John Tapp Racing

With another edition of the historic Sydney Cup coming up on April 11th, it seems an appropriate time to catch up with a man who won it twice as a jockey in 1959 and 1961. Bernie Howlett’s riding career lasted only seven or eight years but was followed by a long innings as a successful trainer. In more recent times Bernie has earned recognition as a very astute breeder of horses. In fact he’s one of a chosen few to have ridden, trained and bred Gr 1 winners. He’s now a healthy eighty eight year old, living in Canberra and content to reflect  on his very rewarding life in racing. Bernie does us the honour of joining this week’s podcast to take us on a trip down memory lane.  He brings us up to date on plans for his future in racing. Bernie goes right back to childhood days in Tamworth and many trips to local race meetings with his dad Jack.  He acknowledges the deeds of older brother Arthur, himself a talented jockey and trainer. Bernie recalls the early tuition he received from legendary country trainer Arthu