As a regular watcher of racing from all parts of Australia I’ve heard Tony Wode calling the Townsville meetings many times. I’ve been a fan since I first heard his clear, concise race calls. At last we get around to profiling the career of a man who recently called his 40th Townsville Cup. How he got to where he is today makes for a great story and an even better podcast. Tony begins by talking about his occasional trips away from Townsville when smaller race clubs are stuck for a race caller.

He reveals that he also has two brothers who’ve made their marks as broadcasters.

Tony says he has more time to study the race form since quitting his local government job a few years ago. He tends to dabble on the punt more than he did through the busiest years.

He reflects on childhood days at Southport as one of nine children. He talks of the guidance and inspiration he received from his father Phil. He talks of his dad’s talents as a greyhound trainer.

Tony talks of his entry into journalism with the Townsville Bulletin. He covered many subjects for the broadsheet which was rated at the time as Australia’s leading regional daily.

At this stage of his life Tony’s interest in all three racing codes had become obsessive. He talks of his love of the leading racing publications of the era.

His race calling life began when appointed understudy to local greyhound commentator Richard Cowell. He tried the gallops for the first time at Ingham.

Tony recalls he was just 18 years old when invited to fill in for the regular Cluden Park caller. He says nerves got the better of him.

He reflects on the creation of the amazing Townsville harness racing venue by Queensland Racing Minister Russ Hinze. Sadly the concept died a natural death.

Tony looks back on his overseas stint in the mid 1980’s. During the trip he formed a deep admiration for a special racehorse.

The 62 year old talks of his return to Australia and the beginning of a relationship with his adored wife Shelley.

Tony talks of his recent coverage of the Townsville Cup- his 40th call of the famous NQ event.

He pays tribute to son Declan, daughter Gabrielle and two grandsons.

Like most north Queensland racing enthusiasts Tony acknowledges the deeds of three time Cup winner Party King.

He talks of two time Townsville Cup winner Namazu. The gelding’s attempt to make it three wins this year went terribly wrong.

Tony pays homage to the best trainers and jockeys of his era.

He pays tribute to his all time favourite, the pony sized Tyzone.

The veteran broadcaster says he’s had opportunities to work in other places, but was always reluctant to leave the famous coastal city.

Tony expresses his admiration for the work of Sky Thoroughbred Central north Queensland correspondent Michael Charge, himself a recent podcast guest.

It was a delight to catch up with a very talented north Queensland media man.

After just 14 years of race riding Don Terry was clearly established as one of the best country based jockeys in Australia. He was approaching 700 winners when involved in a life changing race fall at Grafton. After six months in Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital he settled on the NSW north coast, and began the long road back. His achievements have been extraordinary. It’s a privilege to welcome him as a very special guest on this week’s podcast. Don talks about the way he manages his problems day by day.

He says his temper is not as volatile as it once was.

Don talks about the layout of his Lennox Head home.

The former outstanding jockey talks about his role as the manager of Brisbane rider Justin Stanley.

He proudly describes his curiously named fishing boat.

Don acknowledges the support of his loyal fishing mates and talks of the sea miles they travel to find the best location. He talks about some of the fish species they encounter.

The resilient Terry enjoys nothing more than driving his car. He talks about a marathon trip to the Riverina recently to visit his elderly mother.

He takes us back to childhood days on the family farm and remembers the days when he taught himself to ride.

Don talks about his apprenticeship to leading Riverina trainer David Heywood.

He shares clear recollections of his first winning ride at Wagga and his initial city win on an amazing old horse.

Don talks of his association with Ken Callaughan and pays tribute to some special horses he got to ride for the top trainer.

He recalls a Rosehill win on the day of the infamous “flag start” at Rosehill.

Don looks back on some important country wins and his two SDRA premiership wins.

The former jockey talks of his relocation to northern NSW and the fateful day he rode at the South Grafton Cup meeting. He describes the way the accident unfolded.

Don looks back on the aftermath of the fall and his many months in the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

He says he was anxious to get back into circulation and talks of his first foray into jockey management.

Don remembers the surprise invitation he received to train a couple of horses. He decided to give it a go, and met with immediate success.

The ever courageous Terry took part in early trials for a revolutionary concept called “robotic legs”. He takes us through the procedure involved and the side effects he encountered.

Don pays tribute to daughter Laura Kate and son Lyle who are doing well in their chosen careers.

This is an inspiring podcast with a very special bloke.

Kevin Sweeney was one of those ever reliable jockeys who did his job with total dedication for an amazing 46 years. Had it not been for a high spirited horse dumping him at a Nowra meeting in 2015, he may well have pushed on for a bit longer. Kev spent the bulk of his career at Canberra and on southern districts tracks, where he forged strong associations with many stables. Despite a few current health issues the seventy year old pays us the honour of joining the podcast for a good, old fashioned trip down memory lane. Kev begins by revisiting the occasion of his last race ride when he was unceremoniously dumped by a quirky horse.

He recalls a winning treble at Wagga just two days earlier.

Kevin talks about his move to the far NSW south coast, and the health issues he’s been battling for the last four years. He remains philosophical.

The former respected jockey takes us back to childhood days, and the love he received from his single mum and a doting grandfather. He’s never forgotten the day his family took him to Randwick races.

He’s happy to admit that his aversion to school brought much grief to his mother Grace.

Kevin remembers his apprenticeship to Reg Cook, brother of Bill and uncle of Peter. He shares his memories of the famous Cook family.

He remembers his first two wins on a horse trained by Reg Cook. Both wins were at Hawkesbury.

Kevin has never forgotten his first city win. His second metropolitan success figured in a little piece of racing history.

The veteran takes us back to Reg Cook’s move to Canberra in the early 70’s. He talks about a switch of stables to Terry Rutzo who would become a staunch supporter.

He explains the reasons for his sudden relocation to Wyong at the invitation of local trainer Ron Tilley.

Back in Canberra Kevin forged a great association with trainer Keith Dryden. He believes he rode 220 winners for the Dryden stable.

Sweeney reflects on his association with talented Dryden trained mares Coolroom Candidate and Bacchanal Woman. He went to NZ with Bacchanal Woman.

He acknowledges another Dryden runner De Lightning Ridge. He won four races on the mare including two in the city.

The dedicated jockey pays rightful homage to the ageless gelding Digger Stakas. He rode the veteran on many occasions, and actually gave him a home in his twilight years.

Kevin fondly remembers 13 wins on the consistent Comanche Prince.

He talks about his long association with the John Morrisey stable with special mention of an AJC Country Cup win on China Garden.

Kevin remembers another ride on China Garden which landed him in hot water. He was given three months by the stewards for an unsatisfactory ride.

Sweeney’s commitment to country racing deprived him of opportunities in feature races. He says he was 49 before he won a decent race.

He looks back on the days when he was the “go-to” jockey for bush trainers who were bringing their horses to Canberra meetings.

He tells the story of a win on a plunge horse at Canberra trained by a man destined to reach dizzy heights on the turf.

Kevin reflects on his good fortune when it came to injuries.

He and partner Michelle were the parents of three boys. He says only one has made a career in racing.

The former jockey pays tribute to later partner Libby who’s doing a great job on the Keith Dryden team. Libby is close to commencing a new role in the stable.

This is an overdue acknowledgment of a long and distinguished riding career.

It’s just over three years since Molly Bourke won her first race on Mouse Almighty at Wagga. Another 131 wins have followed, complimented by an SDRA Apprentices Premiership. Molly’s talents were clearly evident when she skilfully nursed $58.00 “pop” Secret Plan over the line at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

She’s now with John Sargent at Randwick and rode 20 city winners last season. Great to catch up with the little girl from Tumbarumba who has to pinch herself to believe she’s competing

successfully in one of the world’s toughest markets. Molly talks about her move to the big smoke just over a year ago.

She looks back on her first taste of Sydney racing when she won on bush galloper Zakeriz at Canterbury late in 2022.

Molly talks of her first win for new master John O’Shea at Wyong.

She acknowledges a recent story about her career by Ray Hickson in the Racing NSW magazine.

The apprentice looks back on the shock of her relocation to the bustling city of Sydney.

Molly says it’s quite an experience to ride regularly against some of Australia’s best jockeys.

She pays tribute to two Sydney female role models.

The talented young rider takes us back to childhood days on the farm at Tumbarumba, and her early education on stock horses. She looks back on other riding pursuits.

She says it was her next door neighbour who alerted her to the excitement of horse racing.

Molly remembers her first experience of trackwork and an apprenticeship to local trainer George Dimitropoulos.

School wasn’t Molly’s favourite place, but she did well in one particular subject.

Sport was a different matter. She showed plenty of ability in several endeavours.

Molly vividly recalls her unimpressive race riding debut at Leeton on Mouse Almighty, and the magic of her first win at Wagga on the same little mare.

She looks back on her transfer to a much busier environment at Canberra with trainer Doug Gorrel.

Molly talks of the great support she received from another well known Canberra trainer, and the thrill of winning the SDRA junior title.

The young jockey takes us through the freakish accident in which she was involved on the way to Albury races with Doug Gorrel. Molly has no doubt the fact that she was asleep in the passenger seat, may have saved her life. She talks about Doug’s serious injury and the sad loss of a promising filly in the accident.

Molly gives high praise to a select group of southern districts jockeys who helped her along the way.

She makes special mention of valuable tutelage given by former jockey Darryn Murphy of the Skillinvest Employment and Training Company.

Molly acknowledges the support of her master John Sargent, and the well known training talents of the expat Kiwi horseman. She was gobsmacked when given the opportunity to ride in this year’s Doncaster.

She talks of a few special horses to help her along the way since moving to Randwick.

The Tumbarumba product says she’s had to deal with one particular problem in her race riding technique.

Molly says she enjoys sneaking back to her old stamping ground from time to time. Her mother Jacqie lives at Bega nowadays.

The 21 year old speaks of the downside of living in Sydney with her partner Ed Waters still in Wagga. He expects to join her at the completion of his electrical trades apprenticeship.

Molly isn’t a movie buff but there’s one she’s seen many times over. Not surprisingly it’s about a horse.

The apprentice expresses her gratitude for having no weight problems.

It’s a nice yarn with a most amiable young lady from a tiny town near the Snowy Mountains. Is it any wonder this girl can ride!

Pioneers like Pam O’Neill have taken great pride in watching the enormous progress made by female jockeys in recent years. Wendy Peel is Dubbo based these days but has had several addresses during her first seven years of race riding. The 31 year old is unwaveringly passionate about her chosen career path and travels huge mileage to honour commitments. She’s already a role model to many of the younger girls coming through the system. Wendy joins us on the podcast to look at the female clean sweep of a recent Inverell meeting, and to look at the future role of women in the Australian riding ranks. She talks of the impact being made around the nation.

Wendy believes the generational growth of male jockeys is the main reason for the ever increasing number of female riders.

She predicts the likely future of the girls in Australian racing.

Wendy says the majority of new apprentices have learned the fundamentals in pony club, eventing and show jumping.

The dedicated jockey looks back on her very first involvement with thoroughbreds.

She talks of a horse management college course which led her to two overseas adventures.

Wendy looks back on an early job on a NZ stud farm. She was asked to ride some trackwork by a local trainer and the die was cast.

She reflects on her boldness in asking Gai Waterhouse for a job as a trackwork rider at Randwick.

Wendy remembers her first apprenticeship to Peter Robl who supplied her first race ride.

The jockey looks back on her transfer to Sue Grills at Tamworth.

She still can’t believe her first win was in a Cup race. It didn’t end there.

Wendy remembers being one of five riders to crash in a race at Tamworth in 2019. Her injuries were nasty. She was leading the Rising Stars points score at the time.

She talks of Cody Morgan’s kindness in giving her a great opportunity in the Gulgong Cup when she returned to the saddle.

Next step was a loan out to Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb at the peak of a disastrous drought. She says some of her most memorable achievements materialised during her time with Robb.

Wendy talks of her transfer to Paul Butterworth in Brisbane. It was Butterworth who supplied her first metropolitan winner.

She talks of the broken hip sustained in a Deagon jump out, just 18 months after her Tamworth “buster”.

The respected rider remembers a win in the Battle Of The Bush Final at Eagle Farm on Rather Salubrious. The opportunity was the result of great loyalty shown by trainer David Reynolds.

Wendy talks of the enormous goal she set herself in August 2020. She rode at three race meetings in the space of eight or nine hours. Thankfully a Toowoomba winner made it all worthwhile.

She rates Rather Salubrious the best horse she’s ridden but also has praise for Seat Of Power.

Wendy speaks highly of jockeys Blake Shinn and Matthew Cahill.

She talks of her daily chores at Dubbo which often include a helping hand for partner Duncan Edwards, a well known horse breaker.

Female jockeys need to be dedicated to make their way in an unforgiving business. They don’t make them any more dedicated than Wendy Peel.

It was Coffs Harbour based jockey Jon Grisedale who alerted me to the fact that Trevor Hardy was getting close to retirement. The veteran horseman will call time on his 50 year career when his only horse, seven year old gelding Aheadofhistime loses his zest for racing. For twenty years Trevor combined horse training with the running of his small transport business, but had to choose between the two following multiple bypass surgery in 1996. He plumped for full time training, and hasn’t regretted the decision. The 83 year old joins us on the podcast to talk about his life in racing. He’s a little nervous about the dramatic change in lifestyle.

Trevor says Aheadofhistime has extended his training career.

He talks about Aheadofhistime’s early career in Queensland and subsequent deeds on the northern rivers, including an emphatic win in last year’s Kempsey Cup.

Trevor acknowledges the support of Neil Osborne who purchased his Coffs Harbour stables but made a box available for Aheadofhistime.

The veteran is a true north coaster. He was born at Wingham in 1940, but moved to a Coffs Harbour farm with his parents at age 3. He remembers those early days on the farm.

He talks of his introduction to horses at local pony club and a subsequent involvement in the rodeo. He sustained one nasty injury.

Trevor talks of his first venture into the trucking business and the purchase of his lucerne farm at Tamworth. He ran that farm for a decade.

Finally it was back to Coffs and the establishment of another trucking business, this time delivering smallgoods to supermarkets and restaurants. He trained a few horses at the same time.

Trevor talks about two uncles Ron and Bob Gosling, both successful trainers in their own right.

He remembers his very first win with Poplar Prince at Coffs in 1976 and Sunny Regent, the first nice horse to enter his stable.

Trevor pays tribute to Jack Howe, his first major client. Jack owned a Hunter Valley stud farm where he stood former top stayer Passetruel. Trevor went on to train many of the stallion’s progeny.

The trainer talks of the heart condition that gave him a massive wake up call in the mid 90’s. Major surgery was required.

Trevor talks of the early history of the Coffs Harbour Cup and its huge prize money boost in 1971.

He profiles some of the best horses he’s had the pleasure to train over the years. At the top of his list is Elite Ted, winner of 13 races including 9 in Brisbane.

Trevor acknowledges the deeds of Johann Lover, Symposium, Elite Score, Elite Dubleo, and several others.

He looks back on the timely arrival of Glen Colless into his care at a time when he was juggling two jobs.

Trevor pays a heartfelt tribute to the Coffs Harbour born jockey who went on to great success in Queensland.

The trainer looks back on the arrival of his next star apprentice. Zac Purton weighed 33 kgs and had to start from scratch.

Trevor says his late wife Trish not only mothered the tiny apprentice but acted as his manager when Zac became a jockey. Trevor and Zac caught up in Hong Kong a couple of years ago.

He pays tribute to daughter Joanne whose training achievements include a Country Classic win at Rosehill in 2021.

Trevor talks of the five Asian apprentices to spend time in his care a few years ago.

He makes special mention of partner Wendy Howe, a long time massage therapist whose patients won’t let her retire.

It’s a great pleasure to acknowledge the achievements of a highly respected country trainer.

Whenever Ken Callaughan brought a horse to town from his country base, bookies were wary and punters had a very good look at the animal’s credentials. Ken’s success rate on metropolitan tracks was consistent over many years. We gave him a call recently and the veteran horseman accepted our invitation to join us on the podcast. Ken talks about the horse transport business he launched after quitting the training ranks.

He says much of his work is generated by Goulburn trainers who like to run horses in the weekly TAB Highway races.

Ken talks about his early years in the tiny village of Delegate near the Victorian border.

He says his father George was a tough taskmaster when giving his son riding tuition.

Ken pays tribute to his late brother Brian.

He looks back on his first trip to an Inglis Tried Horse Sale. He came away with the unraced gelding who would launch his training career.

Ken acknowledges some of his very early winners.

He remembers Stormy Guest who was showing great promise before he suffered a career ending injury in a track gallop.

At this point of the interview Ken pays a heartfelt tribute to former outstanding jockey Don Terry whose career was terminated by a Grafton race fall more than twenty years ago. They are still in regular contact.

The former trainer looks back on his years at Capricorn Park, a 500 acre property near Canberra from which he trained many winners. All of his trackwork was done at home.

For many years Ken combined horse training with the breaking of yearlings. One of his regular clients was owner/breeder Sandy Tait. He talks of the Nassipour colt who gave him many a headache during the breaking in process.

He acknowledges the talents of some of the best horses he got to train in a forty year career.

Ken talks of the well known horsemen to come through the system at Capricorn Park.

He says wife Margaret was an outstanding trackwork rider in the early days of his training career.

He makes special mention of daughter Fiona and son Peter. Fiona does most of the driving in his transport business.

A special group of country horse trainers have gained legendary status in NSW racing. Ken Callaughan is one of them.

Joe Bowditch has been a familiar face on major Australian racetracks for more than 34 years. He’s still plying his trade from a Victorian base at 47 years of age, and still riding winners. The evergreen jockey has crammed a lot into more than three decades of race riding in four states. The Joe Bowditch story makes for an interesting podcast. Currently under suspension, he was happy to give me some time on the phone last weekend. He spoke to me from a Bundalong property owned by his great mate Luke Nolen.

Joe talks about his recent Flemington win on Brazen Lady and acknowledges the support he receives from the Ellerton/Moodie stable.

He talks of a long and successful association he’s had with another Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths.

Joe descends from a famous Riverina racing family. He shares memories of his father Des and uncles Barry and Wally- all accomplished jockeys.

He remembers a wonderful friendship with trainer Ray Guy who was to have signed him up as an apprentice. When Ray died suddenly in 1992, his son Bryan became Joe’s master.

Joe recalls having been All Our Mob’s strapper when he won at Rosehill the day after Ray’s passing.

The jockey recalls travelling to Mudgee to ride his first winner thirty one years ago.

He looks back on his first couple of metropolitan winners.

Joe talks about a loan-out to the famous Lindsay Park operation in SA. Colin Hayes had retired but still had a presence.

He talks of the quality of horseflesh he got to work with including a Melbourne Cup winner.

Joe reflects on his working relationship with both David and Peter Hayes. Peter’s death in a light plane crash impacted the entire staff at Lindsay Park.

He remembers two star apprentices who came through the system during his time at the famous Angaston operation.

The jockey comments on the fact that the bulk of his career winners have been on the Morphettville track.

Joe looks back on his first Gr 1 success in 2004. He had to change his tactics when the pace slowed suddenly in the middle stages of the SA Derby.

He’s ridden better horses than Conservatorium but says the genuine gelding remains his all time favourite.

He talks about his narrow defeat on a future multiple Gr 1 winner in the 1996 Fulham Park Plate.

Joe’s had his share of nasty falls. He talks about a crash at Morphettville in 2000 that left him with a long list of injuries.

He looks back on an association with On A Jeune in 2004. He won a Cranbourne Cup on the gelding and went on to ride him in the Melbourne Cup of the same year.

Joe looks back on a brief stint at Corowa as stable rider for the legendary Riverina trainer Richard Freyer.

He talks of a surprise phone call from his former master Bryan Guy- a call that led him to a six year stay in Queensland.

Joe reviews the highs and lows of that Queensland sojourn- some major wins and one serious race fall.

The veteran jockey delights in talking about his association with the brilliant mare Viddora, the highlight of his long association with trainer Lloyd Kennewell.

Joe summarises Viddora’s wins in the Moir Stakes and Winterbottom Stakes. He says she was unlucky not to have added another Moir Stakes to her CV.

He talks of exciting trips to Dubai and Hong Kong with the daughter of I Am Invincible.

Joe finished among the tailenders on Viddora in the 2018 Everest, but won’t forget the experience.

He closes by paying tribute to wife Jen and his four children from two marriages- Heidi (21), Callam (19) and the dynamic duo (Jake 5) and Frankie (3).

Great to catch up with a long serving and thoroughly dedicated professional jockey.