This week we talk to Tamworth’s Sue Grills, who was NSW Country Trainer of the Year in the 2014/15 season. Sue brings an occasional horse to the “big smoke”, and is rarely far away.
In Part 2 Ron takes us through the tough transition to the ranks of Sydney trainers. He talks about the best horses he’s prepared, his role as a tutor of young jockeys, and his riding stints in Ireland.
In Part 1 Ron talks about his childhood on the family farm at Mendooran and his early introduction to horses. He recalls happy times during his apprenticeship to Theo Green, master tutor of jockeys.
Delighted to welcome Blake Shinn to the podcast. One of Australia’s riding elite, Blake has been out since August recovering from spinal injuries sustained in a Randwick barrier trial.
I had many a conversation with Richard Freedman at Sky Channel, and not once did he hint that he might train horses again. Two years ago the bug bit him when he pre-trained a few for brother Michael at Hawkesbury.
In Part 2 Fred Kersley talks about the struggle he had to gain his thoroughbred trainer’s licence. It’s a treat to hear the maestro reminisce about the champion Northerly, who catapulted him to the upper echelon of galloping trainers.
It’s hard to believe Fred Kersley is approaching his 80th birthday. The remarkable horseman is just as passionate today, as he was at any stage of his career.
John Letts deserves his ranking in the upper echelon of Australia’s jockeys. He won more than 2300 races including two Melbourne Cups, despite a couple of very serious injuries.
Betty Lane, sometimes called the grande dame of Australia’s female horse trainers. Betty got a blunt refusal, the first time she applied for an AJC licence in the early seventies.
For trot fans, we welcome to the podcast Menangle trainer Darren McCall. From a strong harness racing background, Darren has a tremendous passion for the standardbred horse.
We talk to broadcasting legend Alan Thomas, who quit race calling three years ago after a distinguished career. This bloke was one of the most versatile commentators of his generation.
Great to catch up with champion jockey Brett Prebble, who has decided to come home after fifteen rewarding seasons in Hong Kong. Brett didn’t win a premiership, but finished second to Douglas Whyte six times.
Pat Webster began his racing life, as an apprentice jockey with trainer Betty Lane at Geurie (NSW). He graduated to Sydney where his riding career took off, but was abruptly halted by a nasty race fall.
The Inglis Digital Online Auction has produced some exciting results, since its introduction in May 2017. SA trainer Mark Minervini showed great judgement in buying a mare from Kalgoorlie last December.
