Episode 351: John Letts

We present a replay of one of our favourite interviews from the early days of the website. Our guest is that great raconteur Johnny Letts whose stellar riding career brought him 2300 wins including two Melbourne Cups. John talks of his recovery from some serious health issues. John reminisces about his twenty one years as post race interviewer for two networks over the four days of the Melbourne Cup carnival. He talks of the jockeys who showed the most emotion in the wake of their Cup victories with special mention of Damien Oliver, Kerrin McEvoy, and Glen Boss. John has very funny recollections of his struggle to interview Yasanari Iwata, the non English speaking Japanese jockey who won the Cup on Delta Blues. You’ll enjoy John’s tribute to “Banjo”, the lovable stock horse who became almost as well known as the Melbourne Cup winner. The former champion jockey goes back to school days when he struggled through the grades. He shares one hilarious story about a certain classroom examination. John remembers the day one of his teachers suggested he should consider a future as an apprentice jockey. He pays tribute to Port Adelaide trainer Jack Canavan who signed him up. John has vivid memories of his first winning ride at Snowtown. Despite being all at sea during the race, the tiny apprentice was able to win from his longtime idol Jim Johnson. It’s a delight to hear the jockey’s recollections of his Melbourne Cup wins on Piping Lane and Beldale Ball. John has turned these stories into racing folklore. Great listening. The lowest point in his amazing career came when a race fall left him with dangerous neck fractures. It was initially feared he would be paraplegic. Six long months later John was discharged from hospital wearing a surgical collar, and still unable to turn his head in either direction. He relates the incredible story of the freak racecourse incident which would solve his dilemma. He talks of his unforgettable return to race riding- a winner at his first ride back. He’s still moved by the memory of the crowd reaction. The remarkable horseman talks of his love of the harness racing sport. For several years he held a dual licence, and drove 40 winners at the trots. He recalls one amazing riding and driving double in Melbourne. John remembers his Epsom Hcp win at Randwick on the beautiful grey Raffindale. I enjoyed every minute of my conversation with a true Australian racing icon. Nobody tells a story better than Johnny Letts.