TALES OF THE TURF
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.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
There’s a maiden galloper racing in Sydney currently, whose name rings a giant bell for me.
He’s called Triplicate, a logical name for the son of a mare called Tripled, a non winning daughter of General Nediym.
NOBLE BOY MAKES A STATEMENT AT THE ‘HILL
A couple of astute judges came away from the Albury meeting on October 27th, convinced they’d seen a pretty promising four year old in action. The horse in question was a big, raw chestnut gelding by the name of Noble Boy, who made very short work of thirteen others in an 1175m Maiden.
WINONA IS ONE DETERMINED GIRL
Winona Costin doesn’t remember riding a pony called Midgey on a farm in Cambridge NZ, when she was only three years old, but her mother has never forgotten it.
STONY BAY- DUAL GROUP I WINNER AT 3. ONE LAST PARADE AT 26
Received an email during the week from popular owner Eddy Boas, who wishes to share the most touching horse story in recent memory. I’m sure you’ll remember Eddy’s hardy campaigner Stony Bay, and like me you’ll be surprised to learn that nineteen years have passed, since the tough gelding was retired.
CLARKY MAKES HER PRESENCE FELT ON THE MAINLAND
Raquel Clark knew she wanted to be a jockey from the first adrenaline charged moments of her maiden fast gallop.
FROM THE SHEARING SHED TO ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST RESPECTED TRAINERS
While James Cummings, Darren Weir and Chris Waller were basking in Group 1 glory at Flemington on Saturday, veteran trainer Keith Dryden was alone with his thoughts at his Canberra stables.
BOBBY LEWIS - THE LEGEND LIVES ON
Harry White would have given anything to ride one more Melbourne Cup winner before his retirement in 1995, for no other reason than to “shake old Bobby off”.