TALES OF THE TURF

Step inside the world of Australian racing through the eyes, and voice, of one of its greatest storytellers. In each article, John Tapp brings the sport to life with the same warmth, insight, and passion that made him the Voice of Australian Racing. These are the moments, the people, and the horses that shaped the turf, told by the man who called them home.

John Tapp 1/21/25 John Tapp 1/21/25

SHOHISHA UNFAZED BY OLDER RIVALS IN MIDWAY

Of the ninety seven horses to contest ten races at Rosehill Gardens, few if any had more presence than Shohisha who looked the winner a long way from home in the 1200m Midway.

John Tapp 9/3/24 John Tapp 9/3/24

FOX FIGHTER’S THE KIND OF HORSE OWNERS DREAM ABOUT

He stands barely fifteen hands, he’s athletic without being robust and he sure as hell doesn’t win out of turn. In fact, Fox Fighter’s victory in Saturday’s BM88 at the ‘Hill was his first in twenty one months.

John Tapp 11/7/23 John Tapp 11/7/23

PONY SIZED MARE SHOWS HER RIVALS NO MERCY IN THE FOUR PILLARS

Sweet Mercy’s explosive win in Saturday’s Four Pillars provided a much needed boost for David Payne.

John Tapp 8/16/22 John Tapp 8/16/22

THE DAVID PAYNE STABLE HAS BEEN ON A ROLL

I’ve often wondered how a trainer like Chris Waller views a race in which he has multiple representation. With just twenty horses in work David Payne rarely has that problem, although he found himself with a duo to watch in Saturday’s BM78 at Rosehill.