembla Grange remains near and dear to his heart. He takes us back to childhood and memories of the equine skills of his late father. The former jockey recalls the family’s move from Charleville to Dalby and an early introduction to thoroughbreds, albeit at an illegal age. He looks back on his first race ride, his first win and the experience gained riding on some dry and dusty tracks in the Northern Territory. Sheehan remembers his excitement when awarded a life changing NT Government Apprentice Grant which took him to Adelaide for a three month stint with trainer Danny Callaghan. He looks back on a freak run of success and the opportunity to partner a marvellous old sprinter in nine wins. Justin remembers his transfer to Kembla Grange trainer Bernie Howlett. He recalls being very impressed with the talents of John O’Shea when the former Queenslander first began his training career at Warwick Farm. Justin talks of his two race rides on budding champion Saintly. He talks of his engagement to Ann Maree and the beginning of an association with top filly Kenbelle, then trained by his future father-in-law Kevin Robinson. Justin takes us through his 1996 Oaks win on Kenbelle. Justin remembers two race rides on “champion in waiting” Tie The Knot. To this day he wonders what might have been, had things worked out a little differently. The former ace jockey remembers with sadness the horrific Ipswich race fall in which eight horses crashed in the backstraight. On a brighter note he looks back on his sudden engagement for genuine sprinter Adam and a Gr 1 win first up. This was the horse at the centre of his first overseas trip. We devote ample time to Justin’s review of his exciting involvement with Universal Prince- four Gr 1 wins and one freakish fall in Singapore. He pays tribute to three other talented horses he got to ride for different trainers. Justin’s unrelenting weight struggles were well known to racing people. He looks back on the horrors of constant wasting. Justin and Ann Maree are the proud parents of 23 year old Darby Sheehan. Dad says Darby hasn’t inherited the racing genes. This is an interesting chat with a former jockey who left an indelible mark in a brief but brilliant career.
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Episode 576: Col Hodges OAM - Broadcasting legend missing in action after home accident.
Apr 2100:43:41Tap to summarizeCol Hodges’ absence from western districts race meetings of late has been a talking point among his legion of friends. It’s taken a nasty fall and a fractured hip socket to keep him away from the races after fifty six years behind the binoculars. He’s not feeling quite well enough to handle an interview at this early stage of his rehabilitation, but has given me the green light to replay a podcast recorded in May 2020, almost six years ago. Col was in a reminiscent mood on the day and began by taking us back to his very first professional race call. He talks of a happy childhood at Bogan Gate and school days at Gunning Gap, a push bike ride from home. Col remembers his fascination with the ABC race callers of the 1950’s. He looks back on his admiration for the shearing contractors who visited his family property, and the three decades he’d later spend in central western shearing sheds. Col recalls the lucky break that would shape his destiny. He’s never forgotten the day he was recruited by prominent race caller Bob Gunn to fill in at a small picnic meeting at Fifield, between Trundle and Tullamore. The Forbes based caller looks back on an early involvement with harness and greyhound racing. He highlights some top class pacers of the era. Col acknowledges his two favourite race meetings. He reflects on the early careers of some talented bush gallopers who went on to much bigger things. Col pays tribute to some ageless country gallopers who became legends in the bush. Col Hodges has always been an entertaining storyteller and was happy to share a few of his favourite yarns on the podcast. Reminisce with a legendary country broadcaster and racing writer.
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Episode 575: Brett Robb - Learned about horses from his Dad and got his sense of humour from a lifetime in the bush.
Apr 1401:03:27Tap to summarizeBrett Robb made the call to go solo as a trainer when his father Rodney decided to cut his team back to five horses in 2020. He’d been working as stable foreman for Rodney for a number of years, and was happy to continue in that role. Rod’s decision prompted Brett to bite the bullet, and launch his own training career. From a Dubbo base Brett has 273 wins on the board including a Country Championship Final. He currently has 48 horses in work and is prepared to travel to find the right races for them. Brett can ‘t see himself doing anything else. He joins us on the podcast and talks firstly about his well known nickname. He talks about a winning double at the first day of the Wellington carnival last Friday and pleasing runs from his two fillies in the Wellington Boot. Brett looks at the performances by two stable runners in the recent Country Championship Final. “Snow” pays tribute to his dad Rodney Robb, a legend in Western Districts racing for half a century. He acknowledges the talents of stable jockey Clayton Gallagher and stable apprentices Izzy Neale and Jordan Quince. Brett recalls his childhood days in local pony club and other equine pursuits. He says none of it would have been possible without the dedication of his mother Wendy. The trainer looks back on his unforgettable two years as a ringer on Queensland’s famous Durham Downs cattle station. He shares several stories of those heady days in the outback, and gives a shout out to a great bush character of the era. Brett looks back on a long stint with NSW Railways based at Nyngan. He talks of On A Promise, the horse he regards as the one to launch his career. Brett speaks fondly of another prolific winner Dalavin. He looks back on a TAB Highway win with Boom Boom Basil. A Magic Zariz is perhaps Brett’s all time favourite. He still has the old warrior on his Dubbo property. Brett hasn’t forgotten the day Sizzle Minizzle walked into his stables. He looks back on the gelding’s racing career and the thrill of a win in the Country Championship Final. The trainer reflects on his association with legendary country jockey Greg Ryan. Brett says Sizzle Minizzle’s foot issues saw his form taper off towards the end of his career. He remembers a TAB Highway win with Wilbury. Brett pays an appropriate tribute to Gallant Star, the horse he regards as the best he’s trained to date. He takes us through the gelding’s racing career. This is a laid back chat with a bush horseman who has spent very few days of his 37 years without a horse close by.
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Episode 574: Jett Newman - Talented apprentice has topped 100 wins in just thirteen months of race riding.
Apr 700:40:20Tap to summarizeEighteen year old apprentice Jett Newman had a huge number of trial rides before being signed up by northern rivers trainer Matt Dunn. She debuted in February 2025 with two rides for her boss at a Murwillumbah meeting. The first one ran second, the other Without Parallel led all the way to win. The gifted young jockey hasn’t stopped riding winners since. She brought up the century when Tomba stormed home from a rearward position to win a 3&4YO event at Doomben on March 28th. In January Jett made a huge impact when she had two rides for two wins at a Rosehill Gardens meeting. Both horses were trained by Matt Dunn who’s since kept her away from metropolitan tracks. He wants to preserve her provincial and metro claims for a little longer. Jett TALKS ABOUT HER SPECIAL DAY AT DOOMBEN She hasn’t had time to reflect on the achievement because she’s been riding all over the place ever since. The apprentice talks about two more wins to come her way at Grafton and on the Gold Coast. Jett explains that she and her mother Debbie travel daily from Tweed Heads to fulfil commitments for the Dunn stable at Murwillumbah. She talks about the training talents of Matthew Dunn and the huge team of horses he has in work. The young jockey says only a handful of trainers use the excellent facilities at Murwillumbah. Jett recalls her exciting day at Rosehill in January when she had two rides for two wins. She was supported on the day by a strong family cheer squad. She talks of the tutelage and support offered by her father Mitch Newman, a former successful jockey whose career was thwarted by ongoing weight problems. Jett says her mother Debbie didn’t pursue an aspiration to become a jockey but continues to enjoy her role as an in demand trackwork rider. The eighteen year old looks back on early days in pony club and a transition to the show ring. She gives a shout out to two older sisters. She fondly remembers the first phase of her apprenticeship to former jockey Claire Lever at Hawkesbury. Claire’s husband Chad was also a valued tutor. Jett recalls her exciting first day at the races as a professional jockey. She had two rides at Murwillumbah- the first one Torque of Dreams ran second, two races later she led all the way to win on Without Parallel. She talks about a handy bush horse who gave her a hat trick of wins on the Ipswich track. Jett says she’s been inspired by high profile female jockeys Rachel King and Jamie Melham who between them struck the Doncaster/Derby double at Randwick on April 4th. The jockey is aware she enjoys a rare luxury in being able to ride at a featherweight.
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