Episode 317: Tappy chats with Paul Ambrosoli

A young Ambrosoli in the 2KA days!

A young Ambrosoli in the 2KA days!

Twenty five years ago I described Paul Ambrosoli as the best greyhound commentator in the world. To date nobody has taken me to task. I’m delighted to welcome him to the podcast. The legendary caller begins by paying tribute to his late wife Pat.

Paul acknowledges the achievements of his granddaughter Claire Lever now married to jockey Chad Lever and making her way in the tough grind of racehorse training.

He talks of childhood days and his total lack of interest in joining his father’s tailoring business.

Paul recalls the “imaginary” races he called at home as an impressionable kid.

He talks of school days at Sydney Grammar.

Paul talks of his early association with 2KA Katoomba, the station to launch his career as a racing and rugby league commentator.

He talks of the record number of race meetings he once covered in a week.

Paul has never forgotten the drama of calling the last at a twilight galloping meeting and the first at Wentworth Park dogs thirty minutes later.

Despite his allegiance to the greyhound industry Paul was also very adept as a gallops caller. He looks back on a 15 year association with the Hawkesbury Race Club.

Now to the part greyhound enthusiasts will enjoy. Paul rates his all time favourite dogs.

Paul has always had a great association with sponsors. He talks of some of his favourite commercials.

The seventy six year old speaks of his Hall Of Fame induction and his reaction when “The Ambrosoli” was created - a race named in his honour.

I’m an unabashed fan of the talents of the man justifiably dubbed as “Mr. Greyhound Racing”. It’s a delight to have him on the Supernova Sound Podcast.

(Banner image - Paul makes a point during a Wentworth Park broadcast.)

Ray Warren, John Tapp, Ray Conroy and Paul joined Gary Wilson at the recording of his “This Is Your Life” tribute.

Ray Warren, John Tapp, Ray Conroy and Paul joined Gary Wilson at the recording of his “This Is Your Life” tribute.

Paul joins a host of racecallers at the Sydney launch of the popular Steve Cairns book “London To A Brick On”.

Paul joins a host of racecallers at the Sydney launch of the popular Steve Cairns book “London To A Brick On”.

A picture of concentration in the Sky Racing Radio box at Wentworth Park.

A picture of concentration in the Sky Racing Radio box at Wentworth Park.

Paul was a guest on Sky’s Inside Racing programme 2010.

Paul was a guest on Sky’s Inside Racing programme 2010.

Paul with granddaughter Claire - former successful jockey who is away to a good start as a trainer.

Paul with granddaughter Claire - former successful jockey who is away to a good start as a trainer.

Paul and Pat loved a greyhound meeting anywhere, anytime!

Paul and Pat loved a greyhound meeting anywhere, anytime!