THE RACING VAULT
THE RACING VAULT
Few people have witnessed more racing history than John Tapp. Across decades behind the microphone, he called the greats home and saw the sport’s most iconic moments unfold. The Racing Vault is his personal archive, a place where John shares the stories, horses, and heroes that shaped Australian racing.
AVIAN DERBY WAS A NO FRILLS CHAMPION
It seems the 1952 Inter Dominion Grand Final winner Avian Derby wouldn’t have a bar of sashes and rose garlands being placed around his neck.
SEPTEMBER 5TH 1998 SAW THE INTRODUCTION OF SKY CHANNEL'S HOME SERVICE
Saturday September 5th 1998 saw the introduction of Sky Channel’s long awaited home service. We sought the reaction of many racing personalities on the day and as always Gai Waterhouse was happy to talk to us.
THERE’S ONLY ONE CORRECT HOPPLE LENGTH
This week’s Friday Flashback shows a pacer called Pick On (Percy Hall) winning a qualifying division of the 1952 Inter Dominion Championship at Harold Park. Note the “snug” hopple length on a horse who stood close to 17 hands.
RIBANDS - DESCRIBED AS 'PURE PACING DYNAMITE'
Looking back on a fifty year involvement with harness racing, I’ve never had a bigger thrill than this.
This shot was taken at a Bathurst charity gymkhana in the early 1970’s, and I got to drive one of my all time favourite harness horses in a stallion parade.