Podcasts about bart cummings

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.

Show Us Your Tips returns to look at one of the biggest cards of racing all year, as Daggy & Beaver get stuck into one of the biggest days thoroughbred racing on the calendar! We kick off at Randwick, on what looks to be the perfect track conditions with the rail in the +3m position. The card includes the Group 1 Features – Epsom Handicap, Metropolitan Stakes & Flight Stakes, as well as the last stop on the way to The Everest in the G2 Premiere Stakes. BEST Beaver – R10 N4 Ostraka VALUE Beaver – R4 N1 Depth of Character Daggy – R8 N1 Kalapour R9 N19 Firestorm We head to Flemington for the Turnbull Stakes meeting, with the threat of some rain around the only potential fly in the ointment. The massive card includes the G1 Weight For Age Turnbull, as well as the last ticket into the Melbourne Cup in the Bart Cummings and G2 Rose of Kingston & Gilgai Stakes. BEST Both – R1 N5 Moby Dick VALUE Daggy – R7 N13 Manzoice Beaver – R9 N14 Right To Party We've also got best bets and quaddie for both venues covered!

Hello and welcome to the CWR Weekly Runners Preview! It's a weekend stacked with impressive Group races, so after a quick review and insight into two Internationals that arrived in Australia this week, Birdman and Wootton Verni, Chris and Charlie turn their attention to Randwick, where we'll see three Group 1s be run, The Epsom, Metropolitan and The Flight Stakes. At Flemington, the boys discuss the stable's chances in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes, Group 2 Manifold Stakes, Group 2 Kingston Stakes and the Group 3 Bart Cummings. Charlie goes a little off script in "Through Charlie's Eyes" but offers up two to follow, Konasana and Unusual Legacy. Enjoy the races, have a fantastic weekend and good luck to all connections!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, it's the traditional Sydney spring showpiece at Randwick, featuring the Group 1 Epsom, Metropolitan and Flight Stakes. Things get serious at Flemington, with the major contenders facing off in the Turnbull Stakes and the Melbourne Cup contenders vying for a golden ticket in the Bart Cummings. Plus we get to see the first two-year-olds of the season in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

  Jim Cassidy was just 18 years old when he first made his mark in Australian racing with a Brisbane Cup win on Four Crowns. He was back eighteen months later to win the Melbourne Cup with a barnstorming run on Kiwi. Some say the gelding produced the fastest finish in Cup history. In 1984 he was offered a plumb job in Sydney and so began an adventure destined to take the Wellington born jockey to 104 Gr 1 wins. In between times there were some thrilling highs and some gut wrenching lows. In this lengthy chat Jim talks with customary candour about his life in racing- from his first win at Wairoa in 1978 to his swansong on Victorian Oaks day 2015.  He begins by explaining the origins of his legendary nickname “The Pumper”. The former jockey says the nickname came from his unique style in the saddle. Jim looks back on the publication of his widely read 2016 autobiography “The Pumper”.  He goes back to the closing weeks of his riding career. A winner at his last Sydney ride, and his final Melbourne Cup carnival. Jim agrees the Victorian Oaks was numerically his most significant Gr 1 race. He looks back on his rides over the first three days of that Melbourne Cup carnival. Jim takes us back to childhood days in Wellington when his ambition to be an All Black far outweighed any riding aspirations. He reminisces about an uninspiring education. The legendary jockey takes us back to work experience with two trainers and finally an apprenticeship with Patrick Campbell. He says he thought his first winner would never come. Once it happened there was no stopping the little dynamo. Jim reminisces about his wins in the 1981 O'Shea Stakes and Brisbane Cup on Four Crowns after which he tells the riveting Kiwi story. He's never forgotten the phone call from Bob Lapointe and the offer to be a part of a powerful Sydney conglomerate. At first he thought the phone call was a ruse. Jim remembers the early days of his new job and the arrival of an English horse destined for a brief but brilliant campaign in Sydney.  The great jockey experienced several low points including the horror of a home invasion which came as a massive fright for himself and wife Helen. In typical fashion he turned up at the races and rode multiple winners. He looks back on his all time most satisfying day at the races- six winners at a Rosehill Saturday meeting in 1987. Jim looks back on a low key midweek meeting and a horse called Cruising. His ride incurred the wrath of the stewards who hit him with a 12 month ban. He says nobody would have been seen to advantage on the horse in question. He's very proud of his three win record in the AJC Australian Derby. He takes us through his trio of victories in the historic race. Cassidy still rues the fact that he never won a Melbourne Cup for Bart Cummings. It still pains him that he could have ridden Kingston Rule in 1990, but stuck solid to another stable. He talks of his association with another Cummings top liner, the ill fated Shaftesbury Avenue. Jim pays tribute to Malcolm Ayoub an old fashioned masseur who got him through many aches and pains. “The Boss” also became his greatest friend and inspiration. A fitting tribute is on the agenda for the Kiwi wonder horse Rough Habit, one of Jim's all time favourites. The former legendary jockey is happy to take us through the infamous “Jockey Tape” scandal. The story broke on the day he was to ride Flying Spur in the Golden Slipper. It cost him a win in the great two year old race and resulted in a five year disqualification later reduced to three. He was back in 21 months with a resolve that had never been stronger. The best of Jim Cassidy was yet to come. On resuming he needed a top horse to regenerate his career. He found Might And Power and his comeback was complete. Six years after being robbed of Slipper victory on Flying Spur, he finally won the great race on Gai's filly Ha Ha.  Jim was pretty chuffed to win the Coolmore Stud Stakes on Zoustar, now a champion stallion. It was his 100th win at the elite level. He retired with 104. Another skilful professional came into Jim's life in 1997. By this stage of his career the injuries were taking their toll. Vietnamese born masseur Long Nguyen used some unorthodox methods but got some amazing results for the jockey. Jim pays tribute to daughters Nicolle, Sarsha and Piper and to his much loved grandchildren. Piper's mother is his second wife Vicky of whom he speaks with reverence. In conclusion he acknowledges the brilliant career of younger brother Larry who's currently recovering from injury. Jim was slightly embarrassed to learn what Larry had to say about him in a recent interview. It's a comprehensive chat with one of the best jockeys of a golden generation. 

We've had several emails from older racing fans requesting a podcast with former legendary jockey Ron Hutchinson. I'm sorry you missed the interview we posted three and a half years ago with the famous Australian jockey who also left an indelible mark in Europe. Like his compatriot Scobie Breasley, Ron reached great heights in the veteran years and won a Singapore premiership at age 53. In response to continued enquiries I'm thrilled to present once again our 2020 podcast with a great jockey and a special human being. He delights in talking about his present day racing interest and frequent visits to Melbourne meetings. Ron pays tribute to his four kids- daughters Susan and Sally and sons Peter and Raymond. He takes us right back to childhood days when his parents strongly opposed his ambition to become a jockey. Ron looks back on valuable tuition from famous old time jockey Bobby Lewis whose fourth Melbourne Cup win was in 1927. He still shares the Cup riding record with the late Harry White. You won't believe how clearly Ron recalls his very first winning ride at Mentone in 1945, and his first major win in the Australian Cup of the same year. “Hutchy” was christened the “Cups King” long before Bart Cummings earned the tag. He talks of some of his 60 Cup wins around Australia. He looks back on his Melbourne Cup CV. He wasn't able to win the great race in 16 attempts but says there were a couple he'd like to have over again. Ron says the opposition was so strong during his Melbourne riding days that he was happy to get away with one premiership in 1958/59. He speaks highly of two high profile horses he rode before going overseas. The former champion jockey recalls the telegram he received from Irish training whiz Paddy Prendergast offering him a stable retainer. He looks back on the early months of the new partnership and an important Irish 2000 Guineas win on Kythnos. “Hutchy” recalls a successful week at Royal Ascot in 1960 which was followed by a surprise offer from a very high profile owner. He's never forgotten the loyalty of the Duke of Norfolk who retained him for 17 years. He says he was thrilled to be able to deliver the Duke's dearest wish- a win in the famous Ascot Gold Cup. Ron pays tribute to three British racing icons. He looks back on his biggest racing disappointment- the loss of the ride on the 1966 English Derby winner. The legendary horseman explains that he would have been on the 1978 Derby winner Shirley Heights, but had decided to retire six months earlier. Ron recalls the pride he took in donning the Royal colours. His very first ride for Queen Elizabeth was a winner at Lingfield. He remembers his excitement when Balmerino arrived in England. He identified the talented New Zealander as the horse to bring down the curtain on his career. Ron didn't realise at the time that subsequent tempting offers would delay his retirement plans. He remembers his final three seasons in Malaysia/Singapore and another jockey's premiership at age 53.  “Hutchy” reflects on many a racing accident in thirty three years of race riding, but says he was relatively lucky. We look back on a lovely night I spent with the Hutchinsons in England 50 years ago. Ron and Norma were splendid hosts. You don't often get to hear the reminiscences of a man who rode his first winner in Melbourne at the end of WW2 and went on to amazing success internationally. This podcast will always be one of my favourites.   

Great to catch up with Wayne Harris at a racing luncheon in early December. I was reminded of the fact that the former star jockey was one of our very early podcast guests in 2018. When I suggested an updated interview was called for, he said in typical Harris fashion,  “are you sure people would want to hear my story again.” Who wouldn't want to hear the story of the kid from Muswellbrook who burst onto the racing scene in the late 1970's with riding performances well beyond his years. When doctors virtually ordered his retirement in early 1997, Wayne had ridden well over 2000 winners including more than 30 Gr 1's. His Melbourne Cup win on Jeune in 1994 was lauded by all in the Australian racing industry. His stellar record was achieved despite numerous injuries, a constant battle with weight and several major illnesses. He continues to deal with the legacy of those setbacks. Wayne brings us up to date on a current immobility dating back to early spinal issues. He talks of his Doctor's reluctance to perform any further surgery. Wayne talks of his involvement with Sky Thoroughbred Central from Kembla Grange race meetings.  He looks back on childhood days in Muswellbrook and pays tribute to his devoted parents and siblings. Wayne reflects on his early education in a local convent where he was sometimes at loggerheads with the nuns.  He talks of a transfer to Muswellbrook High School and his obsession with sport. He excelled in several pursuits. The former champion jockey looks back on his brief love affair with boxing. He talks of work experience in the Pat Farrell stables and his subsequent apprenticeship to the same trainer. He says the going got tough at times. Wayne recalls the inauspicious occasion of his first race ride, and his initial win on the same horse. He reflects on his rapid rise as an apprentice jockey with special mention of his first metropolitan win. Wayne remains very proud of his achievement at Randwick in  late 1978 when he became the first Australian apprentice to ride five city winners on one programme. He talks of the amazing support he was getting from top Sydney stables and highlights a Golden Slipper win for Bart Cummings at 18 years of age. He says Bart had to be talked into putting him on Century Miss. Wayne reflects on four other Slipper placings and says a couple of them were unlucky. The 63 year old looks back on his record breaking apprenticeship and says he was aware that Steve Cauthen was doing incredible things in America at the same time. He says his weight had become very unstable by the time he entered the ranks of fully fledged jockeys. He was always buoyed by pleasant surprises like an AJC Sires Produce Stakes win on a 200/1 “pop”. Wayne talks of his dangerous diets and the strange symptoms that heralded the onset of his first brain tumor at age 22. He looks back on a seven hour surgery, and the undying devotion of family. He acknowledges several special people whose support helped to get him back into the saddle. Wayne recalls the surprised looks on the faces of AJC staff when he requested a re-issue of his jockey's licence. He's never forgotten the support of the Gosford race crowd on September 29th 1983- the day he returned to the saddle. He had two rides for two memorable wins. Harris was back! The former champion jockey fondly remembers his amazing comeback- 15 wins from his first 18 rides. He was overwhelmed by the support of trainers. Wayne reflects on several of his Gr 1 wins and on the disappointment of missing a Cox Plate ride on champion Kingston Town. Harris looks back on successful riding stints in Singapore and Hong Kong.  He talks of a Blue Diamond win for David Hayes and his booking for St Covet in the AJC Sires Produce Stakes. He was engaged principally because St Covet was expected to pull over the 1400m trip. He also reviews a Caulfield Guineas win on the same colt. Then to Wayne's favourite story- how he landed the ride on Jeune in the Melbourne Cup, his recollections of the race and the celebrations that followed. He recalls the bittersweet experience of riding Jeune in the Japan Cup and the traumatic health issue that followed. Wayne recalls the first up performance he rates as Jeune's best effort, and subsequent rides on the chestnut. He has fond memories of supplying Gai Waterhouse with her first Melbourne Gr 1. Wayne always took his A game when he rode overseas. He remembers a stunning win on Monopolise in the Hong Kong Bowl. Some say it was his best ever ride. He was delighted to review a short but happy stint in Ireland under contract to the Kevin Prendergast stable. Wayne talks of a successful stint in jockey management.  He recalls his disappointment in 1997 when doctors advised him to quit the saddle following the onset of immobility in one leg. He talks of his Rosehill swansong when he went close to a winning double. Wayne speaks of Aimee and Matthew, the son and daughter shared by he and first wife Linda. He comments on the widely held theory that he would have reached dizzy heights had he been a few kilos lighter. Wayne pays tribute to long time partner Tracy who offers him devoted support. This is perhaps the longest interview Wayne Harris has ever given. I'm sure you'll enjoy every word from a jockey of boundless talent and a human being of courage and resolve. The Wayne Harris story is one of great inspiration.

Adrian Bott has told Racing Pulse the stable will run Goldman in the Turnbull Stakes, should he make the field on Saturday.

John O'Shea says the likelihood of a genuine tempo in the Bart Cummings will hopefully play into the hands of his in-form stayer Athabascan. O'Shea says the gelding op was the key to putting it all together.

John Powell was at a loose end when he returned to Australia in 2021 after calling time on his long riding career in Singapore. It wasn't long before Racing NSW enlisted his services as a mentor for northern NSW jockeys, and more recently Gary Kliese has snapped him up for a co-hosting role on Sky Thoroughbred Central's coverage of northern rivers racing. It's almost forty years since John Powell began his apprenticeship with Helen Page at Warwick Farm. In a 37 year riding career he rode 1400 winners in five jurisdictions, more than half of them in Singapore. We were able to pin him down recently for a lengthy chat about his fascinating journey in racing. John begins by explaining how his opportunity with Sky Thoroughbred Central came up.  He says his main focus is on the characteristics of horses and tactics employed by jockeys. John says he'd barely settled back in Australia when he got a surprise phone call from Corey Brown on behalf of Racing NSW. The former top jockey takes us back to childhood days at Campbelltown and talks about the family friend who introduced him to Helen Page. He recalls his delight when Warwick Farm trainer Frank Bacon gave him his very first race ride.  John hasn't forgotten his very first winner at Gosford for his boss Helen Page. He admits the ride wasn't pretty. The chief steward spoke to him on the day about an entirely different matter. He fondly remembers his magical first city winner at Canterbury in 1987. Powell recalls multiple wins on the Guy Walter trained Prince Invader- a very important horse to the young rider in those early days. He has never forgotten a pick-up ride on brilliant sprinter Show County. He got the ride during a jockey's strike when every runner at a Warwick Farm meeting was ridden  by an apprentice. The recently retired jockey looks back on his affinity with Kembla Grange racecourse. In one season in the late 80's he was champion Kembla apprentice. He talks of Shane Edmonds, another talented apprentice who was with Helen Page at the same time. John talks about his addiction to diuretics, the demon pills used by many jockeys in days gone by to help them excrete water through the kidneys. Diuretics gave jockeys a simple way of losing weight on race days. They were very dangerous long term. He looks back on several short term contracts in Mauritius- a unique racing environment. John talks of his very successful stint in Macau. It was here a Panamanian jockey helped him to fine tune his riding style. He looks back on some of the outstanding horses he got to ride in Australia including a few of Bart Cummings' topliners. John talks of his association with John Hawkes which led him to a full season in Brisbane. The champion trainer once entrusted John with a barrier trial ride on champion Octagonal. He still talks about it. He looks back on his appointment as stable jockey for Don Baertshiger in Singapore- a partnership that would last for many years. John says he got away to a “flyer” in Singapore by winning the Gr 1 Derby on Hello And Goodbye. It was Kiwi trainer Bruce Marsh's first Singapore win. He talks of his first win in the Kranji Mile and a second Singapore Derby. John reflects on a Kranji Mile win for Laurie Laxon and a QE2 Cup success. The former ace jockey talks openly about his cancer scare. The discovery of a lump on his neck during a routine medical check led to further scans. Thyroid cancer was detected. Covid enforced travel restrictions delayed John's return to Sydney for crucial surgery. He says the thyroid complication sent his weight on a spiral, and he knew his riding days were numbered. John remembers the shock he received to read about his retirement on social media, long before he'd made any announcement. It's a laid back chat with a talented jockey who spent 25 of his 37 riding years out of Australia. 

Neville and partner David Read are co-Executive producers of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival – Described by The Age as the ‘Bart Cummings and Gai Waterhouse of cabaret' (they dispute which... LEARN MORE The post Neville Sice appeared first on Sunday Arts Magazine.

A bonus episode with Walkley winning journalist Andrew Rule recorded when we chatted about his eulogy for his father (episode 44)  This episode is about Andrew's eulogy for Les Carlyon, a fellow legend of Australian journalism and writing. The speech was delivered on March 12th 2019 at Flemington racecourse, the home of Australian racing and the location for some of Carlyon's most beautiful writing. As Andrew says in the speech, he was the poet laureate of the turf.  Andrew Rule has a 'Life and Crimes' podcast and I was a guest talking footy rogues, 'Black sheep in footy boots'.  I read out a list of thank yous in this episode to people who have been 'super subscribers',(Beyond the $5 per month) either as 'founding members' at the newsletter or 'Standing Ovation' donors on Patreon  I'm also very grateful to every person who has helped me over these last two years to provide an income stream for this project.  Thanks also to those who are donors just through Paypal This episode is sponsored by DocPlay. Sign up here for 45 days free on the world's best documentary streaming site, then if you choose to continue, $7.99/m.  Tony's personal writing blog is Good one, Wilson! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Dee is the very first guest on the inaugural edition of Big V Racing fresh from Lunar Flare's win in the Bart Cummings at Headquarters on Saturday!

Grahame Begg joined Warren Huntly on Correct Weight to discuss Lunar Flare winning the Bart Cummings and securing him his fist Melbourne Cup runner

Gaby Doxey is joined by Shane 'Curly' Ciurleo, Jack 'Dicko' Dickens & James to preview Flemington including their Best Bets! (00:00) - Start (05:43) - Mailbag Bloodstock (08:23) - Flemington Meeting (08:40) - Turnbull Stakes (19:50) - Bart Cummings (26:06) - Gilgai Stakes (34:57) - Epsom Handicap (42:30) - Best Bets (46:03) - Value Bets Want consistent transparent, WINNING betting advice? Get a discount on your first week with The Mailbag now: www.themailbag.com.au/welcome

Phillip Stokes joins us with Daqiansweet Junior in the Bart Cummings at Headquarters on Saturday

Nineteen years have passed since Stan Aitken called time on his successful riding career. The multiple Gr 1 winning jockey continued to work in the racing industry as a groundsman for the Ballarat Race Club until his retirement a few years ago. Stan clearly recalls his final ride in the Ararat Gold Cup of 2003. He talks of his decision to quit when opportunities dried up. He looks back on his working years at the Ballarat racecourse. Stan reflects on his childhood in the idyllic Tasmanian town of Penguin, and his earliest connection with horses. He remembers his move to Victoria and an apprenticeship to local trainer Jack Whitelaw where he learned about life in a racing stable. After twelve months he transferred to Norm Creighton at Caulfield. His first race ride was on a horse destined for fame as a hurdler. Stan looks back on the thrill of riding his first winner at Yarra Glen. His first city win was even more exciting. He made it a double on the day for good measure. He explains yet another stable switch when Norm Creighton fell ill. His new master was Frank King who later became Melbourne's answer to the legendary jockey tutor Theo Green. Stan talks of Frank King's reaction if other Caulfield trainers didn't reward his input at trackwork. One of those disagreements got out of hand. Aitken reflects on his two apprentice's premiership victories. He remembers his elation when the legendary Bart Cummings approached him to ride the champion three year old Taj Rossi in the Cox Plate of 1973. Stan reviews his second Gr 1 win on Taj Rossi in the George Adams Mile at Flemington. He pays tribute to a remarkable horse, and reveals that Bart Cummings invited him to ride more work for the stable. The former ace jockey elaborates on his association with iconic trainer Angus Armanasco and a special horse he got to ride in that era. Stan talks of a Blue Diamond win on the Armansco trained Forina which resulted in a trip to Sydney for the Golden Slipper. During his stay he picked up a winning ride in the Todman Stakes for Bob Hoysted. He looks back on a brief association with a smart horse called Karaman, and recalls his move to Ballarat at the invitation of trainer Ron Maund. He soon forged winning associations with other Ballarat trainers. Stan looks back on his last  taste of the spotlight with a horse called Spargo. He says he was only on board because nobody else wanted to ride the moody horse in trackwork or races. He talks of daughters Renae and Paige. He was devastated when Renae died much too soon after contracting a brain tumor. Stan pays tribute to his only son Tyler Donaldson-Aitken who rates among Melbourne's best breakers and pre- training specialists. He talks of Tyler's participation last year in a most unlikely horse race. He acknowledges the deeds of two jockeys who had an impact on his career. This is a laid back chat with a former jockey who competed with distinction alongside the best riders of his generation.  

Mark Newnham's career story is one of a young bloke who held on to his dream like a dog with an old boot. From the first day his father took him to the races, young Newnham knew he wanted a future with horses. He says his passion has never waned. Mark talks of the difficulties of running a dual operation at Randwick and Warwick Farm. He was relieved when more boxes became available at headquarters.  He reflects on his training statistics over the last two seasons. Mark elaborates on the little known fact that his maternal grandfather Bert Condon was a successful jockey as far back as the 1920's and 30's. He remembers with affection the many times he tagged along when his father, newspaper executive John Newnham was a regular at Sydney race meetings. Mark recalls work experience with Bob Thomsen, a dream job as travelling foreman for Bart Cummings and an overseas stint when he rode work for some legendary horsemen. He looks back on his first apprenticeship to Graeme Begg and a transfer to Ron Quinton. He remembers the thrill of his first winning ride and acknowledges a couple of nice horses he got to ride early days. Mark talks of his years as Gai Waterhouse's regular rider at the Saturday Kembla and Newcastle meetings. He recalls a winning ride in a maiden at Kembla on a future multiple Gr 1 winner. He looks back on five productive years as assistant trainer to Gai. Mark talks of the upheaval in his life when Tulloch Lodge was sold to Asian interests. As it turned out it simply expedited his long time plan to train in his own right. He remembers the uncertain early days when he started out at Warwick Farm with just three horses. His first winner in 2016 came as a blissful relief. Newnham acknowledges a few important early wins and the thrill of getting a stakes horse in Lanciato. He looks back on a surprise Gr 2 win with a two year old who made it into the Slipper field. Mark delights in the story of his very first Gr 1 success with Maid of Heaven who got beaten in a maiden just ten weeks before her thrilling win in the Spring Champion Stakes. You can hear the admiration in the trainer's voice when he speaks of his dual Gr 1 winner Shadow Hero. Mark was devastated when Nakeeta Jane went amiss after just eight starts. One of her 3 wins was the Gr 1 Surround Stakes. He pays tribute to a handful of favourites like Greysful Glamour, Big Parade, Marway, Harmony Rose, Splintex, and Quackerjack. Mark assesses the prospects of a handful of promising horses he has in the stable currently. He pays tribute to three talented apprentices who've come under his care in recent seasons.  It's a laid back chat with the man who's emerging as a successor to Theo Green and Ron Quinton as a mentor of jockeys.

9x the legendary trainer Bart Cummings took out the Oaks, Joey Agresta was on hand with Bart for them all. Instead of picking 1 for his favourite Oaks this week, Turfy has decided we reflect on what a special day and week this was for Cummings over the years!

Champion jockey Clare Lindop joins The Spring Racing Breakfast to relive her win on Rebel Raider in the 2008 Victoria Derby, which leads into a classic story about Bart Cummings.

We're looking ahead to Saturday's Cox Plate and we'll catch up with Bart Cummings' right hand man, Reg Fleming to reflect on his favourite memories at Moonee Valley

When Bauer crossed the line at Flemington in the 2008 Melbourne Cup, it ran the fastest time out of any horse, however it was Bart Cummings' Viewed that won the race. Simon O'Donnell owned Bauer, and he tells the story of how the devastating loss nearly caused him to boil over after the race.

Benny and Jules bask in the fallout from a brilliant day of racing from Flemington. Jules remains magnanimous despite the flack he copped for saying Incentivise was the clear top pick over Verry Elleegant in the group one. The boys analyse the non-performance of French invader Sheraz in the Bart Cummings, and Jules reckons he's got a Blackbooker from earlier in the day.

Symon's star filly Tralee Rose heads to Flemington on Saturday in the Group 3 Bart Cummings

Weekends are busy for Jaime-Lee Prow and her kids, they often travel hundreds of kilometres to compete in the western Queensland Barrel Racing Circuit. Her daughter Charlie-Rose, at just ten has won 11 buckles and wants to become a jockey like her pop Charlie Prow. Charlie has been called the Bart Cummings of the bush. He trained and rode Miss Petty to 22 wins, a record only beaten by Black Caviar and Winks. Jaimee-Lee Prow is a proud fourth generation Blackallite, loves her young family, horses and is passionate about community development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great to catch up with a man who has been part of the fabric of SA racing for more than four decades. He talks of his passion for race riding at age 59. David talks about the dual jockey/trainer licence which enables him to train a small team at Morphettville. He reflects on a recent Gawler win on a horse trained by his son David Jnr. Some said it would have been the perfect time to quit the saddle. David talks of his apprenticeship in 1976 to the emerging legend Bart Cummings. He looks back on his first winning ride just 24 hours after gaining his “ticket”. The evergreen jockey remembers his transfer from Cummings to the Colin Hayes training empire at Angaston, and the discouraging advice given to him by Peter Hayes. He reminisces about his two coveted Gr 1 wins- two editions of the South Australian Oaks. “Toot” takes us back to his one and only Melbourne Cup ride. He reflects on his role as stable jockey for an up and coming young trainer called John Hawkes. David looks back on his association with three of Australia’s best gallopers of the 80’s and 90’s.

As we build up to the Melbourne Cup Carnival who better to speak to than Joe Agresta. Joe played an integral part in five Melbourne Cup triumphs with his role as main track work rider for Cups King, Bart Cummings, at his Flemington base. Todd Blum and Joey take us through the preparation for those cup winner's, as well as the role of the track rider and some of his other favourite horses.

The Bart Cummings was run and won on the weekend with Persan taking the golden ticket to the Lexus Melbourne Cup. James Bester purchased the son of Pierro as a weanling and is now in the ownership with some great clients and friends with the Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace trained four-year-old set to line up on the first Tuesday in November. Todd Blum catches up with James for a second time to talk about 'Sir Persan' and review Super Saturday.

On a perfect Flemington track, trainer Chris Waller won his 4th straight Turnbull Stakes with star mare Verry Elleegant seeing off Toffee Tongue and the ever consistent Finche. Persan continued his remarkable run towards the first Tuesday in November, securing a spot in this year’s Melbourne Cup with a stylish win in the Bart Cummings. Meanwhile at Randwick, not for the first time we saw Probabeel and Funstar fight out a spring feature, with Probabeel holding on to win the Epsom. Join Phil Georgios and Herald Sun tipster Chris Vernuccio as they dissect the weekend's racing. Find out who they shoulda, coulda and woulda backed if they had their time again. Follow us on Twitter at @shouldabackedit

Persan has booked a ticket into the Melbourne Cup with a win in the Bart Cummings at Flemington

Dave Eustace on all three of their runners in the Bart Cummings

Country Racing's Maggie Payne joined RSN Central for a look at what's making news in regional Victoria, plus we Spin A Yarn with trainer Josh Julius. Can Super Girl force her way into the Bart Cummings field Saturday?

Superstar hoop Nash Rawiller is the special guest in The Trainers Hut this week as he joins Todd Blum to chat about his rides in the two Group 1 features at Randwick this weekend. Nash chats about his desire to win the Epsom, his previous victory in the Metrop and some of the special horses he's ridden in the past. Todd also previews The Bart Cummings and Group 1 Turnbull Stakes to be run at Flemington this Saturday.

The Melbourne Cup Diaries with Paul Preusker An update on Surprise Baby ahead of the Turnbull Saturday, Rob Hickmott has Django Freeman in the Turnbull and Schabau in the Bart Cummings at Flemington on Saturday & Michael Kent Jnr Oceanex heads to the Turnbull Saturday ahead of a possible Caulfield Cup tilt next start.

Delighted to catch up with outstanding Sydney trainer John Thompson who’s coming off a great 2019/2020 season. John acknowledges the deeds of his “war horse” Dreamforce and the exciting Mamaragan who’s gearing up for an ambitious Spring campaign.The trainer pays tribute to some other stable favourites who did their bit in 2019/2020.John shares memories of his late grandfather Vic Thompson Snr, one of the most astute horseman of his era.He looks back on his father’s appointment as head trainer when Jack and Bob Ingham opened their lavish Crown Lodge complex at Warwick Farm.The trainer reflects on Vic Thompson Jnr’s split with Crown Lodge . His Dad decided to train a small team of his own, with John as his right hand man.John talks about his later decision to spread his wings and work for other trainers. He enjoyed his time with Bill Mitchell who sent him interstate with a very good horse in 1999.He speaks with great reverence of his 8 years with the maestro Bart Cummings.  John tells the story of the phone call that led him to the biggest training job in Australian racing.He remembers the best horses he trained under the Patinack banner including a very special mare who had only 4 race starts.The trainer tells the story of a chance meeting with an Asian racing administrator who invited him to help with the structuring of a racing industry in China. It was just the diversion he needed at the time.That Asian connection brought a certain mare into his life- the mare who regenerated his training career at home.He was extremely relieved when some discerning owners started to send him horses again. One such owner was Paul Fudge who got John to take over the training of the imported Sir John Hawkwood. It resulted in a Gr 1 win.John talks of his wife Nicolle who’s a daughter of former multiple Gr 1 winning trainer Rod Craig. He says he gets his father-in-law to help out from time to time.He explains that the racing genes haven’t extended to the next Thompson generation.

In Part 1 the former legendary jockey talks about the frustrations of Covid 19. He loves to drive himself around Melbourne but just lately never gets his car out of the garage. Ron talks about his present day racing interests. He delights in telling us about his frequent visits to the track. “ Hutchy” talks about his four children, daughters Susan and Sally, sons Peter and Raymond. Peter was a Gr 1 winning jockey- Ray a former trainer and nowadays a busy vet. Ron looks back on early days when his parents opposed his ambition to become a jockey. He talks of his first master Claude Goodfellow. He talks about a nine month stint at a property owned by famous old time jockey Bobby Lewis whose last Melbourne Cup win was in 1927, but he still shares the Cup riding record. Ron recalls with amazing clarity his first winning ride at Mentone in 1945. He looks back on his first major winner Spectre in the 1945 Australian Cup. The former champion jockey reflects on his 60 wins in Cup races all over Australia. He was called the “Cups King” long before Bart Cummings earned the tag. Ron looks back on his Melbourne Cup CV. He wasn’t able to win the great race in 16 attempts, but probably should have won a couple. He looks back on the depth of the Melbourne riding ranks in his era, and his only premiership win in 1958/59. Ron pays tribute to a couple of high profile horses he got to ride before going overseas.

John talks of the tough road back as an independent trainer after three years heading up the powerful Godolphin operation. He reflects on his feelings when the Godolphin job was offered to him, and the reaction of his family. John reminisces about a quick dash to Dubai to officially meet Sheikh Mohammed. Of the hundreds of horses to pass through his hands in the Godolphin days, he was smitten by the remarkable Hartnell. He remembers a great horse. John recalls the moment he knew it was time to leave Godolphin. The trainer recalls his early life in Cairns and his love of Rugby League and Polocrosse. He talks of a University Degree which few people know about. John reflects on the day he literally walked in off the street and asked Gai Waterhouse for a job. He remembers his time with Bart Cummings and Gary Moore. John recalls his low key start at Warwick Farm and the tried horses who got him going. He looks back with affection on the talented horses who’ve helped shape his career. John comments on his admiration for a couple of high profile jockeys. Finally the talented horseman pays tribute to the Canadian girl who was happy to relocate to Australia and marry a budding horse trainer.  

We talk to Steve about the lockdown of Singapore racing and the interim progress of his horses.He talks of the biosecurity situation and the mood of the locals as the weeks wear on.We go right back to Steve’s younger days in Melbourne and his passion for football. He was promising but way too small to make a career of it.He talks of his father Harold, a successful jumps jockey.Steve recalls his apprenticeship to Jim Cerchi and his first winning ride at Echuca.He remembers with affection his first city winner and the support he got from his mother and sister.Steve gives special mention to Jetfighter. He won stakes races on the Ian Harrison trained galloper and rates him as one of the best he rode.He talks of the days when he was a regular at the Victorian Saturday provincial meetings where he often rode the second stringers for major stables.Steve looks back on his association with Super Impose. He rode the budding champion in his first four starts. He remembers his only Cox Plate ride in 1977 for Bart Cummings. He was an unlucky fourth on Stormy Rex.Steve recalls turning down the mount on the Caulfield Guineas winner Abaridy to ride 4 horses for Bart at the Werribee meeting. Thankfully they all won.Burridge reflects on his four Melbourne Cup rides. They all finished unplaced but he loved the experience.Steve pays tribute to the champion jockeys he rode with during his apprenticeship with special mention of the great Roy Higgins.He remembers the nasty knee injury he sustained in a race fall at Terang. He ignored the pain to ride a horse he thought was a good thing at Mornington.He won the race but paid the penalty.

I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Phillip Stokes so we did the next best thing and chatted on the podcast. The trainer talks of his runners in two states last Saturday. No winners but a few super efforts. Phillip talks of the fruition of a long term plan to establish a Victorian stable, and the reason he settled on the new Pakenham complex. He describes the available facilities and the 16 acre property he purchased just 5 minutes down the road.  Phillip reflects on a happy childhood growing up on a cattle station near Marree at the top end of SA. His father Ron introduced him to thoroughbreds at an early age. He remembers his apprenticeship in Adelaide to John Hall who had been a stable foreman for Bart Cummings in the maestro’s early days. Phillip recalls his move to Alice Springs when his weight got out of hand. He remembers his new boss Viv Oldfield with great affection. This larger than life character is one of the Territory’s most famous businessmen to this day. The forty nine year old recalls his first overseas stint with top trainer John Hammond at the famous Chantilly training centre near Paris. Phillip looks back on his job with Taiki Farm in Japan and the moment he met Ayumi, the girl destined to become his wife and the mother of his two sons. He cherishes memories of his time with Hall Of Fame trainer Bill Mott at the famous Belmont track on Long Island (NY). The trainer looks back on the horses to get him up and going in the unforgiving business of horse training. Squillani, Marju Snip, Maybe Discreet, Hucklebuck and Eclair Surprise all get special mention. Phillip talks of his magical day at Flemington on the final day of the 2014 Melbourne Cup Carnival when he won three races including the Gr 1 Emirates. He runs through the future prospects of some promising horses he has at Morphettville and Pakenham currently.  

We catch up with Peter Mertens in his new role as Farms Operations Manager at Sean Buckley’s magnificent Ultra Thoroughbreds spelling, breeding and training operation near Kilmore. He explains how the job came up, and his day to day involvement.Peter talks of his formative years in the Gippsland region and his two apprenticeships- one to George O’Mealley, the other to Lloyd Timms.Just as his riding career was starting to gather momentum, Peter disappeared from the racing scene for two years. He explains that he had to look after younger siblings when his mother suffered a breakdown.He was no sooner back in action when he broke his neck in a race fall. He talks of his long, slow rehabilitation.Peter recalls a very successful stint in Singapore with a former Victorian trainer, and the shock phone call that brought news of his mother’s unexpected death.He remembers the one that got away! He thought Charm Scene Land was a good thing in the 1999 Blue Diamond, and was devastated when an elevated temperature put the youngster out of the big race.He talks of the amazing change of fortune that brought him a Group 1 win on the same day.Peter reminisces about his lucky run at the 2001 Adelaide Cup carnival- he won the Derby, the Oaks and the Cup itself. The former jockey reflects on his association with Bart Cummings. The pair combined to win a McKinnon Stakes and an Australian Cup with Sirmione in the 2007/2008 season.He reflects on the jockeys for whom he had special admiration and on the achievements of his son Beau who enjoyed a brilliant apprenticeship.Peter talks of the progress of five other children.He reflects on his unplaced ride on Envoy in the 2005 Melbourne Cup- Makybe Diva’s third Cup. He says to be a part of it, was an emotional experience.

The Leg Up Melbourne Cup Preview

In part 2 Leon reflects on sixteen years as Bart’s Melbourne foreman during which time he got to work with some of the best horses in Australia. He talks of his resignation from Bart’s employ which saw him take out his own trainer’s licence. He reflects on the temporary lapse in his friendship with Bart Cummings. Leon highlights Starspangledbanner and Helenus two of the best horses he trained under his own name.

In Part 1 the experienced horseman talks about his early days in Adelaide as an apprentice jockey. He recalls his association with Proud Miss one of Australia’s best two year olds in the 1960’s. Leon pays tribute to his master, renowned trainer Graham Heagney and his reasons for turning his back on racing for eight years. He remembers the circumstances which saw him become a trackwork rider for Bart Cummings in Adelaide, and the career change that took him to Victoria.

Our SA Great this week is Bart Cummings, we look at the early trades in the AFL and the Aussies are battling the Paki's in Dubai.

SD, Jules and Walley preview The Bart Cummings, Spring Champion, Turnbull and Edward Manifold. Plus all your usual Three Wide faves, Around The Country, Panel Beaters, and the 3WNC Multi.

The unloved Robbie Farah, the much loved Bart Cummings and worlds full of love for Jarryd Hayne.

The unloved Robbie Farah, the much loved Bart Cummings and worlds full of love for Jarryd Hayne.

The unloved Robbie Farah, the much loved Bart Cummings and worlds full of love for Jarryd Hayne.

It’s Simon and David co-piloting this episode without assistance and we do veer fairly substantially into gaming territory whilst managing to cover some other issues as well. The Show Notes – Deaths of Bart Cummings and Oliver Sacks – Konami’s changes in gaming and approach as an employer – Simon vs David on buying Destiny: […]