Episode 452: Wayne Peake - Author ”Sydney Racing in the 1970’s”

Wayne Peake’s interest in racing began at age 8, when he walked onto Kembla Grange racecourse with his family. By early teens he was totally obsessed with the sport. He devoured newspaper and magazine articles and tuned in religiously to the limited radio and TV coverage of the day. He quickly settled on a favourite jockey, horse and race broadcaster. By the end of the 1970’s Wayne had nurtured the dream of one day bringing that decade back to life in book form. His dream materialised at the end of October when he officially launched his 472 page tome “Sydney Racing In The 1970’s”. I’m delighted to help Wayne spread the word about a book which will bring back precious memories to those who remember the sensational seventies. He recalls the time he first hatched the idea and talks of the mammoth task it turned out to be. Wayne remembers the fateful day when his family introduced him to horse racing at Kembla Grange. He talks of his immediate obsession with the sport. Wayne recalls his fascination with the work of legendary broadcaster Ken Howard. The Panania teenager was only 13 when Howard retired, but he’s never forgotten the impact of the maestro’s race calls.  The author remembers the influence of eminent racing journalist Bert Lillye.  Wayne says he was deeply touched when veteran journalist Max Presnell agreed to provide the foreword to his new book. He talks of his admiration for the popular stayer Tails who retired in 1972 second only to Tulloch as Australia’s highest stakes earner. Wayne’s “pin up” jockey in the 1970’s was Kevin Moses who went on to ride 2300 career winners. He recalls his impressions of Moses in the 70’s. He looks back on regular visits to the iconic Harold Park Paceway in an era of great horses. Wayne talks about his three previous publications, and his time at the Western Sydney University who bestowed upon him the distinguished title of “Adjunct Fellow”. A feature of the book are the many historical photos which generate a wonderful trip down memory lane. He thanks the people who allowed him access to the photos. Wayne talks about his lifetime fondness for the Warwick Farm racecourse. He expresses disappointment about some programming changes in recent years. He talks of several other features in the book and his acknowledgement of the people who provided endorsements. With the book not yet in stores, Wayne talks of the best way to access it in time for Xmas. Those who were around in the 70’s will love the trip down memory lane. Younger generations will be very curious. I haven’t yet met Wayne Peake but his enthusiasm has been evident in several phone calls. I can relate completely to his passion for the racing scene in the 1970’s. It was an unforgettable decade for me too!