Thanks for checking in on Tappy’s Racing Yarns.

I was saddened by the news of Bill Farrow’s passing late last week following a brief illness. The veteran horseman had relinquished his trainer’s licence around six years ago following a long and diversified career. Bill rode more than a hundred winners in Queensland before increasing weight terminated his career as a jockey. In twenty five years working for major Sydney stables he gained the respect of several high profile trainers. He was universally recognised as a trackwork rider of rare skill.

When Brian Mayfield-Smith quit the training ranks in the mid 90’s, Bill made the call to take out his own licence. With rarely more than a dozen horses in work he turned out a constant flow of winners over three decades. His dream horse came along in the early 90’s. Spanish Mix was ill conformed but could run like the wind. It took the skill and patience of a gifted horseman to win several races with the brown mare including the Gr 1 William Reid Stakes. Bill Farrow’s reputation as a unique horseman preceded him wherever he went. I’m delighted this week to present a special tribute to a horseman who was once dubbed “Captain Invincible” by a large section of the racing industry.

Jason Holder’s achievement in winning last season’s Adelaide jockey’s premiership at age 50 was the talk of Australian racing. Universally known as “Stubby” the evergreen jockey maintained a consistent strike rate throughout the year to notch 47 city winners. With 84 wins on all tracks, he also claimed the South Australian premiership.

Jason began his career 35 years ago under the guidance of recently retired Leon Macdonald with whom he retains a close friendship. Andrew Gluyas who took over the Morphettville operation continues to use the services of the vastly experienced jockey. “Stubby” Holder is where he is today as a result of an unshakeable work ethic and truckloads of talent. In the wake of his fourth Adelaide riding title we welcome Jason Holder to our podcast for the first time in six years.

Tappy

(Banner image courtesy Steve Hart Photographics.)