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.