Many punters have noted the absence of Luke Currie from the Melbourne riding ranks in recent weeks. The popular jockey has simply taken advantage of the off-season period to attend to a nagging knee issue he’s been dealing with for quite some time.
He’s making great progress and hopes to return to the saddle in just a few weeks. Luke Currie has had a presence among Victoria’s top bracket of riders for close to three decades posting more than 1500 winners with 13 Gr 1’s prominent on his CV. He’s been on our podcast shortlist for a long time and we’ve been able to make it happen during his current layoff. Luke begins by tendering a full report on his troublesome knee.
He says the timing of his hiatus wasn’t ideal. He’d been riding winners everywhere.
The jockey looks back on his Tasmanian upbringing and an early apprenticeship to his father Ricky.
He looks back on a couple of winners in his home state. The system was such that any Tasmanian wins would have had an effect on his Victorian claim. He had to relocate as soon as possible.
Luke looks back on his time with trainer and former champion jockey Pat Hyland.
He talks of a transfer to Robbie Griffiths in the latter stages of his apprenticeship, and the golden opportunity he was given by his new boss.
The high profile jockey looks back on a six race association with champion mare Makybe Diva.
Luke remembers his first Gr 1 success on hardy gelding Roman Arch in the famous Toorak Hcp.
He pays tribute to mentor, confidant and friend the late Deane Lester.
He reminisces about two C.F Orr victories on Suavito and Manuel.
The jockey pays a heartfelt tribute to brilliant mare Sunlight who provided him with ten wins including two Gr 1’s. He recalls her fighting effort to beat some star colts in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Luke marvels at the mind boggling money generated by Sunlight and her relatives in the sale ring.
Currie will always have a soft spot for Hey Doc. He rode the sprinter-miler 27 times for 8 wins including 4 Gr 1’s.
He reviews his two memorable Blue Diamond wins on Lyre and Artorius.
Luke says he was thrilled to win the 2021 Newmarket for old friend Matthew Ellerton.
He agrees his McKinnon Stakes win on Arcadia Queen was perhaps the easiest elite level win he’s ever been involved with.
Luke looks back on his Hong Kong experience at the height of the covid pandemic. He won at his first race ride, but everything went “belly up” from there.
He says there was one memorable development during his time in Hong Kong when invited to fly home to ride Mr. Brightside in the All Star Mile at Moonee Valley. The story had a happy ending.
Luke pays tribute to his girls- wife Sophia and daughters Mia and Miley.
This is a laid back chat with a Melbourne jockey whose reputation for hard work and reliability precedes him wherever he goes.
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Episode 534: Jeff Lloyd
A remarkable riding career came to an end at Doomben in July 2019 when Jeff Lloyd donned the silks for the final time. Imagine how many sets of colours this man had worn in a career embracing 41 years, 5500 winners, 94 Gr 1’s and countless stakes races. He was 50 years old when he arrived in Brisbane in 2012 but soon demonstrated the skills that had built his image as a world class jockey. Not even a 14 month absence recovering from the effects of a stroke could force his retirement until he was good and ready. The continued success of his sons Zac and Jaden has triggered several requests for a podcast. We’ve been into the archives and regenerated an interview recorded with Jeff Lloyd almost 6 years ago. Let’s give it another gallop. He began by looking back on cherished memories from his final day at Doomben.
The former ace jockey reflects on his English origins.
He says there was no actual racing background in his family other than his father’s love of a punt.
Jeff recalls watching racing on television at every opportunity and the hero worship he developed of legendary jockey Lester Piggott. He says Piggott had more impact on his life than any other jockey.
He recalls riding with Piggott many years later in South African Invitational events.
Jeff outlines the reason for his family’s move from Great Britain to South Africa.
He’s never forgotten his enrolment with the famous South African Jockey’s Academy where strident discipline applied.
Lloyd recalls his initial apprenticeship to respected trainer Brian De Villiers who gave him unexpected support.
Like most jockeys Jeff vividly recalls his first winning ride.
The former champion jockey talks about the development of his trademark style.
Jeff picked up a special nickname early in his career which sticks to this day- a nickname inspired by his English roots.
He reviews the countless highlights of his South African career.
Jeff says he competed in South Africa against some of the world’s best jockeys.
Lloyd still regards a 7 time Gr 1 winner called Wolf Power as the best horse he’s ridden. The big grey was a specialist miler in South Africa.
He looks back on a stunning day at the Kenilworth track shortly before his relocation to Australia. His haul of wins included three of the country’s top Gr 1 races.
Jeff talks of his participation in the famous 2000m race the J&B Met. He won it five times.
He talks of several trips to other countries including Mauritius. He was lukewarm about a short term contract but finished up riding more winners there than any other jockey before or since.
When his stellar South African career came to a close he was given two unforgettable sendoffs. Jeff Lloyd farewells at Scottsville and Turffontein were emotional experiences.
Jeff looks back on the worrying aspect of living in Durban in the early 2000’s. He and wife Nickola lived in a housing estate which offered round the clock security.
He says dining out wasn’t a pleasant prospect.
When Jeff decided to try his luck in Australia, brother-in-law and fellow jockey Glyn Schofield opted to do the same.
The former star jockey pays tribute to the horse who got him up and running in his adopted country.
He’s never forgotten a Randwick treble on New Year’s Day 2008.
Jeff says he was well aware Sydney racing people were talking about his unorthodox style. He simply let the results do the talking.
He recalls his surprise when he learned that the Aussie horses were not as “hyped up” as their South African counterparts.
Lloyd was overwhelmed when a wide range of Sydney trainers started to seek his services. Even Jack Denham jumped on the bandwagon.
He looks back on a career defining win on Kiwi 3YO Nom De Jeu In the 2008 Australian Derby.
Then came a contract to ride in Hong Kong. Initially it was to be a three month arrangement but things changed.
Jeff was delighted to win the Gr 1 HK Mile on the remarkable Able One, an unsound nine year old at the time.
When the decision was made to return to Australia Jeff and NIckola plumped for the Gold Coast as their preferred location.
He talks openly about the lowest point in his life. He had a minor tumble at a Doomben midweek meeting and felt unwell on arriving home. He tried to honour commitments at the Sunny Coast the following day, but had to stand himself down. Tests over the next few days revealed a very serious medical situation.
Jeff says the enforced break enabled him to completely get over an old back injury.
He still marvels at the fact that he was able to win four Brisbane premierships after such a debilitating illness.
Jeff rates his 2017 Magic Millions win on Houtzen as a career highlight.
He says the luxury of being a natural lightweight enabled him to ride into his mid fifties.
A forty year career and 27000 race rides wasn’t devoid of accidents. At the time he left South Africa Jeff had been involved in 14 race falls. A few more followed in Australia. He admits to having caused a handful of those falls himself.
The veteran says he’s still very conscious of fitness levels in retirement.
This podcast was recorded soon after Jeff’s retirement from race riding. Nowadays he’s enjoying his role as manager to sons Zac and Jaden and to promising apprentice Zac Wadick. The Jeff Lloyd story is one of racing’s most fascinating. He’s a great listen.
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Episode 533: Tony McMahon
It’s doubtful that Queensland has ever produced a more versatile racing all rounder than Rockhampton based Tony McMahon who was forced to reduce his workload significantly following a freak stable accident in 2022. After 50 frantically busy years working in multiple roles within the racing industry, the 72 year old walked away from several commitments including his favourite pursuit of horse training. His many supporters were delighted to hear that the veteran will continue in the role of resident race caller for several regional race clubs. This man’s story is ready made for a racing podcast and we’re delighted he agreed to join this one. Tony begins our chat by looking back on the simple accident that would leave him with a badly damaged shoulder.
He has three race horses still in work with other trainers.
Tony identifies five tracks where he’ll continue to work as resident commentator.
The veteran takes us back to early days when he’d hitch a ride from the Gold Coast to Brisbane most Saturdays to meet an uncle at the metropolitan race meeting.
Tony remembers the days when he’d practice race calling onto a tape recorder and get top caller Vince Curry to review his work.
He recalls his disdain of the schoolroom and his first job with a Gold Coast bank.
He reflects on the night when he got a work colleague to listen to one of his phantom race calls. The exercise indirectly guided him towards a race calling career.
Tony hasn’t forgotten his audition call for the Lismore Turf Club whose course commentator was nearing retirement. He landed the job at just 17 years of age. He immediately quit his job at the ES&A Bank despite the misgivings of his parents.
He recalls jumping at an opportunity to call some harness racing for Brisbane radio.
Tony looks back on a surprise opportunity in the early 1970’s to act as race caller and handicapper for the Gold Coast Turf Club. A short time into the dual role he developed blood clots on his vocal chords. He was devastated to learn that his race calling days were over, at least in the short term.
He was thrilled when another door opened almost immediately- the dual role of assistant handicapper and cadet steward with the NRRA.
Tony talks of his next adventure. This time he landed the job of handicapper for the Newcastle Racing and Registration Board. He became the youngest handicapper to be appointed in NSW. He looks back on subsequent roles with the Wyong Race Club and the Newcastle Herald. It was around this time his voice returned and he was soon back behind the binoculars.
He remembers another change of direction in 1978 when the NRRA appointed him chief steward for race meetings in their northern sector. This made him the youngest chairman of stewards ever appointed in northern NSW and possibly the nation.
Finally Tony’s long time desire to train in his own right got the better of him. He acquired stables on the Gold Coast and kicked off with some ‘hand-me-down’ horses from Newcastle trainer Jim Johnstone. He joined an elite group of trainers to score with his very first starter.
Tony pays tribute to the horses who launched his career and helped him to establish a reputation as a serious horse trainer. He makes special mention of Konedobu, the frustrating horse who provided his first Brisbane city win and became his one and only Sydney runner.
The versatile racing identity pays a special tribute to former ace jockey Tony Erhart.
He looks back on a decision to set up shop as a trainer in faraway Rockhampton. It also brought him closer to his future wife Jean who’s been a tower of strength in subsequent years.
Once again a new door opened for Tony not long after arriving in Rocky. He walked straight into the roles of Callaghan Park race caller and racing writer for the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin. He held both jobs for many years.
He expresses gratitude for two journalistic awards to come his way.
Trainer McMahon pays tribute to three special horses who kept him in the training spotlight- Mamselle Corday, Paradis Imperial and Cindy Kate.
Queensland racing’s “Mr. Versatile” relates some humorous stories from his days as a stipendiary steward.
Tony pays tribute to daughter Elizabeth, son Chris and granddaughter Arabella.
He speaks affectionately of his receipt of the Pat Duff Trainer’s Association Award for long time services to Queensland racing.
Great to finally catch up with the amazingly versatile Tony McMahon, a true Queensland racing legend.
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Episode 532: Royce Simmons - Panthers legend still charging up the middle raising funds for dementia research
Our regular podcast has catered principally for racing fans since its introduction seven years ago. This week we break the mould by presenting an interview with Royce Simmons OAM who reached dizzy heights in his footballing career as both player and coach. From the time of his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2022, Royce hasn’t left a stone unturned in keeping himself fit enough to pursue every avenue in raising money for dementia research. His results have been inspiring. The celebrated hooker played in 238 games for Penrith between 1980-1991, ten for the NSW Blues and another ten in the green and gold of Australia. Every time I run into Royce at a sporting function I’m reminded of the fact that he should be a guest on our podcast. I issued an invitation at a recent Panthers charity luncheon and he graciously accepted.
Royce talks about his current state of health and the success of the “Royce’s Big Walk” initiative which has raised thousands of dollars for dementia research.
He talks about his recent hosting role at a Saturday afternoon Panthers initiative called “Royce’s Race Day”. Members and guests got to enjoy the best in food and drinks, good fellowship and the opportunity to chat with one of Penrith’s favourite sons.
Royce talks of his love of a dabble but doesn’t rate himself as a successful punter.
The Penrith Hall Of Famer talks of early life in the Lachlan Valley township of Canowindra where he developed a liking for the Rugby Union code.
Royce talks of his hard working parents and his siblings - two sisters and one brother. He reflects on a move to nearby Gooloogong when his father George purchased the local butcher shop.
He brings up the subject of Cocky Raider, a champion pacer of the late 60’s and early 70’s who was trained in the town by Jack McWilliam. Royce was just ten or eleven years of age but hasn’t forgotten the impact Cocky Raider had on the 500 residents of Gooloogong.
Royce looks back on his subsequent move to the big smoke and trial games for St George and South Sydney.
He hasn’t forgotten an unexpected approach from the Penrith Club generated by a recommendation from Parramatta star Barry Rushworth. To make it all come together Royce had to play two trial games in twenty four hours.
Many have forgotten that Simmons played lock forward in his first year with Penrith.
The former champion hooker talks of the radical changes in the scrum feed.
He looks back on his unforgettable debut for the NSW Blues in 1984.
Royce says he lost the job to Benny Elias in 1985, but returned the following year to get “Man Of The Match” in Game 1.
His form in the 1986 State Of Origin series earned him a spot in the Kangaroo squad to play three tests against NZ. He was the first Penrith product to play for Australia.
Later in 1986 Royce toured with the Kangaroo side in a six test series against Papua New Guinea, Great Britain and France. He didn’t get a break that year.
Royce talks about his seven years as captain of the Penrith side, a role he took very seriously.
He looks back on Penrith’s clash with a very strong Canberra side in the Winfield Cup Grand Final of 1990.
Perhaps Royce Simmons is best remembered for his two try contribution to Penrith’s first ever premiership win in 1991. It was his final appearance as a player, and one he’ll never forget.
Royce takes us through the circumstances under which his “double” eventuated.
The OAM inductee takes us through his coaching days which began with the St Mary’s first grade side but soon escalated to loftier heights.
On returning to Australia Royce was invited to take over the role of Panthers coach from the departing Phil Gould.
Royce looks back on seven happy years as assistant coach of the Wests Tigers under the leadership of Tim Sheens.
The former Penrith legend was gobsmacked when an offer came for him to coach the famous St Helen’s Club in England. It didn’t work out quite as well as Royce had hoped.
He pays tribute to his wonderful family - wife Liane, children Kirk, Britt, Carly and Demi and special mention of seven grandchildren.
Royce acknowledges the administrative talents of Brian Fletcher who recently announced impending retirement from his role as Panthers Group CEO.
I’ve never forgotten the Network Ten coverage of the 1991 Winfield Cup Grand Final. It was Penrith’s first premiership, and an unforgettable swansong for one of the club’s greatest sons.
Royce Simmons remembers the greatest day of his playing career on this week’s podcast.
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Episode 531: Donna Scott
Donna was at Albury airport waiting to board a Melbourne bound flight when we tracked her down last Friday. She found herself a quiet corner and was happy to join us on the podcast. The experienced horsewoman was literally thrust into the training business when her husband Brett died suddenly in 2008. Before commencing her solo career Donna opted for a year with the huge Darley operation, and has never regretted the decision. Today she trains a 25 horse team from the Albury racecourse precinct, and maintains a very good strike rate. Donna talks about a good recent run of winners with special mention of the promising One Hard Lady.
She takes us back to childhood days on the family farm where she was riding ponies from a tender age.
Donna talks of her father Graham Hulm who schooled her in the art of horse breaking.
She recalls learning the finer points of thoroughbred management from respected local trainer Ron Stubbs.
It was at the Stubbs Albury stable where Donna met her future husband Brett Scott. She talks of Brett’s achievements as a jockey in the southern districts and his transition into the training ranks.
Donna and Brett became the proud parents of Brett Jnr and Danielle. She pays tribute to the kids and talks of the four grandchildren who’ve come along in recent years.
She looks back on the trauma created by Brett’s passing and the small team of horses she inherited.
Donna will never forget the magical first win just two months after her husband’s passing.
Before getting too serious about a solo training career she opted for a stint with a major Sydney stable. She landed a job with the huge Darley operation and Danielle went with her.
Donna talks of Danielle’s brief stint as a jockey.
She speaks highly of Danielle’s partner Blaike McDougall, a jockey of great talent and a NSW premiership winner in 2020/2021.
Donna acknowledges the support of longtime stable foreperson Madi Connell and apprentices Amy O’Driscoll and Robert Wilcox.
The trainer makes special mention of Lord Von Costa, a family favourite who had a few trainers during his racing career. She got him very late but managed to win a stakes race at Flemington.
Donna had a lot of time for a mare called Bennelong Dancer who made her presence felt in two editions of the Country Championship.
She pays a special tribute to one of her all time favourites Our Last Cash.
Donna was thrilled to win a race at Caulfield with Takissacod.
She talks about another favourite Villasaurus - the horse to break her TAB Highway “duck”.
The trainer makes mention of Bautista, another of her Country Championship Final runners.
Donna talks about an early phobia she had regarding Sydney tracks.
She talks of the family farm Hazel Park named after a very special grandmother.
Donna talks of the trusty stable truck that gives her total independence in getting horses to the races.
New Zealand