John Tapp OAM
2025 Australian Racing Hall of Fame Inductee

John “Tappy” Tapp is one of Australia’s most celebrated race callers and storytellers. Across a career spanning more than five decades, he called over 50,000 races including three Melbourne Cups and became the trusted voice of Australian racing on radio and television.

His journey began in the 1940s, listening to the legendary Ken Howard’s race calls and painting paddle pop sticks in the colours of champion horses, racing them down a stormwater drain while calling the action. That boyhood passion grew into a profession that defined an era.

Tappy was Channel Nine’s racing presenter for more than 30 years, hosted the popular Saturday night news racing segment for 22 years, and co-hosted the Lotto draw alongside Karen Pini for seven years. His radio career spanned 2GB and 2UE, and for a decade he was the official course broadcaster at Sydney’s four metropolitan racetracks.

In 1996 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his service to horse sports and broadcasting, and in 2007 he was named an Australia Post “Australian Legend.” In 2023 the $500,000 Tapp Craig Stakes was named in his honour at Royal Randwick, a fitting tribute to his influence on the sport.

Even in retirement, John remains a tireless champion of the industry. Through his website and podcast, he continues to tell the stories of racing’s characters, from country trainers chasing TAB Highway wins to the sport’s biggest names, keeping the spirit of racing alive for a new generation.