In part 1 the affable Harley talks of his childhood days in Maitland and the influence of his father Jack, who was a racing tragic. Gary talks of his school days at the Maitland Marist Bros and the phantom Melbourne Cup call he was asked to provide every year.
Clare Cunningham talks of her happy childhood on a Bairnsdale property and her earliest involvement with horses. She pays tribute to her parents Daniel and Julie who taught her the basics of horse management.
Colin recalls his aspirations to become a jockey and his brief experience at the Drouin picnic races. He remembers with affection a mare called Byam Rose who launched his career as a trainer.
Great to catch up with respected trainer Richard Jolly who talks of his newly formed training partnership with daughter Chantelle. He discusses the parlous state of prize money levels in South Australia and the exodus of trainers to other states.
In segment 1 Graham talks of childhood days in his father’s Croydon Park butcher shop and the second business that flourished behind the counter. He talks of his association with the dynamic Frank Kennedy who got him started as a race caller.
It was a delight to catch up with the young lady who arrived from Sweden just under five years ago hoping to get some opportunities in Melbourne’s Monte races.
Thirty year old Victorian Mitchell Beer reveals that he didn’t want to be in racing when it was time to look at career options - he chose a golf apprenticeship.
In Part 2 Jeff reveals the reason he decided to leave South Africa for a safer life in Australia. He talks of his feeling of uncertainty when he arrived unannounced in Sydney, one of the world’s toughest racing towns.
This could be the most comprehensive interview ever given by the former champion jockey, Jeff Lloyd. The great jockey reflects on his wonderful career in South Africa and the astonishing milestones he achieved.
In Part 2 Pam O’Neill recalls the amazing invitation she received to ride in Japan for a month. She talks of the cancer scare she got on returning from the Japan trip.
In part 2 the hard working trainer pays tribute to his “horse in a million” Ultimate Art. Kirsty raced the stallion for his entire career. Michael describes him as “the horse who paid off the mortgage”.
