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.
STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH LARRY CASSIDY WHO LOOKS BACK ON A STELLAR RIDING CAREER AND OUTLINES FUTURE PLANS
Steve cranked up his dual purpose camera recently and flew to Brisbane to catch up with recently retired Larry Cassidy.
STEVE HART’S 2024 XMAS VISIT TO CHILDRENS’ HOSPITALS
It was way back in 1995 when Steve Hart and former jockey Malcolm Fitzgerald floated the idea of making an annual Christmas visit to the children’s wards at Randwick and Westmead Hospitals.
STEVE HART CHATS WITH SKY’S GAVIN CARMODY
Gavin Carmody gained his early media experience as a producer with major Sydney radio stations 2UE and 2GB.
JOCKEYS REUNION 2024 AT ROSEHILL GARDENS
It was Steve Hart who first floated the idea of a Sydney jockeys reunion to NSW Jockeys Association CEO Tony Crisafi.
STEVE HART CHATS WITH FORMER HIGH PROFILE JOCKEY SHANE DYE
Steve Hart has captured many magic moments during his long career as a Sydney race day photographer. Nowadays he’s making his mark as an interviewer of some of racing’s most interesting personalities.
STEVE HART CHATS WITH YOUNG HORSE BREAKER CHARLIE BRISTER
Race photographer Steve Hart recently visited the central coast property where Charlie Brister plies his trade as one of Sydney’s most respected breakers.
STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH JENNY DUGGAN
Some time ago Steve Hart called in on talented jockey Jenny Duggan who was waiting for a medical clearance to resume riding after an injury enforced layoff.
STEVE HART TALKS TO KRISTEN BUCHANAN
The neverending Covid restrictions prevented Steve Hart from conducting his popular racing interviews for the best part of a year, but he’s back with a bang!
STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH RAY THOMAS
Ace race photographer Steve Hart dons his interviewer’s hat from time to time to catch up with some of his favourite racing people. This time around he talks to News Ltd Racing Editor Ray Thomas, a journalist who has the respect of all sections of the racing industry.
STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH 2GB’S MARK LEVY
Steve talks to a young man who has had a rapid rise in the tough Sydney radio market.
As a teenager Mark was a race day assistant to the TAB’S on course operations manager. One of his jobs was to deliver cash reserves to the tote operators who suddenly found themselves with large payouts.
STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH FORMER STARTER BILLY DALE
Steve occasionally goes away from the mainstream in selecting his interviews. This time he talks to Billy Dale shortly after his retirement as official Sydney race starter.
STEVE HART INTERVIEW WITH COREY BROWN
Steve caught up with Corey Brown just three months after his horror fall in the Queensland Derby. The champion jockey sustained a cracked sternum, a punctured lung and required major surgery to repair an unstable fracture to the T7 vertabra.
STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH TERRY EVANS
A few weeks ago photographer Steve Hart drove to the beautiful NSW Mid North Coast to catch up with successful trainer Terry Evans.
STEVE HART INTERVIEWS CHAMPION JOCKEY ROBERT THOMPSON
Last year Steve Hart spoke to the winningest jockey in Australian racing history, Robert Thompson. I loved the interview and unashamedly plagiarised it for my website.
STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TRAINERS IN GOLDEN SLIPPER HISTORY
Steve Hart shared a coffee and a few memories recently with Clarry Conners who has four Golden Slipper trophies on the shelf at Victory Lodge.
STEVE HART'S INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW GIBBONS
Andrew Gibbons’ hard work has paid off handsomely in recent years. In the 2016/17 season he won 79 races in NSW, another 65 in 2017/18, and he’s currently chasing Greg Ryan with 67 winners in the state.
STEVE HART INTERVIEWS MIRACLE MAL AND KEVIN LANGBY
Stealing somebody else’s creation is not usually my caper, but I cant help myself with this interview. Steve catches up with two former brilliant jockeys who have one significant thing in common. I will let Steve tell the story.