Episode 50: Tappy chats to Fred Kersley (Part 1)

Image courtesy Gloucester Park Harness Racing - Fred with the talented Salinger.

Image courtesy Gloucester Park Harness Racing - Fred with the talented Salinger.

It’s hard to believe Fred Kersley is approaching his 80th birthday. The remarkable horseman is just as passionate today, as he was at any stage of his career. And what a career it’s been.

2,288 winners as a harness trainer in WA and even more as a driver. Sixteen training premierships, and more as a driver.

It took Fred a while to gain his licence to train gallopers, but he’s made up for lost time. He’s won 544 races with the thoroughbreds, and has prepared four million dollar plus horses. One of them was the great Northerly, winner of 9 Gr 1 races.

In Part 1 Fred talks about the influence of his father and grandfather, and the battle he had to establish his own identity.

Image courtesy Gloucester Park Harness Racing - Fred with one of his favourites - Paavo.

Image courtesy Gloucester Park Harness Racing - Fred with one of his favourites - Paavo.