Gallops, Horse Racing, John Tapp Racing, Racing History, Racing NSW, Sky Racing
John Tapp
1976 - A MELBOURNE CUP TO REMEMBER

There were 78,500 people at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day 1976. Those still living, hold indelible memories of their visit to the historic course on the day mother nature threw a tantrum.

1976 - A MELBOURNE CUP TO REMEMBER

Gallops

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JOSH PARR WEARS HIS HEART ON HIS SLEEVE

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JOSH PARR WEARS HIS HEART ON HIS SLEEVE

I can’t think of a jockey anywhere in Australia who displays more unbridled raw emotion than Josh Parr. It struck me initially when he won the Gr 1 Surround Stakes on Shoals a year ago - his one and only ride on the Fastnet Rock mare.

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A MEMORABLE RACE DAY IN THE GARDEN CITY

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A MEMORABLE RACE DAY IN THE GARDEN CITY

What a pity the last race numbers error at Clifford Park on Saturday had to take the gloss off a spectacular Queensland race meeting. Stewards declared correct weight before officials discovered the wrong horse had been placed fourth.

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KEVIN KEMP HOPES THE JIM ATKINS LONGEVITY RUBS OFF

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KEVIN KEMP HOPES THE JIM ATKINS LONGEVITY RUBS OFF

There wasn’t a trace of racing in Kevin Kemp’s background, but he was besotted by horses from the moment he first sat on a pony. Most of his mates owned ponies and those kids would be out all day, every day. “If I got home before dark, Mum and Dad would wonder what the hell was wrong”, recalled Kevin.

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RESEARCH WASN’T THE GREATEST DERBY WINNER, BUT SHE WAS THE CRANKIEST

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RESEARCH WASN’T THE GREATEST DERBY WINNER, BUT SHE WAS THE CRANKIEST

Those who watched Research return to scale after the 1989 Derby will probably recall her antics when a garland of roses was thrown around her neck. She almost unseated Dittman as she charged back into the enclosure, with Clarry hanging on for dear life.

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STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH JOHN VINCENT, FORMER STUD MANAGER

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STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH JOHN VINCENT, FORMER STUD MANAGER

Steve Hart caught up with former stud manager John Vincent who retired a few years ago, after a fascinating career in England and Australia. John gained valuable experience in his native England before migrating to Australia.

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DIXIE HAS WON A MILLION HEARTS

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DIXIE HAS WON A MILLION HEARTS

Turns out Ron Quinton’s just an old softie after all. The battle hardened veteran rode 2168 winners including 46 Group 1’s during his spectacular career as a jockey. In 25 years as a trainer he’s won hundreds of races including 6 Group 1’s.

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PRINCESS CAN BE AS POSH AS SHE LIKES AFTER A WIN LIKE THAT

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PRINCESS CAN BE AS POSH AS SHE LIKES AFTER A WIN LIKE THAT

Two year olds Tenley (Reisling Stakes) and Yes Yes Yes (Todman Stakes) were explosive in their Randwick wins on Saturday, while The Autumn Sun deserved every accolade that came his way.  Their performances stole some of the spotlight from a dazzling win by Princess Posh in the Group 3 Newcastle Newmarket twenty four hours earlier.

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THE TWO YEAR OLD PUZZLE BEGINS

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THE TWO YEAR OLD PUZZLE BEGINS

This is the time of year when exciting two year olds start popping up like mushrooms after rain. It’s been head spinning stuff these past six weeks, trying to get a handle on several promising juveniles who’ve recorded brilliant wins in NSW and Victoria.

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RIDE OF THE DAY TO PORT MACQUARIE’S PETER GRAHAM

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RIDE OF THE DAY TO PORT MACQUARIE’S PETER GRAHAM

At a rough estimate, about 140 races were run across the nation on Saturday. It’s possible the best ride of the day was produced by veteran Peter Graham, who landed a winning double at Tuncurry Forster on the NSW Mid North Coast.