Episode 191: Rod Gallegos (Part 1)

Rod talks of his upbringing in the popular Queensland town of Bundaberg. He recalls the racing characters he met at his Grandmother’s boarding house. He talks of the mother who loved a punt, and the non gambling father who just liked looking at racehorses. Rod recalls the bet he tried to have behind his mother’s back. The bookie gave him up. He looks back on his race calling debut at age 14, when the regular commentator got called away. Rod looks back on school days and his ineptitude at practical assignments. The popular media veteran talks of the lucky break that came along at the Bundaberg News Mail. He makes special mention of the legendary Sergeant Kelly of the Bundy Police who gave him some invaluable advice. Rod looks back on the opportunity that changed his life- a move to brisbane and a job with the Brisbane Telegraph. He remembers the chance meeting with Kay Noud,  the girl destined to become his wife of 56 years. Rod pays a remarkable tribute to his late father in law, legendary Queensland race caller and racing writer Keith Noud.