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.
GOVERNOR GENERAL HAD A GREAT DAY OUT AT THE CUP OF 1977
This one was snapped shortly after the conclusion of the 1977 Melbourne Cup presentation. Bart Cummings is clutching his sixth trainer’s trophy and was caught in conversation with Sir John Kerr.
THE MAESTRO - BART CUMMINGS
Bart Cummings was 37 years of age and still training exclusively out of Adelaide. He opened his Flemington stables in 1968, but it wasn’t until 1975 that he established a Randwick operation to be known as “Leilani Lodge”.
RACING ICONS BART CUMMINGS & ROY HIGGINS REMINISCING
What a thrill it was to join Bart Cummings and Roy Higgins for an Australia Post promotion on a non race day at Randwick in 2007.
THE EYE OF THE MASTER
Another Ern McQuillan classic taken on the infield at Randwick one morning in 1999. Bart is intently watching one of his horses gallop. Gai Waterhouse, who was seven years into her training career was mesmerized by the presence of the great trainer.