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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JEFF PENZA’S HIGH FIVE

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JEFF PENZA’S HIGH FIVE

The evergreen Glen Boss stole most of the Australian riding limelight on Saturday when he dominated day 2 of The Championships at Royal Randwick. While all this was going on, Jeff Penza was minding his own business at the Newcastle meeting, where his book of seven rides brought a dazzling five win haul.

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JAMES INNES JUNIOR’S DAY OF DAYS

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JAMES INNES JUNIOR’S DAY OF DAYS

Racing needs the occasional fairy-tale story. At home and overseas it’s an accepted fact that most races at the elite level are won by horses from major stables. Those stables traditionally have the best bloodstock to work with and often increase their chances by having multiple runners.

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PERSISTENCE PAID OFF FOR ADAM HYERONIMUS

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PERSISTENCE PAID OFF FOR ADAM HYERONIMUS

The first time Adam Hyeronimus asked Gai Waterhouse to apprentice him the answer was an emphatic “no!”. It was 2011 and Adam was just beginning the final year of his indentureship to Grafton trainer John Shelton, who fully supported the young jockey’s wish to join a major Sydney stable.

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THE THEATRE WAS EMPTY BUT FOR DAVID PFIEFFER THE SHOW ROLLED ON

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THE THEATRE WAS EMPTY BUT FOR DAVID PFIEFFER THE SHOW ROLLED ON

Not even the eerie emptiness of the Rosehill Gardens racecourse could detract from David Pfieffer’s elation as I Am Excited gave him a maiden Group 1 win in Saturday’s Galaxy.

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JOE’S JOURNEY HAS JUST BEGUN

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JOE’S JOURNEY HAS JUST BEGUN

The further they got into Saturday’s Iron Jack Hcp (1900m) at Rosehill Gardens, the more trainer Joe Ible’s confidence grew. He and jockey Sam Clipperton had planned to go forward from a wide gate, in the hope Zoffany’s Lad could pop into a spot one horse off the fence.

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NETTOYER CLEANS ‘EM UP AGAIN

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NETTOYER CLEANS ‘EM UP AGAIN

It’s far too late for race callers and form analysts to change the pronunciation of the name of the big mare who staged a “Winx like” finish to win on Saturday. For commentators and listeners it shall remain as it appears - Nettoyer.

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QUACKERJACK NEVER DUCKS A FIGHT

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QUACKERJACK NEVER DUCKS A FIGHT

The Group 3 Liverpool City Cup couldn’t have been scripted better for the bold striding Quackerjack. The chestnut gelding with the symmetrically perfect white blaze dislikes the slightest interruption in his races.

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SHANE’S A LONER WHEN THE BIG RACES COME ON

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SHANE’S A LONER WHEN THE BIG RACES COME ON

Shane Nichols watched the Futurity Stakes from his usual spot in the Caulfield stand. With absolutely no disrespect towards Streets Of Avalon’s five owners and their friends and families, the trainer preferred to collect his thoughts and closely observe the running of the race on the big screen.

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GORDON RICHARDS WAS JUST KILLING TIME WHEN HE FOUND A GROUP 1 WINNER

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GORDON RICHARDS WAS JUST KILLING TIME WHEN HE FOUND A GROUP 1 WINNER

Gordon and Jacqui Richards were booked on a Sunday evening flight from Melbourne to Adelaide on February 26th 2017. This had been a deliberate ploy, just in case their promising three year old Benz happened to win the Zeditave Stakes at Caulfield the previous day.

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BRADLEY PHOTOS STIR MEMORIES OF A BRILLIANT EARLY SLIPPER WINNER

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BRADLEY PHOTOS STIR MEMORIES OF A BRILLIANT EARLY SLIPPER WINNER

Of the twenty eight fillies to win the Golden Slipper, none have gone into the great race with more miles on the clock than the 1965 winner Reisling.

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ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE RACHAEL’S ON THE ROAD AGAIN

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ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE RACHAEL’S ON THE ROAD AGAIN

The racing industry revolves around people who are prepared to go the extra yards. In the case of trainers, attention to the smallest detail can make the difference between winning and losing. In the case of jockeys, it’s a fact of life that race day rewards are generated by regular attendance at track work.

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KOBY JENNINGS IS HOOKED ON HIS OFF TRACK HOBBY

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KOBY JENNINGS IS HOOKED ON HIS OFF TRACK HOBBY

Few heavyweight jockeys can boast a better diversion to the grind of racing than Koby Jennings. When the demons of food deprivation and scant opportunity start to wear him down, the twenty five year old Victorian turns to the sea.

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BILLY OWEN IS BACK - AND THIS TIME HE MEANS BUSINESS

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BILLY OWEN IS BACK - AND THIS TIME HE MEANS BUSINESS

As Billy Owen skilfully guided Greenspan to a narrow win in Saturday’s TAB Highway, he may have spared a thought for a special moment in early 2018, when he knew he could resurrect his professional riding career.

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PETER SINCLAIR CONTINUES ON HIS WINNING WAY

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PETER SINCLAIR CONTINUES ON HIS WINNING WAY

When you saddle up twelve of your twenty horse team on the same programme and finish the day with four wins and four placings you’re entitled to feel well satisfied. Saturday was a rewarding day at the office for Moree trainer Peter Sinclair.

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STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH FORMER STARTER BILLY DALE

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STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH FORMER STARTER BILLY DALE

Steve occasionally goes away from the mainstream in selecting his interviews. This time he talks to Billy Dale shortly after his retirement as official Sydney race starter.