I first met Josh Fleming when he visited the Sky Studios with family members in 2000. He was just 15 at the time, but already a professional race caller in Queensland. He’d debuted at Longreach a year earlier and had subsequently called the action at several far flung tracks. He was too young to take part in Sky’s first “young race caller scholarship” but landed a job in his own right three years later. He’s come a long way from that nervous start at Longreach, and the story makes for an interesting podcast. Josh recalls that brief visit to the Sky studios almost 25 years ago.

He pays tribute to the grandmother who lived long enough to see him make his race calling debut.

Josh cherishes memories of his meeting with the late Graham McNeice on that Sunday morning in 2000.

The 39 year old calls regularly from Doomben, Eagle Farm and the Sunny Coast. He rates the popular tracks.

Josh has just returned from his 21st visit to the Birdsville Cup. He talks of the unique two day carnival on the edge of the Simpson Desert.

He says he was horrified in 1995 when his school teacher mother Alison announced her transfer to Barcaldine 1000 kms from his beloved Brisbane.

Josh talks of his friendship with stipendiary steward John Wallace who took him to several outback meetings, and was instrumental in getting him the Longreach “gig”.

His debut was impressive enough to generate a few more race calling opportunities in the region.

It was back to Brisbane in 2001 and some work experience at 4TAB.

Josh looks back on his many “practice” calls at Doomben and Eagle Farm. He had invaluable input from Wayne Wilson and Alan Thomas.

The dedicated broadcaster remembers with affection the beginning of his Sydney role with Skychannel. He was ust 18.

Josh looks back on the experience he gained on provincial and country tracks. He seized the opportunity to cover city meetings for three months on Sky Racing Radio. He has some precious memories from that chapter in his career.

He was thrilled to be offered the full time Brisbane role when Alan Thomas decided to pull up stumps. He’s never forgotten Alan’s final day on the Gold Coast.

Two weeks after Alan’s retirement Josh got to cover the Magic Millions meeting- a $10 million dollar race day. He called the easy win by Capitalist.

Josh got a bonus on the day when he called the great sprinter Buffering in a $1 million dollar race.

He remembers the special day in 2008 when he met his future wife Gabrielle at a Queensland picnic race meeting.

Josh speaks with pride and affection about his two children Olivia and Jackson.

He chooses to live in the picturesque Darling Downs township of Warwick. Josh says he doesn’t mind the travel involved.

To say he was born to be a race caller might seem to be a fanciful phrase- in Josh Fleming’s case the old cliche holds true.

Aaron Bullock has emerged in the last five years as one of Australia’s most consistent jockeys. In the 2022/2023 season his astounding strike rate saw him win the national jockey’s title with 207.5 winners. He’s due to return to the saddle at the end of the month following a two month injury layoff. While he had a little spare time on his hands the father-to-be was happy to talk to us about his meteoric rise in the riding ranks. Aaron says he can’t wait to get cracking again.

He says his weight is under control as he nears a return to the saddle.

The heavyweight jockey talks about the Newcastle fall in July which aggravated an old injury.

Aaron talks about the impending birth of his first child with wife Amelia (nee Denby).

He gives Amelia much of the credit for his continued success.

Aaron talks of childhood days in Tumut and his first glimpse of thoroughbreds at the local races.

He recalls the family’s move to Singleton and his subsequent apprenticeship to trainer Todd Howlett whose career was just getting under way.

Aaron has never forgotten his first serious gallop at Muswellbrook. He says he couldn’t get the hang of it.

There was one particular morning when everything fell into place.

Young Bullock suddenly felt he was a jockey at last.

He remembers his first ride and his initial win. Sadly his enthusiasm didn’t last, and he made the decision to walk away from racing.

Fast forward to 2019 when Aaron hit a major hurdle. He remembers a positive test to a banned substance and a six month disqualification.

Aaron says his transformation began in the 2019/2020 season. He’s ridden 644 winners since with a national premiership thrown in.

He talks about his duel with Queenslander James Orman in the closing weeks of the 2022/2023 season.

Aaron says his commitment to clients on provincial and country tracks keeps him away from city meetings. Every now and again he’ll be lured to town to ride a promising horse. Know Thyself is one of those horses. He also gives a thumbs up to English mare Clear Thinking.

The jockey acknowledges some of his favourite horses and horsemen.

Aaron pays a special tribute to the jockey he most admires.

He makes special mention of Amelia’s successful riding career.

It’s a laid back chat with an inspirational bloke.

Many racing people were predicting a bright future for Dylan Gibbons long before he made his debut at Taree in July 2020.

Son of successful jockey Andrew Gibbons, the lanky youngster had been taken along quietly by his master Kris Lees and was the complete package by the time he was let loose. Dylan hasn’t let his supporters down. In just four seasons of race riding he’s approaching 400 winners including two Gr 1’s. Caught up with the talented young rider last week for a comprehensive chat about his career so far. He talks about four seasons of success he never expected.

Dylan talks about the workload of the modern day jockey with special mention of the barrier trial schedule.

He talks of partner Nevada and the decision to stay in his hometown of Newcastle.

The young jockey talks of his hectic 2023/2024 season and the holiday he was badly in need of.

He admits he was late in making a decision to become an apprentice, but says his interest in racing was obsessive.

Dylan reflects on the many days he spent at race meetings where his father had riding commitments. He says he found a way to keep occupied.

He talks of his admiration for two Sydney jockeys in particular. He remains very friendly with Tommy Berry and Kerrin McEvoy. At one stage he was acting as valet for both riders.

When Andrew Gibbons could see his son was deadly serious about becoming a jockey he took him to a local riding school.

Dylan talks about the education he gained in the Kris Lees operation, and talks of his very first day at the races.

He hasn’t forgotten the magic of his first winning ride at Coffs Harbour.

Dylan looks back on his first metro success and the unforgettable thrill of a Gr 1 win so early in his career.

The jockey looks back on his second Gr 1 win. This time the winner was trained by his boss and staunchest supporter.

Dylan acknowledges the part Semana has played in his brief career- only two wins but several Group placings. One of them was oh so close!

He talks of a Brisbane Cup win for Bjorn Baker and his association with smart sprinter Buenos Noches.

Dylan talks of his association with talented horses like Brudenell and Loch Eagle and a four race association with multiple Gr 1 winning mare Montefilia.

He talks of brother Ryan and three year old half sister Hayley.

Dylan pays tribute to his father’s longevity and the great winning trot the elder Gibbons has been enjoying.

He admits it’s a tough road ahead competing against so many top riders on equal terms but says he’s up to the task.