INSIDE RACING FLASHBACKS
Proudly brought to you by Sky Racing
A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DUGGAN - ONE OF THE BEST OF HIS GENERATION
Sky’s “Inside Racing” programme began when I hung up the binoculars in 1998 and continued until 2015 when it seemed the time was right for me to slip quietly into retirement. Through that very happy seventeen years I had the good fortune to interview many hundreds of racing personalities. Requests from regular viewers were frequent, and we did our best to oblige.
It was the middle of 2006 when I set out to locate John Duggan who had all but disappeared from the Sydney racing scene. The former champion jockey hadn’t been seen at a race meeting for several years, and countless phone calls to some of his old friends and associates failed to reveal his whereabouts. I somehow managed to get a mobile number for John’s son who from memory was coaching a junior sports team. You could have knocked me over with a feather when he told me his father was standing by his side.
A few days later Johnny Duggan was sitting in front of me in the Sky studio and was in reminiscent mood as he looked back on a riding career highlighted by victories in a Melbourne Cup, Golden Slipper, Caulfield Cup, Sydney Cup, VRC Oaks, two Doncasters, a Sydney Cup, and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on two occasions. He reflected on his good fortune in gaining an apprenticeship with Theo Green. He fondly remembered two early wins on the iconic Kingston Town.
John Duggan’s insistence on privacy made him an elusive target for interviewers in the years after his retirement from race riding. I was on the verge of giving up seventeen years ago when I located him by sheer accident. I was deeply saddened last week to learn that the gifted horseman had succumbed to cardiac arrest in his early seventies. By way of a tribute to one of the finest jockeys of his generation, we present that special 2006 interview from the Inside Racing archives.
FAREWELL TO RAY SELKRIG 1930-2023. A CHAMPION ON AND OFF THE TRACK
A large congregation of mourners turned out at Our Lady Sacred Heart Church at Randwick to farewell Ray Selkrig on Thursday July 6th. The former outstanding jockey had been struggling since suffering his second major stroke last November.
I first met Ray at a Canterbury midweek race meeting way back in 1965 when he was among Sydney’s most in demand jockeys. At that stage of his career his services were being utilised by most leading stables.
Ray was still riding winners at age 53 when he suffered perhaps the worst fall of his career. His left leg was broken in two places when he crashed on Happy Halloween in a 2YO event at Canterbury. It was eleven months before he rode in races again. Within weeks he was back in the winner’s circle and enjoying his riding as much as ever.
Only a couple of months later he sustained five compressed discs in a freak accident as he dismounted from a horse called Draft Dodger after a Randwick track gallop. He would never ride again. Ray suffered years of chronic back pain before an amazing turn of events corrected his back problem. He had major ankle surgery which somehow changed his posture just enough to take the pressure off the sensitive area in his back. He was pain free for the first time in years.
On searching the Sky Racing Archives we located a copy of an interview we did with Ray at his Maroubra home in the year 2000. He was nearing his 70th birthday and sixteen years had passed since that bizarre trackwork accident. We’re pleased to present once more this special interview with a thoroughly decent little bloke who was among the best riders of his generation.
A TRIBUTE TO PETER MERTENS- A TRUE GENTLEMAN OF AUSTRALIAN RACING
I got to interview Peter Mertens only once and I’ve never forgotten the occasion. It was at the height of the dreaded equine virus outbreak in 2007, when the NSW and Queensland racing industries were shut down for many weeks. Victorian racing continued under strict bio- security, and as a NSW resident I was surprised when cleared to conduct interviews in Melbourne for Sky’s Inside Racing programme. The Moonee Valley Racing Club allowed us to set up in the racecourse manager’s residence on a non-race day.
Our first guest was retired trainer Colin Alderson, our second was the popular jockey Peter Mertens who made himself available at short notice and arrived right on time. I enjoyed every minute of my conversation with the proud Gippslander who was 50 years old when a dreadful Hamilton race fall terminated his career in 2013. He announced his retirement on the advice of specialists a year later. Peter quit the saddle with an amazing 2100 wins to his credit, including seven at Gr 1 level. He spoke candidly about his life in racing, the many highlights and a couple of devastating lows. The respected horseman passed away over the weekend following a three year battle with cancer. He was just 58 years old.
Peter will be remembered every time his son Beau Mertens appears on a Victorian race track. Our sincere condolences go to the Mertens family as we present again the Sky interview recorded sixteen years ago at Moonee Valley.
RIP Pete.
A SALUTE TO HARRY WHITE - A HORSEMAN’S HORSEMAN
I was thrilled beyond description when Harry White agreed to an interview for Sky’s Inside Racing programme in late 2003. Throughout his legendary riding career he’d been a little elusive where the media was concerned, and was expected to protect his privacy even more in retirement. Harry had been out of the saddle for eight years when Sky requested the interview, but happily agreed to give us some time.
We caught up with the former champion jockey at his Gisborne property 50 kms from Melbourne. He was welcoming, relaxed and happy to reminisce about his distinguished career - a career which brought him 2112 winners including 60 Gr 1’s, four Melbourne jockey’s premierships and astonishing success in elite races. His record equalling quartet of Melbourne Cup wins remains his most celebrated achievement, complemented by two Caulfield Cups, five Australian Cups, three Newmarkets, three Oakleigh Plates, and three Futurity Stakes successes. His 1987 Cox Plate win on Rubiton is remembered as one of his finest rides. Is it any wonder Harry was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame in 2003.
Following the recording of the interview we wandered outside to meet some of Harry’s cattle, and to take a look at his miniature golf course and a couple of special gravesites. Think Big and Hyperno, two of the horses who contributed to his Melbourne Cup quartet, spent their twilight years on the property.
Memories of that wonderful morning at Gisborne came flooding back to me when Harry White passed away after a long illness on Cox Plate eve at age 78. By way of a special tribute to a true craftsman of the saddle, please go to Sky Racing Flashbacks where you’ll find that 2003 Inside Racing interview.
GEOFF AND BERYL WHITE- A GREAT PARTNERSHIP ON AND OFF THE TRACK
Beryl White’s passing at age 88 in mid July, brought great sadness to many in the Sydney racing world. Beryl had been predeceased by husband Geoff almost a decade earlier. For more than three decades the Whites had been a highly popular duo on Sydney tracks, as they cheered home a combination of their yearling purchases and homebreds.
Marscay’s win in the 1982 Golden Slipper was the first of many Group 1 wins for the Whites and their long time trainer Jack Denham. The big Biscay colt wasn’t the only one to carry Geoff and Beryl’s famous white and purple silks to victory in major races. Topliners like Filante, Yippyio, Triscay, Jetball and Eremein were all successful at the elite level. The latter was trained and expertly managed by Jack Denham’s son Allan.
I spent a lovely morning with Geoff and Beryl in 2009 at their harbourside apartment where we recorded an interview for Sky’s long running Inside Racing programme. We looked back on Geoff’s early life as a draughtsman with the Department Of Main Roads, to the birth of his famous business White Industries. His love affair with racing began when he shared in the ownership of a horse which had been won in a Tamworth Race Club raffle.
By way of a special tribute to Geoff and Beryl White, I’d like to present once more an interview that went to air thirteen years ago. Our condolences to Helen, Sue, Greg and Judy and to Geoff and Beryl’s grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A TRIBUTE TO NEVILLE LAYT - A HORSEMAN THROUGH AND THROUGH!
It’s a long way from Queanbeyan to French’s Forest. I really didn’t expect Neville Layt to accept our invitation for a studio interview in the wake of his Magic Millions triumph with Karuta Queen in 2011.
There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation when he agreed to make the trip. I was delighted, and so were the producers of our long running Inside Racing programme. Nev was in a reflective mood as he talked of his long and happy journey in the racing game.
By his own admission he harboured a rebellious streak in his youth, but quickly got his act together and went on to a distinguished career as a trainer and jockey. It took Nev a long time to unearth his once in a lifetime horse, but the baldy faced filly was worth the wait.
By way of a special tribute to a great horseman we present again the Sky interview from 2011. It was a delight to take a trip down memory lane with the man known far and wide as “Nifty”.
RIP Neville Layt.
BOB INGHAM AO - 1932-2020
I was mildly surprised when Bob Ingham agreed to my request for an in depth interview in 2008. He was always happy to talk about one of his horses at the track, but was intensely private when it came to his private life.
When we settled down to talk in his vast and tastefully decorated office at Liverpool I really didn’t know what to expect. For more than an hour Bob reminisced about every phase of his life from childhood to the pioneering days of Ingham’s Enterprises, to his personal relationship with his late brother, and his wonderful involvement in both harness and thoroughbred racing.
He was honest and straightforward, very funny on occasions and didn’t duck a question. Bob and Jack Ingham inherited a modest chicken business from their father Walter Ingham Jnr in 1953 and turned it into a veritable empire.
Hopefully this interview will serve as a chronicle to the life of a straight shooting businessman, a giant in two racing codes, a great Australian and an all round good bloke.
RICK WORTHINGTON- A UNIQUE HORSEMAN
The Australian racing industry lost one of its favourite sons on Saturday when Rick Worthington lost his lengthy battle with cancer. The respected horseman was just 60 years old.
Rick began his love affair with horses in the early 1980’s following a stint with the Royal Australian Navy. He learned the horse breaking craft when he worked on famous NSW country stations like Leiwah and Wingadee.
Rick later invested in 100 acres of land at Sutton Forest on the Southern Highlands where he founded Danric Lodge, later to become a popular spelling, breaking and pre training establishment.
In the mid 2000’s Rick bit the bullet and launched a belated career as a commercial trainer. He set up shop at Warwick Farm and went on to enjoy success with several handy horses on the metropolitan and provincial scene. His favourite was the talented Whitefriars who won six races including two at Gr 2 level, accumulating $619,000 in prize money.
I’ve never forgotten the day we visited Rick at his Warwick Farm stables to record an interview for Sky’s Inside Racing programme. The date was September 23rd 2009, and it was Sydney’s turn to cop the brunt of the infamous red dust storm which had been causing havoc throughout Queensland and NSW.
By way of a tribute to a unique horseman we present a replay of that interview.
CLIFF CLARE REACHES 90 NOT OUT!
Birthday wishes came from far and wide when Cliff Clare turned 90 recently. The respected horseman was still riding in races at age 62, but retired when opportunities diminished in the early 90’s.
His weight was still stable, his fitness levels were remarkable and his nerve was unimpaired, but owners and trainers were using the services of jockeys half his age. Inevitably Cliff terminated a career which had brought him 1500 winners and success at the elite level.
His finest moment came in 1967 when he piloted Sweet Embrace to an effortless win in the 1967 Golden Slipper. “She started at 66/1 but travelled like a 6/4 chance in the run,” were the words Cliff used immediately after the race.
The AJC Sires Produce Stakes of 1966 was another major win to come his way on a talented youngster called Prince Max from the Colin Papworth stable.
After several years based in the Hunter Valley, Cliff found his way to town after winning the 1959 Newcastle Cup on Foxmara for Tommy Smith. He formed strong associations with several Rosehill trainers including Ted Stanton, Herb Sampson and Tom Kennedy. He figured among Sydney’s top bracket of jockeys through the 60’s and 70’s.
In 2002 I visited his home at Eastlakes to record an interview about his long career for Sky’s Inside Racing programme. This was the last time I saw his lovely wife Shirley who died suddenly twelve years ago.
For those who remember the golden era in which Cliff Clare plied his trade, we present a replay of the interview.
Happy birthday Cliffy!
CHIEF DE BEERS- THE DOOMBEN DYNAMO PASSES ON
The staff at the Living Legends thoroughbred retirement complex in Melbourne were deeply saddened by the recent passing of former champion sprinter Chief De Beers.
The lovable little horse had to be euthanized at the grand old age of 28. He’d been a popular member of the Living Legends “team of stars” since 2012, following fourteen years of distinguished service in the Queensland Mounted Police.
Foaled in 1991, Chief De Beers was by Hula Chief from Diamonds For Rosie - a Tingo mare who was unplaced at her only two starts in Western Australia in the 1980’s. It’s a safe assumption that the champion sprinter’s name was inspired by the famous De Beers Group which specialises in the mining and trading of diamonds in more than thirty countries.
Racing experts are still puzzled by the fact that the brilliant sprinter reserved his best form for the Doomben track. All of his twenty wins were recorded on the famous Brisbane circuit. He failed in eight starts at Eagle Farm, and twice on the Gold Coast.
He was taken to Melbourne for the 1995 Spring carnival and contested three top quality sprints at Caulfield, Moonee Valley and Flemington respectively. He was unplaced in all three but not too far from the winner.
Back home at Doomben the little bay gelding was a transformed horse. He contested the famous Doomben $10,000 five times posting two wins, two fourths and was once back in the ruck.
Perhaps his finest performance came at his first $10,000 appearance in 1995. With Mick Dittman in the saddle he fairly “exploded” over the final 200m to beat the classy All Our Mob by more than three lengths.
Chief De Beers was trained throughout his career by highly decorated WW 2 veteran Bill Calder, a small team trainer who could put the polish on a good horse as well as any of his high profile contemporaries.
I had the pleasure of visiting Bill at his Hendra home over the Stradbroke/ Brisbane Cup weekend in 2000 - just a year after Chief De Beers had run his last race.
It was a delight to spend a few hours with a true gentleman of Queensland racing. Watch the sparkle in his eye when he talks about Chief De Beers.
GRAEME LANG 1933-2020
When legendary harness racing driver Gavin Lang died on April 24th, his equally renowned father Graeme was in a Bacchus Marsh nursing home battling the ravages of stroke.
The Victorian trotting icon was in and out of consciousness and it’s unlikely he was aware of the passing of his son who’d been battling a rare form of lymphoma. Graeme survived his son by less than a month, slipping away last week at 87 years of age.
His achievements as a trainer and driver of standardbred horses were legendary. He won more than eighteen hundred races during a stellar career complimented by multiple training and driving premierships.
The veteran horseman was still driving in races in his late seventies. It took a nasty spill at Cranbourne to convince him that he should concentrate on training and leave the driving to sons Gavin and Chris.
I spent a couple of days in Melbourne in 2007 recording interviews for the Inside Racing programme. I made sure one of those interviews was with the remarkable Graeme Lang at his Melton stables.
Older viewers will easily relate to the jargon of a man who grew up on a farm in Victoria’s Wimmera district. Graeme never lost the earthy country style of a man who knew nothing else but cattle, sheep, horses and hard work.
For younger viewers here is an opportunity to listen to a man with a unique manner of expression, and a wicked sense of humour. It’s like turning back the clock to a time when people had time to stop for a yarn. Graeme Lang had more yarns than most.
He is survived by his wife Dot, son Chris and daughter Michelle. My most heartfelt sympathy to all. What a trying time they’ve had this past month.
THE LATE DARBY McCARTHY OAM - 1944-2020
It was a quiet Monday afternoon in April of 1969 when I received a surprise visit from a racing personality who’d dominated the sports pages during the Sydney Spring racing carnival.
I was alone in the Sports Office at the now defunct 2GB building in Phillip St Sydney, when a friend from an adjoining office told me a young indigenous man was asking for me at the front desk.
I was amazed to see 25 year old Darby McCarthy wearing his trademark smile and a dazzling sky blue suit. His trendy outfit was complemented by the popular gold cufflinks and tie pin of the day, while his black shoes were gleaming like satin.
He explained that he had some time to kill while a friend honoured an appointment in Phillip St, and had chanced upon the 2GB Studio building. He decided to make enquiries in case somebody from the Sports team was on duty. As he put it “thought I’d drop in for a yarn”.
When news of Darby’s death broke last Thursday, my first thought was of the day he wandered into the 2GB building more than half a century ago.
Thirty one years later I got Richard Lawrence McCarthy to meet me at a deserted Randwick racecourse. This time we brought a TV camera along, and recorded an in depth interview for Sky’s Inside Racing programme.
We’ve been into the archives and dusted off a copy of that interview from the year 2000. Please enjoy our tribute to a great jockey and a hero to the indigenous people of his generation.
ROBYN SMITH-ASTAIRE
Thirty years ago I was privileged to be guest caller for several race meetings at the famous Hollywood Park track in Los Angeles. The race meetings were conducted six days out of seven, leaving little spare time.
We did however use one of few raceless days to record an interview with a remarkable lady Robyn Smith-Astaire, who graciously invited myself and a Los Angeles television crew into her Beverly Hills home.
It was a delight to interview the lady who played a major role in having female jockeys recognized in America. Robyn admits she couldn’t get a ride on the training track early in her career. Within a short time she was riding regular winners on major tracks with some important stakes races thrown in.
Robyn met Hollywood legend Fred Astaire for the first time at the Santa Anita racetrack in the mid 1970’s. A regular punter, Fred had a handsome win on a filly called Exciting Divorcee which won at long odds with Robyn Smith in the saddle.
Robyn was still riding at the time of her marriage to Fred in 1980. Her husband would accompany her to race meetings and was horrified one day to see her involved in a race fall at Santa Anita. She was uninjured but the incident upset him greatly.
Robyn announced her retirement and she and Fred had seven wonderful years together before his passing in 1987 at age 88. Our interview went to air on Channel 9’s Wide World Of Sports in 1990, and thankfully it has been safely ensconced in the archives ever since.
Modern day jockeys will be interested to hear about Robyn’s endless battle for recognition. Movie buffs and lovers of dance will be enthralled to hear her affectionate reminiscences of life with Fred Astaire.
It was good to touch base with Robyn by email in the past week. She’s fit and well and doing her best to keep away from Covid 19, which is wreaking havoc in the United States. She’s more than happy for me to present our interview on Sky Racing Flashback.
JOHN SCHRECK
One of the most interesting guests to join me on Inside Racing was John Schreck, who retired from active duty as a stipendiary steward at the conclusion of his contract with the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 2002.
At the invitation of the Jockey Club he stayed on in an advisory capacity for another two years, before making his way back to Australia. For several more years John acted as a consultant in integrity matters for Harness Racing Victoria, WA Racing, Racing NSW and Racing Queensland.
In 2009 he joined me on Inside Racing to look back on a career which began on the family farm at Warialda (NSW) and led him to a high profile role through a fascinating period in Australian racing history.
As a youngster he dreamed of being a race caller but the stars didn’t align. His life as a stipendiary steward began when he answered a newspaper ad placed by the Tasmanian Racing Club. He got that job and took the first tentative steps on a career path that was to lead him to some of the biggest jobs in Australian racing control.
John speaks with authority and frankness on some of the amazing cases over which he presided, including the Jockey Tapes Affair, the first NSW Elephant Juice positive swab, the controversial Missile Stakes “flag start”, and his involvement in the aftermath of the infamous Fine Cotton scandal.
This is an absorbing trip down memory lane with the man they called “The Sheriff”.
THE LATE DES HOYSTED
I’ve had a couple of requests from regulars who would like to see a replay of a Sky interview with the legendary broadcaster Des Hoysted, who was 78 years old when he called his last race in 2001.
Des had actually finished his mainstream thoroughbred career in the mid nineties, but continued as Sky Channel’s Fairfield harness racing caller until 2001. We got him into the studio soon after for an edition of Inside Racing.
Des was a member of a very well known Victorian racing family, which produced several respected horse trainers. He rode some track work early on, but quickly dismissed any aspirations to become a jockey.
Anxious to make his name in another avenue of racing, he turned to race calling. He called his first race at Wodonga in 1948 and was still at the top of his game more than half a century later. This is his story.
GEOFF LANE
HE’LL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS THE GOLDEN BOY.
Racing fans of several generations were saddened by the passing of Geoff Lane on the Gold Coast just over a week ago.
His riding career was short but spectacular. He later worked as a stipendiary steward and riding tutor in Hong Kong before launching his training career.
Geoff was indentured to the legendary Tommy Woodcock and took Melbourne racing by storm as an apprentice. He won five junior titles and a jockeys premiership while still an apprentice. Is it any wonder the Melbourne Press dubbed him the “Golden Boy”.
His battle with increasing weight made his life a misery in some respects. It got the better of him at age twenty five and he walked away from the game.
He made a much publicised comeback three years later and picked up where he had left off. Later he took up a riding contract in Hong Kong, where a higher weight scale enabled him to continue riding.
Sympathies go to Joanni, his wife of 52 years, to son Sam and daughters Samantha and Natasha.
Geoff rode a long list of Group 1 winners and was associated with iconic horses like Lord, Dhaulagiri and Tobin Bronze.
I was on the Gold Coast for a special racing luncheon in 2007. Geoff had flown in from Hong Kong to be an honoured guest at the same luncheon. He agreed to our request for a recorded interview earlier in the morning.
This was the first time I’d had the pleasure of meeting a true racing legend. We’re delighted to present the interview that went to air on Sky’s Inside Racing programme twelve years ago.
PERCY SYKES O.A.M (1920-2014)
I was delighted in early 2002 when Percy Sykes agreed to give me a comprehensive interview for Sky’s Inside Racing programme.
Never in Australian racing history had a veterinary surgeon attained a higher profile and I knew our regular viewers would love to learn more about this extraordinary man.
The quietly spoken veterinarian took us through his childhood in the Sudan, his veterinary training in England and his early working life. He reminisced about his first Australian practice at Croydon Park and the gradual ascendancy to the top of his profession.
Percy talked of his pioneering work in equine X/rays, blood profiles, standing castrations and feed supplements.
You’ll be fascinated as he reflects on the homemade concoction that not only saved Tulloch’s life, but got him back to the races after a two year absence.
Percy Sykes died in 2014 at age 93. I’m so pleased he chose to share his story with us at his beloved Randwick Equine Vet Centre. At the time of this interview he was 82, and still doing his daily stable rounds.
EDGAR BRITT
In 2016 I visited my old friend Edgar Britt in a Gold Coast nursing home. He was lucid and happy to talk racing as we had so many times over the years. Only a few weeks later Edgar Clive Britt OAM slipped away peacefully at the remarkable age of 103.
Back in 1999 I visited his home at Avalon (NSW) with a TV camera and got him reminiscing about his wonderful life in racing.
Not only did he take us through the heady days of the 1930’s and 40’s, but he actually loaned me a film reel containing some of the most fascinating footage. The interview went to air on Sky’s Inside Racing programme and remains one of my all time favourites.
If you’re a racing historian or an old timer who will relate to Edgar’s era this is for you. Some of the film footage will delight you.
SIR DENIS JAMES KILLEN AC KCMG (1925-2007)
I was aware of the legend of Jim Killen long before I visited his Brisbane home in late 2006.
My colleague Marshall Dobson encouraged me to do the interview, not only for the legendary politician’s trademark way with words, but because of his well documented love of racing.
What a delight it was to hear Sir James talk about his early life as a jackaroo, his days as a Barrister, and his entry into politics in the Queensland seat of Moreton.
You’ll work out for yourself those he liked and those he didn’t in the hurly burly world of Federal politics. Surprisingly his best mates in the Parliament were from the other side.
This is one of my all time favourites.
JOHN MCNAIR
I was saddened to hear of the passing early this month of gifted horseman and trainer John McNair.
I had the pleasure of presenting two profiles on John for Sky’s Inside Racing programme. The first was conducted at his brilliantly appointed Somersby training complex, which gave horses a lifestyle they would never have enjoyed in a city stable. Every facility on that property was testimony to John McNair’s lifetime belief that “close enough is not good enough”.
A few years later he took the trouble to travel from the Central Coast to Sky’s French’s Forest studio where we recorded a fresh interview at the height of Hay List’s remarkable career. Sadly the great sprinter was destined never to win again after this interview was recorded in the Autumn of 2012.
John Mcnair could put the polish on a dazzling sprinter like Hay List, a dour stayer like Ears Ronny, a veteran like Mustard who was still competitive in the city at fourteen years of age, or a talented sprinter/miler like Highpak.
I was thrilled in 2003 when John and Sue McNair joined a small syndicate to race a three year old pacer I was training. It was a little black horse called Tinpan Alley, who showed very little in half a dozen starts, and we decided to move him on. John showed as much interest in the little horse as he did one of his own team.
By way of a tribute to an extraordinary horseman, I’m honoured to post the Inside Racing interview from 2012.
RICHIE BENAUD INTERVIEW
I was delighted when Richie Benaud accepted an invitation to be a special guest on Sky’s Inside Racing Programme in 2013.
I was aware he had more than a passing interest in racing, with special affection for a handful of horses who’d won his admiration over the years.
His presence in the Sky Channel studios created a buzz among staff members, the like of which I had never seen before.
Sri Lankan cricket writer Harold de Andrado perhaps summed it up best when he said “Richie Benaud possibly next to Sir Donald Bradman has been one of the greatest cricketing personalities as player, researcher, writer, critic, author, organiser, adviser and student of the game”.
Enjoy our chat with a past captain of the Australian cricket team and a legend of the game he loved.
ROY HIGGINS MBE 1938-2014
Sheer love of his craft was the only thing to keep Roy Higgins in the saddle for twenty five years.
He endured a torturous battle with weight for most of his career, but was around long enough to ride 2,312 winners and to win eleven Melbourne Jockeys Premierships.
His two Melbourne Cup victories highlight a stunning big race record, which saw him partner some of the best horses of his era.
In September 2000, the jockey known as “the Professor” allowed me to bring a Sky camera into his Brighton home, and we settled down for a chat about his incredible career.
Roy insisted on recording the final part of the interview at his favourite pub.
This is the segment in which he categorises his favourite horses, and you’ll be fascinated by his comments.
HAPPY 90TH JIMMY JOHNSON
I visited Jim Johnson one morning in 2009 at his Melbourne home and thank goodness we took a TV camera along.
The former remarkable jockey talked warmly about his life in racing. He was happy to reflect on a career which brought him 4 Adelaide Jockeys Premierships, and one Melbourne Premiership in the era when Roy Higgins was almost impossible to beat.
Jim spoke of his three Melbourne Cup wins and the host of great horses he rode. He reflects on his favourite, Tobin Bronze, who won a Caulfield Cup for Jim with a massive 9st 10lbs.
He talks of the day he was approached by a stranger outside the jockeys room and offered a fortune to “pull one up”.
Jim was happy to discuss the style that punters loved, but it sometimes got him into strife.
This interview is almost ten years old, but I’m sure Jimmy would say the same things today. For veteran racing lovers this is a nostalgic journey with an Aussie racing icon who turned 90 last week.
MAX CROCKETT INTERVIEW
Max Crockett was one of the best known figures in the Australian racing industry. Rarely without his trademark stetson, Max was around horses from an early age, and went on to become a legend in the specialist field of horse breaking.
Many high profile Sydney trainers sought his services, and it’s believed he broke in more than 7000 valuable thoroughbreds. He tried his hand at horse training in later years, and enjoyed a great deal of success.
Max drove all the way from Mudgee to join me on Sky’s Inside Racing programme in 2012. He dispensed with the stetson when he came into the studio, and it might take you a moment or two to recognize him.
With or without the hat, he was the same earthy bloke, who made a million friends as he became a legend in his chosen field.
GEORGE MOORE INTERVIEW
To mark the opening of our new page "Sky Racing Flashbacks", we present a three part special with the unforgettable George Moore. The interview was recorded in 2002, at the magnificent Gold Coast penthouse, where George and Iris Moore had been living for twenty years.
The iconic horseman was in a relaxed mood, and treated us to a wonderful trip down memory lane. George died in Sydney six years later, and Sky Racing re-screened the interview. This is the version you're about to see.