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.
AVIAN DERBY SCORING A COMFORTABLE WIN!
This photo was taken by the late Gene Lett, official photographer for many years, at the defunct Harold Park Paceway. Gene’s photo captures Avian Derby scoring a comfortable win in the 1952 Inter Dominion Grand Final - the first series ever held in Sydney.