Episode 297: Bob Charley AO

A fascinating chat with a man whose recent induction into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame is testimony to his enormous contribution to the sport. Bob begins by revealing the extent of his battle with Covid 19 last year. He talks of his fascinating family background. On the maternal side he’s a member of the Lindsay family which gave so much to the arts in the early 20th century. His maternal grandmother introduced him to a different kind of art- the pursuit of the bookmaker’s money. He pays tribute to his paternal grandfather Phillip Charley who was a member of the syndicate which discovered the greatest silver lode in Australian history. Bob talks of school days and the influence of two classmates who shared his interest in racing. He talks of a youthful desire to train a racehorse. He acquired a mare from a Sydney stable and won a race with her at Newcastle. He also got to ride her trackwork on one occasion. Bob talks of an unsuccessful attempt to break into race broadcasting and his short stint as a bookmaker. He reminisces about one profitable Melbourne Cup day. The versatile Bob Charley takes us back to the heady days of the Legal Eagles- a three man betting syndicate whose activities always attracted plenty of attention at the track. Bob looks back on a lengthy involvement in the racing media. He was a popular presenter on 2KY, 2GB and TCN 9. The 82 year old remembers his first administration post on the Hawkesbury Race Club Committee. A few years later he was elected to the AJC Committee on the retirement of Sir James Carr. Bob describes his ascension to the role of AJC Chairman as one of the highlights of his long career. He talks of the important developments which took place during his time as AJC Chairman. He looks back on the demise of the AJC as racing’s controlling body and his future contributions to the new Thoroughbred Racing Board and later the Australian Racing Board.   The veteran talks of his seven year labour of love- the publishing of his magnificent book, Heroes And Champions. Bob reveals that he has another book getting close to completion.   The newly inducted Hall Of Famer remembers some of the characters who frequented Sydney racecourses in the heady days of the 60’s and 70’s. Bob pays a tribute to his wife Nina whose devoted support has enabled him to pursue his dreams. It’s well documented that Bob is a devotee of the works of Banjo Paterson who acted as best man at the wedding of his maternal grandfather Sir Lionel Lindsay. It seemed fitting that Bob should close the podcast with a recital of one of his favourite Banjo poems. “The Uplift” is not one of Banjo’s better known works. When you hear it you’ll wonder why it’s not up there with his all time classics.  Listen carefully to the words. This was Banjo’s way of encouraging people to try a little harder when the chips are down.