#209 – John Tapp on Perseverance, Purpose and 50,000 Race Calls
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Episode Summary:
Before microphones and TV cameras, John “Tappy” Tapp was a kid painting paddle-pop sticks and calling phantom races down a stormwater canal. In this intimate conversation, he traces that boyhood obsession to a legendary broadcasting career: 50,000 race calls, three decades with Channel 9, and the surreal 1976 Melbourne Cup; called in a thunder-soaked Flemington when colours were unrecognisable and instinct had to take over. Tapp unpacks craft and composure under pressure, sharing the methods he used to lock in fields, stay calm when memory blanks hit, and deliver accuracy as TV transformed the sport.
We meet the mentors and moments that shaped him. Doyen caller Ken Howard, Kingston Town’s silken stride, and Mount Eden’s impossible Miracle Mile—and the resilience behind the mic: early rejections, the audition that almost wasn’t, and why perseverance (and a smart team at home) mattered most. Now 84, Tapp reflects on purpose, giving back through Variety and Diabetes Australia, and building a 550-episode podcast that keeps him connected to the industry he loves. It’s a masterclass in passion, professionalism, and staying power.
About the Guest:
John Tapp
Race Caller, Media Personality & MC
John Tapp is one of Australia’s most iconic sports commentators, best known for his remarkable career spanning 50 years in the media and for calling more than 50,000 horse races. Affectionately known as “Tappy,” John became a household name as Channel Nine’s racing presenter for over three decades, where his voice became synonymous with some of the nation’s most memorable racing moments.
Awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1996, John was recognised not only for his exceptional contribution to horse racing but also for his unwavering commitment to charitable work. Over the years, he has served as a proud ambassador and “voice” for organisations such as The Variety Club of Australia and Diabetes Australia, helping raise vital awareness and funds for those in need. In 2007, Australia Post honoured him as an Australian Legend, a testament to his enduring influence on both sport and society.
John’s passion for racing began humbly in the 1940s, when as a young boy from a modest family, he would paint paddle pop sticks in racing colours and call them as they floated down a stormwater channel near his home. That same imagination and drive carried him to the grandstands of Randwick and the broadcasting booths of Australia’s biggest networks.
Beyond the racetrack, John’s life has been shaped by both triumph and challenge. His son’s battle with Type One Diabetes inspired John to dedicate his time and voice to supporting medical research and children’s charities. Alongside his wife Ann, he has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for The Variety Club, Bear Cottage, The Ted Noffs Foundation, and Hands Across the Water.
A charismatic speaker and MC, John is admired for his authenticity, humility, and deep wisdom, qualities that make him a captivating storyteller. His belief that “the harder you work, the luckier you get” reflects not just his career philosophy, but the resilience and heart that define his legacy.
Links:
Website: https://www.johntapp.racing/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070578990289&sk=photos
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/john-tapp-racing/id1387780157
Yoututbe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-1eq--0vXKyoUCYbkcUj3w/videos
Twitter: https://x.com/johntappracing?lang=en
About the Host:
Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.
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