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

Horse Racing

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THE DAVID PAYNE STABLE HAS BEEN ON A ROLL

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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.

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BRUCE COX 1938-2022 - FAREWELL TO A FRIEND IN A MILLION

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BRUCE COX 1938-2022 - FAREWELL TO A FRIEND IN A MILLION

I was deeply saddened to learn of Bruce Cox’s passing last Friday evening at age 84. Bruce was my race day assistant. He painstakingly recorded the details of every race and answered phone calls from stewards, race club staff or the television and radio stations we were servicing on the day.

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IT WAS A DAY OF NOSTALGIA FOR RON QUINTON AT KEMBLA GRANGE

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IT WAS A DAY OF NOSTALGIA FOR RON QUINTON AT KEMBLA GRANGE

Ron Quinton is as sentimental as the next bloke when it comes to the important milestones in his long and distinguished career. The legendary horseman saddled up only one member of his twenty horse team on Saturday, and that was Miss Mya.

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CHARLIE PORTER’S WINDING DOWN BUT HE’S WINDING SLOWLY

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CHARLIE PORTER’S WINDING DOWN BUT HE’S WINDING SLOWLY

Veteran trainer Charlie Porter shakes his head in disbelief every time he watches Mr Polar race past the post in front. The gelding did exactly that at Gosford on Saturday, when he led most of the way to win the last of seven races on a Heavy 10 track.

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MELANIE O’GORMAN HAS QUITE A WAY WITH HORSES

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MELANIE O’GORMAN HAS QUITE A WAY WITH HORSES

It’s starting to look like Melanie O’Gorman was fated to own So Country from the outset. That certainly wasn’t her intention when she secured the son of Shamexpress for $100,000 at the 2019 Classic Yearling Sale.

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DOOMBEN STAKES DOUBLE TO REX LIPP AND NEW TRAINING PARTNER NICK HAHN

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DOOMBEN STAKES DOUBLE TO REX LIPP AND NEW TRAINING PARTNER NICK HAHN

Those with long memories in Queensland racing say that Rex Lipp first hinted at retirement after winning the Queensland Oaks with Tinto in 2014.

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JAMIE STEWART DIDN’T EVEN NOTICE THE TRIP BACK TO MORUYA

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JAMIE STEWART DIDN’T EVEN NOTICE THE TRIP BACK TO MORUYA

A win with Lights On The Hill at Moruya on Friday put Jamie Stewart in the right frame of mind for the long trip to Rosehill with Iconic Dame the following morning.

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SO NEAR BUT YET SO FAR - LARRY CASSIDY CHIPS AWAY AT THE 3000 WIN MILESTONE

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SO NEAR BUT YET SO FAR - LARRY CASSIDY CHIPS AWAY AT THE 3000 WIN MILESTONE

There were a number of classy riding displays at Saturday’s Eagle Farm meeting, none better than Larry Cassidy’s performance on the fashionably bred Tyresa in the two year old stakes race.

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TRADEMARK BEGG PATIENCE PAYS OFF AGAIN AS PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE REMAINS UNBEATEN

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TRADEMARK BEGG PATIENCE PAYS OFF AGAIN AS PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE REMAINS UNBEATEN

“She makes it look so easy,” were the words of trainer Grahame Begg after Saturday’s A.R. Creswick Stakes at Flemington. He was of course referring to the strapping bay filly Passive Aggressive.

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SYDNEY WEATHER SENDS MARC CONNERS TO MELBOURNE WITH A VERY SMART FILLY

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SYDNEY WEATHER SENDS MARC CONNERS TO MELBOURNE WITH A VERY SMART FILLY

Marc Conners felt sick in the stomach when he saw Brenton Avdulla ease Winning Verse right out of the race to finish a distant last in a BM72 at Randwick on April 23rd.

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HYGAIN/MITAVITE COUNTRY TRAINER OF THE MONTH FOR MAY 2022

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HYGAIN/MITAVITE COUNTRY TRAINER OF THE MONTH FOR MAY 2022

Walcha trainer George Woodward clinched the May award with a stellar day at Glen Innes on May 7th. The 76 year old took eight horses to the meeting and came away with three winners, two seconds and one quinella.

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A CHANCE MEETING WITH LESTER

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A CHANCE MEETING WITH LESTER

Those who had the good fortune to make the acquaintance of Lester Piggott never forgot the occasion. The tall, gangly, poker faced horseman with the trademark mutter presented a countenance that gave little away.

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VULPINE NOTCHES HER THIRD STAKES WIN!

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VULPINE NOTCHES HER THIRD STAKES WIN!

The adjective vulpine isn’t as commonly used as you’d expect. Technically it means “relating to a fox” but can be used to describe a person or animal who’s crafty or cunning.