Thanks for checking in on Tappy’s Racing Yarns.

Full marks to Inverell trainer Todd Payne on a well executed win with Lisztomania at Eagle Farm on Saturday. This was a classic case of a trainer who has a great understanding of his horse. Todd elected to go into the BM85 off just one soft trial even though the gelding hadn’t raced since December 20th.

With regular rider Luke Rolls on the sidelines with injury Todd opted for Victorian jockey Luke Nolen who had commitments at the meeting. Spoke with Todd as he travelled back to Inverell on Sunday. He shares the backstory of a horse who’s been around the money in some high profile races and looks likely to tackle stakes company at his very next start.

My first Cox Plate call came along in 1993 when the Nine Network made a late decision to cover the famous Moonee Valley meeting. I can still see The Phantom Chance travelling better than midfield in bright orange colours before easing out and striding into the race from the 600m.

A copybook ride by Bobby Vance resulted in the chestnut gelding racing away to win that Cox Plate very comfortably. It was one of several Australian Gr 1’s for the very successful NZ jockey who got to ride some outstanding horses during a career that ended in 1996. Nowadays he and wife Jenny run a successful boutique training business from stables at Ardmore. Bob joins us on this week’s podcast to look back on a very rewarding career.

Steve Hart’s been on the road with his trusty video camera and has filed an interesting interview with popular Ch 7 racing presenter Lizzie Jelfs. English born Lizzie takes us through her childhood obsession with horses and a move to Australia at age 18. She started out as a trackwork rider for the Lindsay Park training operation in SA before being given key roles in the company’s Sydney and Melbourne arms. She had to be talked into trying her hand in racing media but became an instant success.

Tappy

(Banner image courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.)