TALES OF THE TURF
TALES OF THE TURF
Step inside the world of Australian racing through the eyes, and voice, of one of its greatest storytellers. In each article, John Tapp brings the sport to life with the same warmth, insight, and passion that made him the Voice of Australian Racing. These are the moments, the people, and the horses that shaped the turf, told by the man who called them home.
KING FRANKEL GETS SOME AUSSIE BLACK TYPE FOR HIS FAMOUS SIRE
“He’s nice to have around in the stable and professional in everything he does,” said trainer Mark Newnham of Saturday’s Parramatta Cup winner King Frankel.
EXPAT - FROM AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE TO THE COOLMORE CLASSIC IN FOURTEEN MONTHS
Mark Newnham never ceases to be amazed by the deeds of freewheeling front runner Expat. The trainer could do little more than shake his head in disbelief as the chestnut daughter of Makfi defied all challenges to win Saturday’s Gr 2 Millie Fox Stakes at Rosehill.
BIG PARADE - A CUT ABOVE THE REST IN THE SYDNEY STAKES
Big Parade got his first taste of black type success in Saturday’s Gr 3 Sydney Stakes. It’s not unrealistic to think that he might win the right kind of Gr 1 next autumn.
QUACKERJACK NEVER DUCKS A FIGHT
The Group 3 Liverpool City Cup couldn’t have been scripted better for the bold striding Quackerjack. The chestnut gelding with the symmetrically perfect white blaze dislikes the slightest interruption in his races.
EVERY ROSE IS AN EARLY BLOOMER
Every Rose would look pretty good without the white blaze and stockings. With them she takes your breath away. The powerful chestnut filly has the sweetest of actions which is greatly enhanced by her dazzling markings.
MARK’S JOURNEY HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN
My very first thought when Maid Of Heaven threw herself at the line to win the GR 1 Spring Champion Stakes, was for her trainer Mark Newnham. It was a defining moment in the career of the fifty year old, who’s had nothing else but racing on his mind, since early teen years.