Legendary racecaller John Tapp needs little introduction, on the back of an outstanding broadcasting career remaining popular with his series of podcast interviews with racing personalities. He is of course one himself, making him a good subject for our Quick Questions series…
What are your earliest racing memories?
Calling painted icy pole sticks in a nearby storm water channel as though they were the well known racehorses of the era (1950’s). Also Easter Monday 1955 when my grandfather took me to my first ever race meeting. It was Sydney Cup day and boy was I excited!
Who is your all-time favourite horse?
Kingston Town. Obviously influenced by the fact that I got to call each of his Sydney wins. He ticked every box!
Who are the best horses you have seen?
I saw Tulloch and Todman as a kid, and Winx much later but I keep coming back to Kingston Town – consistency, amazing versatility, breathtaking turn of foot and the sweetest of actions. Had he remained sound, goodness knows how many more he would have won.
Who do you admire most in racing?
I have tremendous admiration for trainers whose jobs are never done! Horrendous hours with public holidays just like any other day. Dedication, attention to detail and the power of observation must be unwavering. Owner communication is a job in itself.
Trainers are only as good as the standard of horseflesh at their disposal. In quiet times they have to work and worry more. Disappointed owners should remember the trainer shares their pain several times over. Not all trainers enjoy the luxury of spending power at yearling sales or the favour of commercial stud farms. Many have to do their best with what they’ve got. The greatest gift any trainer can possess is the ability to sleep well at night. Any predisposition to insomnia doesn’t go well with horse training.
What is your favourite meal?
I’m an unadventurous eater. Equal favourites Atlantic salmon and chicken schnitzel.
What are your favourite T.V shows, books and movies?
Never watch sitcoms or serialised programmes. I keep an eye on news and current affairs. My two favourite movies are oldies and both featured the iconic Humphrey Bogart – Casablanca (experts past and present rate it the best movie ever made). The other is The African Queen which stands up well today. It has everything.
I have a long list of favourite books. In recent times I enjoyed Captain James Cook by Richard Hough; beautifully researched and well written. The best endorsement I can give it is the fact that I’ve read it three times in three years.
What changes/improvements would you like to see in racing?
Racing administrations have been very proactive in getting prize money up in recent years, but I’d love to see the trend continue in provincial and country regions. Out of town owners are paying the same price for chaff, oats and hay as those lucky enough to have city class horses.
The best innovation in the last decade is unquestionably the introduction of the TAB Highways. They’ve become great betting mediums, and an enormous incentive for bush owners and trainers.
If you were not involved in racing what would you be doing?
I can’t imagine not being involved in racing in some way. I’d probably be writing a book about horses and the people who make them tick.
What slogan best summarises your outlook on life?
Simply get the job done and try to not let anybody down. Above all do what you say you’re going to do. Let’s have no idle words. Be tolerant, courteous and kind. Those commodities cost you nothing.