Episode 576: Col Hodges OAM - Broadcasting legend missing in action after home accident.

Col Hodges OAM - the voice of Western Districts racing for an amazing 56 years.

Col Hodges’ absence from western districts race meetings of late has been a talking point among his legion of friends. It’s taken a nasty fall and a fractured hip socket to keep him away from the races after fifty six years behind the binoculars. He’s not feeling quite well enough to handle an interview at this early stage of his rehabilitation, but has given me the green light to replay a podcast recorded in May 2020, almost six years ago. Col was in a reminiscent mood on the day and began by taking us back to his very first professional race call.

He talks of a happy childhood at Bogan Gate and school days at Gunning Gap, a push bike ride from home.

Col remembers his fascination with the ABC race callers of the 1950’s.

He looks back on his admiration for the shearing contractors who visited his family property, and the three decades he’d later spend in central western shearing sheds.

Col recalls the lucky break that would shape his destiny.

He’s never forgotten the day he was recruited by prominent race caller Bob Gunn to fill in at a small picnic meeting at Fifield, between Trundle and Tullamore.

The Forbes based caller looks back on an early involvement with harness and greyhound racing. He highlights some top class pacers of the era.

Col acknowledges his two favourite race meetings.

He reflects on the early careers of some talented bush gallopers who went on to much bigger things.

Col pays tribute to some ageless country gallopers who became legends in the bush.

Col Hodges has always been an entertaining storyteller and was happy to share a few of his favourite yarns on the podcast. Reminisce with a legendary country broadcaster and racing writer.

Few callers have covered more miles than Col Hodges. Here he is getting ready for a day behind the glasses at Louth 2009.

Calling the races at Warren in 2021. This meeting marked his 50th year behind the binoculars - courtesy Tess Mulligan.

Studying the colours at Warren - courtesy Tess Mulligan.

Here’s Col the day he was awarded the O.A.M. in recognition of his great service to the NSW racing industry - courtesy Bradley Photographers.

Hearty congratulations and a gift from Sky Racing’s Leith Mulligan - courtesy Tess Mulligan.