Episode 523: Ron Quinton

·1 hr 8 min·5 clips

Ron Quinton explains how watching horses closely reveals their unique quirks and winning potential.

This episode features host John Tapp interviewing legendary Australian jockey and trainer Ron Quinton. Quinton reflects on his six-decade career in horse racing, transitioning from a Hall of Fame jockey to a successful trainer. The conversation covers his training philosophy, key horses, and memorable moments from both phases of his life. Quinton discusses his training approach, emphasizing the importance of observing horse temperament and keeping his stable to around 20 horses. He highlights his long-term owner Ray Gall and their first horse, Mademoiselle Pedrille, who won 11 races but missed a Coolmore Classic due to trips to Hong Kong. His first Group One win as a trainer came with Easy Rocking in the Salinger Stakes, ridden by Jim Cassidy. He recounts training Buller Borghese to win the 2002 Victoria Oaks with jockey Chris Munce after convincing owners of her staying ability. Quinton has won the Coolmore Classic four times as a trainer, detailing victories with Ofcourseican, Peeping, Daisydooms, and Dixie Blossoms. He recalls taking over 30 horses from trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith for owner Millie Fox, winning 95 races for her over four years. Quinton also mentions mentoring apprentices like Hugh Bowman, Sam Clipperton, and Andrew Adkins. A surprising insight is Quinton's admission that legendary trainers Tommy Smith and Neville Begg advised him to stop riding trackwork when he became a trainer, arguing it offered a different perspective. He shares that his champion pony, Gail, was a poor jumper at competitions despite being skilled at home. Quinton reveals trainer Jack Denham accurately predicted the exact finishing order of Marscay and Vain Darrah in the 1982 Golden Slipper before the race. He notes the filly Peeping, a Coolmore winner, died of colic in a spelling paddock. Quinton explains he rode Sir Dapper conservatively in the Spring Champion Stakes to offset any stamina doubts, relying on the horse's superior acceleration. He received a one-month suspension for his winning ride on Marauding in the 1987 Golden Slipper. The tone is a relaxed, conversational catch-up between two respected figures in racing, filled with detailed anecdotes and mutual respect. The style is educational and nostalgic, weaving personal stories with the technical aspects of training and race riding. This episode is ideal for racing enthusiasts who appreciate in-depth history, training methodologies, and firsthand stories from a revered industry figure. Listeners with no interest in horse racing or its history would likely find the specific names and events less engaging.

As heard by us

A measured racing-room portrait of Ron Quinton's move from jockey to trainer.

Ron Quinton's shift from the saddle to the training ranks is handled as a practical career move, with the business of racing kept firmly to the fore.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get Ron Quinton's move from jockey to trainer, with Randwick, owner support, and a professional reset front and center.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from John Tapp Racing