Episode 217: Todd Pannell

It’s a pleasure to catch up with a quiet achiever in South Australian racing. Todd Pannell talks about his best ever season in 2019/2020. He’s got the SA premiership all tied up, and with ordinary luck will win the metro title as well. Todd talks about the giant horse Behemoth who’s rarely far away in top grade races. The jockey says the gelding was desperately unlucky in the recent Goodwood Hcp. Pannell profiles Bella Vella winner of the Gr 1 TAB Classic over the recent Adelaide carnival. He pays a high compliment to Bella Vella’s trainer Will Clarken who’s emerging as a very astute horseman. Todd speaks of the strong riding ranks in Adelaide currently. The popular jockey remembers his apprenticeship to his father David who was the Adelaide stable foreman for John Hawkes in the Crown Lodge days. Todd talks of his transfer to the Melbourne stable and the enormous number of trials he contested before his first race ride came along. He looks back on the thrilling occasion of his first winning ride. The jockey looks back on his constant movement between Crown Lodge’s four state operation. Todd makes special mention of three former Crown Lodge jockeys who left a lasting impression on him. He talks of a two year stint in Queensland, and the female manager who continues to handle his rides even though they’re in different states. Todd pays tribute to his partner Crystal and seven year old son Jack.