It’s always a pleasure to welcome a member of the country training ranks to the podcast. This week it’s Sally Taylor from the busy Coffs Harbour training hub, home to more than 100 horses. Sally’s training career began with a bang in 2016 when she won the time honoured Grafton Cup with former Victorian galloper Rednav. She bases her training technique on giving horses a change of environment as often as possible. The thirty two year old joins us on the podcast to look back on her journey from pony club to the show ring and later to a six months stint with dual Melbourne Cup winning trainer Sheila Laxon in Victoria. The decision to train in her own right was encouraged by Peter Wood, owner of the Coffs Harbour Telstra shop in which Sally was working a decade ago.

The lifetime horse lover talks of the benefits of keeping her team numbers under control. 

Sally acknowledges three recent wins by Mission To Win. 

She speaks of regular trips to nearby Boambee Beach where her horses enjoy working on “nature’s racecourse.”

Sally has been riding from an early age and still handles 10-12 horses in trackwork six days a week.

She talks about two nearby properties where she’s able to give her horses frequent changes of routine.

Sally talks of childhood days at Corindi Beach and early tuition from her father Brian, owner and part time trainer.

The thirty two year old remembers her six months with successful trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon at Seymour.

The talented trainer remembers her stint with expat Victorian Jim Jarvis who’d relocated to Coffs. She wonders how she ever found the time to complete an online course in vet nursing.

Sally acknowledges the support of Peter Wood who encouraged her to train in her own right. She was working at the time in Peter’s Coffs Harbour Telstra shop. 

She looks back on Peter’s acquisition of the unsound Rednav, formerly a member of the Greg Eurell team in Melbourne.

Sally takes us through Rednav’s progression to the Grafton Cup and the thrill of winning one of country racing’s most coveted prizes.

Almost as thrilling as the Grafton Cup win was Rednav’s success at Doomben sixteen days later, her first metropolitan win as a trainer.

She pays tribute to another great favourite Zanardee’s Lane whose owner is a member of the Sally Taylor Racing team.

Sally looks back on Coffs Harbour Cup day 2024 when her only two runners scored impressive wins.

She acknowledges a few other horses who’ve helped to get her training career off the ground.

Taylor talks of Brett Dodson, fellow Coffs Harbour trainer and her partner of seven years.

Sally pays special tribute to the staff members who contribute to the smooth running of Sally Taylor Racing.

She talks about the online nursing degree she’s currently undertaking. 

It’s a laid back chat with a young horse devotee who’s made a rapid impact in the NSW country training ranks.

Ron Dufficy’s reputation as an astute judge of racehorses evolved very early in his apprenticeship to Bart Cummings. It wasn’t long before Randwick trainers like Tommy Smith were chasing the young jockey to ride some high profile horses in trackwork. “Duff” rode Kingston Town on a few occasions, and partnered Red Anchor in many gallops. When a nagging shoulder injury forced him out of the saddle in 1988, Ron was left unsure about his future career direction. It was Ray Warren who encouraged him to do a regular Saturday morning spot on 2KY, and the rest is history. Ron kicked off by tipping the Doncaster winner Lygon Arms at 40/1, and has been a favourite with punters ever since. 

Ron looks back on the days when punters had nowhere near the amount of information they enjoy in the modern era.

He summarises his radio commitments for the week and talks about the Sunday morning TV programme he co-hosts with good friends Greg Radley and Corey Brown.

The former jockey pays tribute to his long time mentor Graham McNeice who passed away exactly twelve months ago.

Ron looks at the newspaper facet of his media career.

He looks back on his first taste of stable life with Canterbury trainer Dennis Maynard.

Ron reminisces about the early days of his apprenticeship to Bart Cummings.

He’s never forgotten the thrill of his first winning ride at Nowra in 1979. Strangely enough memories of his first city win are slightly blurred.

Ron remembers the disruption at Leilani Lodge when the Bart Cummings trained Lloyd Boy returned a positive swab after winning the Carlyon Cup in Melbourne. Cummings incurred a three months ban, and Mal Barnes was appointed as caretaker trainer.

“Duff” talks about the transfer of his indentures to Barnes when Bart Cummings returned to training. He has nothing but praise for Barnes who was already a recognised tutor of apprentice jockeys.

Ron remembers his best ever day as a professional jockey- a winning treble at Rosehill with two close seconds on the same programme.

He remembers a Gr 1 ride in Perth on the Mal Barnes trained Tsar Royal.

Ron looks back on a thrilling Black Opal win on the curiously named Beans for Mal Barnes and owner John Singleton. He and a fellow apprentice actually floated the filly to Canberra. 

Overnight rain dimmed Ron’s confidence in the filly’s chances, and he advised “Singo” to reduce his bet. The advertising guru was delighted nevertheless, when Beans scored an easy win. 

Ron looks back on the reputation he developed as an astute judge of trackwork and race form.

The former jockey talks of a long association with Tommy Smith and pays tribute to two high profile horses he got to ride in trackwork.

He remembers a stakes winner he rode for Smith in 1986. He was surprised when given the ride.

Ron looks back on his stint as a jockey manager, and the shock decision by stewards to stand him down for what they perceived as a conflict of interest.

Ron Dufficy is one of the great success stories in the Australian racing media. He shares that story with us on this week’s podcast.

I’ve all but lost count of the number of requests we’ve received for an interview with Kevin Moses. The most recent enquiry came from a regular podcast listener at a Sydney RSL Club. He was surprised to learn we’d spoken to the former jockey/trainer as far back as January 2020. At the time Kevin was training only one horse, and actually relinquished his licence a year later. The time is right to dust off that 2020 interview and give it another run on our regular podcast.  Kevin’s riding career brought 2300 winners including 22 Gr 1’s. He drifted into training initially to fill in time, but politely reeled off 364 wins including the Gr 1 Sydney Cup. Obviously one or two answers are now dated but in the main the interview could have been recorded yesterday. Kevin begins by recalling his entry into stable life.

Kevin looks back on the shock positive swab that turned his training operation upside down in 2015. 

He looks back on his very first training win with Comhere in 2002. He couldn’t believe it had happened on a metropolitan track. The horse had been sent to him by Gold Coast trainer Alan Bailey.

Kevin says he learned many aspects of the training craft from Neville Begg with whom he spent his entire apprenticeship.

He looks back on some of the horses to establish him among the Sydney training ranks. He makes special mention of No Wine No Song, the horse to provide him with a Gr 1 success. 

Kevin acknowledges the assistance he received from son Shane who rode work most mornings alongside his father.

He acknowledges the tremendous support of wife Jenny as a trackwork rider, stable foreperson and office administrator.

Kevin speaks affectionately of daughter Tanya, son Darren and an increasing number of grandchildren.

The top all round horseman makes the amazing confession that he was terrified of horses when he first joined the Begg stable.

He looks back on two brief working stints before he became an apprentice jockey.

Kevin talks about his experience as a boxer in a “paperweight” division.

He says he took forever to get going in the Sydney riding ranks, and pays tribute to the two men who helped get him on his feet.

Kevin has never forgotten his first city treble.

The triple premiership winner remembers a Doncaster win on Authentic Heir for Tommy Smith in 1976.

Moses didn’t know he was on Dark Eclipse in the 1980 Golden Slipper until the “eleventh hour”. In his heart he thought the filly had a great chance.

The former jockey/trainer treasures the memory of his one and only ride on champion Emancipation. He was sent to Melbourne by Neville Begg to ride the grey mare in the Edward Manifold when Ron Quinton elected to ride Dalmacia in the Epsom. Both jockeys had reason to smile.

He was thrilled to win the 1994 Stradbroke Hcp on foolproof racehorse All Our Mob.

Kevin remembers lightly framed mare Palace Revolt who had a curious record- 44 starts for just two wins. One of those wins was the Gr 1 Sydney Cup on a “bottomless” track.

He devotes plenty of time to reminiscing about the remarkable horse Stylish Century.  He won a Victoria Derby and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the gallant little stallion as well as going very close in a W.S Cox Plate. 

Moses reflects on his four memorable seasons in Ireland riding for highly respected trainer Ted Curtin. He shares a humorous story about a ride in the famous Ascot Gold Cup when he was offered tuition during the race by the legendary Willie Carson.

He speaks openly about the infamous “Jockey Tapes Scandal” of 1996 when he was one of three jockeys to be given hefty disqualifications.

Kevin looks back on the three consecutive Sydney jockey’s titles that brought him a total of 301 winners and one dead heat.

He reveals the names of the three jockeys he admired most. One of them had an amazing talent unrelated to riding racehorses.

At the time we spoke to Kevin Moses he’d been in the racing industry for a total of 50 years. No wonder he had so many great yarns to share.

Jack Bruce quickly made his mark after joining the Queensland training ranks in 2022. The NZ born 35 year old didn’t even contemplate applying for a trainer’s licence until he felt good and ready for the task at hand. Despite being the holder of two notable University degrees, Jack made up his mind early in life that horse training was his ultimate goal. He had early experience at Windsor Park Stud before gaining selection for the Godolphin Flying Start programme. He worked under a succession of leading trainers in his early years- Mike De Kock, John O’Shea, Bjorn Baker, Chris Waller and Maher/Eustace all contributed to his education. He started with only seven horses at Deagon on Brisbane’s outskirts but quickly made a statement. Today he’s working over 60 horses from stables at Deagon and on the Sunny Coast. Jack joins us on the podcast to talk about his exciting journey from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch to the professional training scene in Brisbane. He talks about the benefits of his University studies in managing a big racing operation.

Jack talks about the routine he follows in running a dual stable operation.

The trainer acknowledges the contribution of partner Lauren who plays a significant role  behind the scenes.

Jack takes us back to childhood days in Hamilton (NZ) where his parents owned a lifestyle farm.

He talks of his father’s connection to harness horses.

He explains that his University studies were completed over two phases.

Jack talks of work experience at the famous Windsor Park Stud. He talks about some of the stallions who were in residence during his time on the property.

He talks about the thrill of gaining entry to the Godolphin Flying Start initiative which provided two years of invaluable experience. His first assignment was in Dubai with a legendary trainer.

During his stay in Dubai, Jack met a young South African jockey whose career had begun in England. Later he got the opportunity to go to Dubai as a resident work rider for De Kock. It wouldn’t be the last time he crossed paths with Jean Van Overmeire. 

Jack looks back on his first posting back home- a rewarding stint with John O’Shea who’d just taken over as Godolphin’s head trainer.

He looks back on a four year working stint as Racing Manager for Bjorn Baker at Warwick Farm.

Jack reflects on an invaluable twelve months with the Chris Waller operation. He assisted Waller’s Racing Manager Charlie Duckworth.  

Then came a massive step up when appointed Manager of Ciaron Maher’s 60 horse Warwick Farm barn. Jack was gobsmacked.

When he felt fully prepared to launch his own brand, Jack settled on Queensland as the most suitable venue. He talks about his low key start at Deagon.

The trainer talks about his reason for launching a second stable on the Sunny Coast.

Jack gives a special mention to the horse who provided his first win as a solo trainer. 

He talks of a resolve to source tried horses from other stables. One of the earliest acquisitions, a horse called Axe gave him a stakes win at Toowoomba.

Jack acknowledges several other “second hand” horses who’ve helped get his career up and running.

He talks of three very successful seasons since becoming a trainer in Queensland.

Jack pays tribute to the jockeys who’ve helped him to 185 wins in just three years.       

Mack Griffith has long been regarded as one of the most astute country based trainers in the state. He learned the trade from his late father John before taking out his own licence  on the occasion of his 18th  birthday. Mack joined an elite group when he won with his very first starter Acacia Ridge at Quirindi and has maintained an excellent strike rate ever since. He took a long break from racehorse training to manage Gooree Stud’s spelling and pre-training division at Mudgee, a role he filled for close to a decade. When Gooree ceased operations in 2020, Mack decided to stay in the district and is currently training a 15 horse team at the Mudgee racecourse. The 55 year old joins us on the podcast to look back on his life in racing. He begins by explaining the origins of his unusual christian name. 

He talks of a recent trip to the Mackay Cup carnival with two members of his 15 horse team Aimpoint and Amicus Curiae. Neither won but both covered expenses with minor placings.

Mack takes us right back to the early 70’s when his father landed a new job on a northern territory cattle station. It wasn’t long before John Griffith was training a handful of gallopers. Griffith Snr was thrilled to win the 1974 Darwin Cup with Chatelle.

The trainer reflects on his dad’s later move to northern Queensland where he built a strong reputation as a trainer.

Fast forward to the mid 1980’s and Mack looks back on a valuable six months with Brian Mayfield- Smith around the time he deposed Tommy Smith as Sydney’s premier trainer.

He remembers his father’s passing in 1995, and the twenty horse team he and brother Luke inherited. Many of the stable clients opted to support the young horsemen.

Mack hasn’t forgotten the thrill of winning with his very first runner at Quirindi. He had to endure the pressure of a protest.

The trainer looks back on his first city win at Canterbury and the pressure of yet another protest.

Griffith lights up as he talks about one of his all time favourites Dancing Sun. The genuine stallion won a string of country Cups and took his young trainer to Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day 1996.

He acknowledges the consistency of family horse Mach ‘N’ Me.

Mach talks of prolific winner Binalong Road. He recalls a win in a Country Championship Qualifier at Bathurst with Hugh Bowman on board.

The trainer looks back on a seven win streak with Pera Pera in the Gooree Stud colours. 

Mach sings the praises of current star Compelling Truth, already the winner of $578,000. He has a high opinion of the horse.

He remembers the fateful night when he met a charming American girl in a Scone pub. After a whirlwind romance the pair were married in Las Vegas. They are now the proud parents of two daughters and a son.

Mack goes back to 2012 when he spotted an advertisement calling for expressions of interest in the role of spelling and pre-training manager at the famous Gooree Stud. He was destined to spend a decade in the job. 

He tells the story of Gooree’s state of the art training track which once brought James Cummings to the property with twenty horses during a wet spell in Sydney.

Mack says the magnificent Gooree property is currently unused as its fate is determined.

He pays tribute to some of his favourite “go-to” jockeys.

It’s a laid back chat with a highly respected bush trainer who’s crammed a lot into his fifty five years.

David McColm’s handling of media commitments after the 2024 Kosciuszko won him many friends. It was well documented that his talented horse Far Too Easy had endured several setbacks over the previous couple of years and public interest was high. All David wanted to do in post race interviews was deflect the credit to others. The enormity of the moment triggered unbridled emotion in the former apprentice jockey who’s now approaching forty years as a professional horse trainer. I’ve been looking forward to having David McColm on the podcast, and we’ve finally pinned him down for a chat. He says stable star Far Too Easy will return to the stable next month after the longest break of his career.

David looks back on two uncharacteristically disappointing runs during the Brisbane carnival.

The trainer takes us back to the 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale and the input of his teenage son Archie.

David says the journey with Far Too Easy has been better for the presence of close friends in the ownership. 

He says ongoing foot issues with Far Too Easy have tested his resolve.

Dave looks back on the gelding’s first two wins with the late Chris Caserta in the saddle. Only eight months later the young jockey lost his life in a freak accident.

He reflects on the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas when Craig Williams rode the horse for the first time.

David recalls Far Too Easy’s impressive win in the Country Championship Qualifier at Grafton.

He looks back on the horror of the 2022 flood which impacted Far Too Easy and ten other horses. Racing NSW assisted with the remainder of the gelding’s Country Championship preparation.

The trainer remembers the Championship Final on a very heavy track with J. Mac in the saddle. 

He reflects on the horse’s first clash with arch rival Front Page.

McColm talks about another Kosciuszko in 2023. This time he had to settle for third as Front Page prevailed again.

The trainer says he carefully planned Far Too Easy’s path to the next edition of the Kosciuszko. The horse raced only three times in between. 

David was buoyed by Craig Williams’ decision to fly to the Gold Coast for a barrier trial eleven days before the big race.

He reviews the race and the emotional aftermath.

The experienced horseman takes us back to his days as an apprentice jockey with Reg Powell at Werris Creek and pays tribute to a later tutor at Ipswich.

He hasn’t forgotten the thrill of his first win as a professional jockey.

David acknowledges some special horses to help him along the way.

He talks of son Archie’s official transition to stable apprentice, and gives a shout out to younger brother Max.

Mrs. Judy McColm plays a huge part in the operation of the stable, and receives the recognition she deserves.

He makes special mention of his older family from a previous marriage.

Dave looks back on a serious illness that halted his career for a couple of years.

He pays tribute to a handful of jockeys who’ve rendered great service over the years.

The trainer talks of his recent relocation to the Gold Coast.

This is a laid back chat with a bush horseman who was able to guide Far Too Easy through some turbulent times to win a $2 million dollar race at Royal Randwick. 

Darryl McLellan’s recent retirement announcement caught a few racing mates by surprise. It was well known that the 54 year old was still enjoying his riding and happy to travel big mileage if the mounts were there. He aggravated an old shoulder problem in an accident at Port Macquarie last December which sidelined him for five months. After just 22 rides on the comeback trail he knew the troublesome shoulder was destined to bring the curtain down on his very successful career. “Digger” is still dealing with the frustration of having to stop before he was ready, but kindly consented to join us on the podcast. The veteran jockey says he’s having fresh scans currently to determine the long range future of a shoulder he injured initially in 2009.

He takes us back to a Sunday meeting at Port Macquarie in late December when a fall from a “bucking bronco” aggravated a fifteen year old injury.

Darryl reflects on his very first job as an apprentice spray painter. Workmates constantly encouraged him to consider a future as a jockey.

He looks back on his time with top Muswellbrook trainer Pat Farrell who enjoyed a reputation as a master tutor of junior riders.

Darryl says he hadn’t ridden a horse when his apprenticeship began, but was riding in barrier trials after four months.

He remembers his first race ride at Quirindi and his first winning ride at Kembla Grange.  

He acknowledges the first better than average horse he got to ride.

McLellan looks back on the thrill of winning the 1992/93 Sydney apprentices premiership.

He says his nickname “Digger” evolved during his spray painting apprenticeship and has never left him. 

Darryl talks of the tremendous advantage he had over most jockeys by being able to ride at the limit weight. That ability brought him the ride on Magic Of Money in the 1995 Galaxy, his first Gr 1 success.

He remembers his ride on the same horse in the Doomben $10,000. He thought he was on a winner approaching the hometurn.

In the same year he was thrilled when Bart Cummings got him to ride a horse at a Saturday Newcastle meeting. How could he have known what Saintly was to achieve over the next 18 months.

“Digger’s” ability to ride light got him on Iron Horse in a very strong Epsom of 1996. He ran third to a couple of talented horses.

He looks back on an approach by John Hawkes seeking his services for Lease in the Doncaster. Take Sunline out and he wins the famous Gr 1 event.

The veteran hasn’t forgotten his 2000 Newcastle Cup win on Silent Impact. He says he’s never seen a bigger crowd at the Broadmeadow 

He looks back on his Chairman’s Hcp/Sydney Cup double on the Neville McBurney trained Henderson Bay.

Darryl fondly remembers an association with the hugely talented Court Command. One of several wins was the 2006 Golden Rose before the race was elevated to Gr 1 status.

He remembers the barrier trial fall at Newcastle which was the catalyst for his longtime shoulder issues. He resumed about 8 months later only to be involved in another fall on the same track, aggravating the old injury.

“Digger” talks about a five year hiatus and the sudden urge to resurrect his riding career.

He reflects on the five years since his return to the riding ranks. Opportunities haven’t been as plentiful, but he’s enjoyed every moment. 

Queensland has long been regarded as a nursery for budding champion jockeys. Prime examples are George Moore and Neville Sellwood who both rode English Derby winners in addition to their stellar Australian careers. Dalby born Garnet Bougoure also left his mark in England with victories in a 1000 Guineas, St. Leger and Epsom Oaks. Graham Cook’s only overseas experience was a successful stint in Singapore where he notched a Gr 1 win. At home in Queensland he compiled a stellar record. We’re delighted to have his company on this week’s podcast, and I’m pleased to say the 82 year old has forgotten nothing. Graham takes us back to the day in 1993 when he realised it was game over. 

He rekindles memories of his father Frank, a capable jockey whose career embraced two separate phases.

Although only five years old at the time, Graham has vivid memories of Frank Cook’s Doomben Cup win on Forge in 1948. He watched the race from an unlikely vantage point.

The former star jockey talks of his father’s premature passing.

He remembers his hard working mother Margaret who died in 1993.

He’s never forgotten the August day in 1959 when he made his race riding debut and earned the ire of his master.

Graham remembers his first win on Countwood, a horse destined to play a pivotal role in his early career.

He looks back on the three horse race he won on Countwood beating a couple of star jockeys.

Graham acknowledges a handful of jockeys he greatly admired in his formative years.

He remembers two important wins on the talented Maybe Lad.

The veteran looks back on his second Queensland Guineas win on Lord Kearsey from the Jim Atkins stable. He pays tribute to the legendary Toowoomba trainer.

He acknowledges another four wins in the Guineas making it a total of six- his best result in Queensland feature races. 

Graham remembers a Gr 1 win on Zephyr Zip for another Brisbane training legend.

Fittingly he pays tribute to the gallant Mode, the pony sized mare who gave him victory in two famous Queensland races.

“Cookie” hasn’t forgotten his Gr 1 rampage during the 1974/75 Brisbane winter carnival- three elite level wins for champion trainer Jim Griffiths.

He looks back on the Doomben $10,000/Stradbroke double with Spedito.

The champion jockey relates the circumstances under which he was persuaded to fly to Sydney to ride Leonotis in the 1978 Epsom. His confidence was dimmed by a bad barrier but Leonotis was awesome on the day.

He looks back on another Stradbroke success on Dancing Poet for Bill Calder who later gained prominence as the trainer of Chief de Beers.

Graham takes us through his winning record in some of Brisbane’s most historic races.  

He fondly remembers winning several races on the consistent galloper Ima Shadow for trainer Tom Dawson. Ima Shadow won an amazing total of 31 races.

Graham looks back on his four Brisbane jockey’s premierships, and some special days when he dominated the programme.

He remembers a lightning trip to Singapore to ride a top fancy in the Gold Cup. He won the feature and later returned for a three year stint.

“Cookie” talks of the inevitable accidents during his thirty four year career. 

He pays tribute to Janelle, his wife and best friend. 

It was an absolute delight to catch up with one of the best riders of his generation. Many memories here for those who were around in “Cookie’s time.

Early in life Lindsay Hatch was totally focused on becoming a jockey and was able to make that happen, albeit for a very short time. Apprenticed to his father Geoff, young Lindsay lasted only 3 years before his weight got out of control but it’s fair to say he left his mark with more than 80 wins, including 30 in Brisbane and a Gold Coast apprentices premiership. He later learned the training craft from some of Australia’s most successful horsemen before settling into a full time solo career at Toowoomba- a career that has so far brought him two Toowoomba premierships. The Lindsay Hatch story makes for a very interesting podcast, and we’re delighted to present it this week.

Lindsay begins by singing the praises of his talented mare Wanda Rox who scored a dashing win at EF on Sat July 19th. It was her fourth win at headquarters.

Lindsay talks about his dual operation in Queensland with stables at Toowoomba and Townsville. He outlines the reason for the establishment of a northern base.

He acknowledges the professionalism of his Townsville stable manager Martin Haley.

Lindsay says the toughest part of the job is the endless travelling between coastal racing venues. 

He talks of his 40 horse team at Toowoomba.

Lindsay remembers childhood days at Blackall and a subsequent move to Ayr in sugar cane country.

He looks back on his low key job with top trainer Bruce McLachlan in Brisbane. All he wanted to do was become a jockey.

Lindsay looks back on a fleeting riding career before rapidly increasing weight brought an end to his dream. His three years in the saddle were not without rewards.

He looks back on the freakish stroke of luck that would change his life. With the help of a friend, Lindsay became a trackwork rider for Tommy Smith who was a regular in Brisbane at carnival time. That association was destined to last for several years. He remembers one outstanding horse he got to ride in trackwork.

Lindsay talks of a move back to Brisbane and a job with talented trainer Kelso Wood.

He looks back on a trip to the famous Cairns Amateurs with a few mates. He intended to stay for a week, but was still there three years later. During that time his training career had a low key start.

On returning to Brisbane Lindsay would meet the lady destined to become his wife and the mother of his two children. Tracey wasn’t from a racing background but quickly learned the ropes.

Lindsay brings us up to date with the current activities of son Thomas and daughter Jade.

The trainer looks back on a fateful decision he made in 2010. Unhappy with the Toowoomba Turf Club’s decision to install a synthetic track, he applied for a job with John Sadler in Melbourne. He landed that job and loved every  minute of the experience. 

Lindsay takes us back to the second phase of his Victorian experience- a stint with Team Snowden during which time he worked with some classy horses.

He recalls his return to Queensland and a whole new career experience courtesy of old friend Tony Gollan.

The talented trainer acknowledges some of the horses who’ve helped shape his career.

Lindsay recalls the thrill of his recent win in the Battle Of The Bush Final with Peshwa ridden by his former apprentice Angela Jones.

He pays tribute to the young lady who’s on the brink of history as the current season draws to a close. He speaks highly of Angela’s partner Kyle Wilson-Taylor who spent part of his apprenticeship with the Hatch stable.

Lindsay looks back on the two lowest points of his fifty year involvement in racing. He talks of the shock bowel cancer diagnosis he was handed by doctors in 2017, and the twelve months disqualification he incurred when one of his horses returned a swab positive to cobalt in 2024. The disqualification was eventually replaced by a hefty fine. 

It’s a laid back chat with a true blue Queenslander who wouldn’t swap his lot in life for “quids”.

Racing Victoria has always placed enormous importance on the education and welfare of the state’s junior jockeys. No stone is left unturned in developing the talents of promising young riders, at the same time closely monitoring any potential mental health issues that may arise. The governing body chose carefully a few years ago in selecting Darren Gauci and Alf Matthews to head up their jockey coaching initiative. Alf brought the curtain down on his riding career as far back as 1999 and has spent the ensuing 26 years working in apprentice jockey tuition and mainstream racing media. Adelaide born Alf Matthews has crammed a heck of a lot into his 69 years, and his story makes for an absorbing podcast. 

Alf begins by talking about the high number of female apprentices coming through the system. He agrees the girls will comprise a high percentage of Australia’s jockey ranks  in the years ahead. 

He talks of the benefits of Racing Victoria’s “mechanical horse” in schooling budding riders.

Alf takes us through a day at  the races  with young riders in his group.

He takes us back to his final race ride in 1998 when Craig Williams on Prime Address robbed him of victory in the Eclipse Stakes.

Alf looks back on his very happy apprenticeship with optician turned horse trainer John Riggs at Morphettville.

He’s never forgotten his first day at the races in 1972. He thought he had only one ride but finished up with a couple. He met an English riding legend during the day.

Jockeys who win their first race on a metropolitan track are few and far between. Alf was one of them.

He looks back on an early association with Bart Cummings and the opportunity to ride a classy 3 year old for the maestro. 

Alf still can’t believe his luck in winning his first Gr 1 at home in the Adelaide Cup of 1975.

He only had to wait a couple of months for his second Gr 1, this time down the historic Flemington straight six. 

Alf says he was chuffed to win the Blue Diamond Stakes for legendary trainer Colin Hayes.

He looks back on a transfer of his indentures to Randwick trainer “Skeeter” Bentley in 1976. 

Not long after Alf arrived in Sydney Bart Cummings came looking for him to ride one of his runners in the time honoured Epsom Hcp. It was a roughly run Epsom, but Alf missed the trouble to land outsider La Neige a narrow winner. 

He looks back on his association with classy mare Maybe Mahal in the 1977/1978 season. At his second ride on the bonny mare Alf got her home in the Craven A Stakes, his second win in that high profile Derby day sprint. He has fond memories of the mare.

Alf looks back on a memorable Adelaide carnival in 1986 when he landed the winners of both the Oaks and SA Derby.

He looks back on another Oaks win on the grey filly Pindi. 

The former jockey was elated to win the famous Oakleigh Plate on Khaptingly for his great supporter David Hall.

Alf says he  brought his Gr 1 tally to an even 10 on Minegold in the Australasian Oaks for old friend Leon Macdonald.

He pays tribute to one of his favourites Blue Boss. He won seven races on the old warhorse including four at stakes level.

Alf looks back on three overseas stints. He was all set to spend a season in Hong Kong but an Adelaide fall saw his contract cancelled.

He pays tribute to one Adelaide rider who had a marked impact on his early career.

Alf reviews his long association with Racing Victoria.

The former outstanding jockey looks back on his 15 years with the Skychannel organisation and several other TV and radio experiences.

Alf pays tribute to daughters April and Krystal and the three grandsons the girls have brought into the world.

He acknowledges the undying support of wife Kellie.

I can still see young Alf Matthews charging along the fence on La Neige to snatch victory in the last stride of the 1976 Epsom. It was one of an amazing tally of 1603 career winners. Those Victorian apprentices are indeed fortunate to have a former rider of such great talent as their official coach and adviser. Delighted to have Alf on this week’s podcast edition.