Episode 469: Bryan Martin Pays Tribute to John Russell 1930 - 2024

Bryan Martin was in his early 20’s when appointed number three race caller behind Bert Bryant and John Russell on Melbourne’s 3UZ in 1972.  Martin went on to a brilliant career in his own right, but not before spending countless hours with John in broadcast boxes throughout Victoria. The two became trusted colleagues and close friends. Nobody is better qualified than Bryan to pay tribute to one of the greats of the trade. He sings the praises of John Russell the race caller, and shares some wonderful stories from the life and times of a true Aussie character. Bryan looks back on his final visit to the bedside of his old friend. Bryan looks back on John’s upbringing in Warrnambool where his hard working mother ran a boarding house. He relays the stories he’d heard from John about Warrnambool’s busy SP betting trade. Bryan revisits John’s love of doubles betting at carnival time, and his all time best result. The former top caller knows the John Russell story backwards. He looks back on Russell’s first radio job with 3YB. Bryan reflects on his former colleague’s love of foot running and his own natural ability in the sport. He looks back on John’s annual coverage on 3UZ of the famous Stawell Gift. He talks of a sudden reshuffle in the 3UZ pecking order when Frank O’Brien switched to rival station 3DB. Bryan talks of the contrast in styles between Bert Bryant and John Russell.  He talks of Bert Bryant’s insatiable love of the punt. John Russell was his commission agent. Martin was right in the middle of the dramatic situation at 3UZ when Bert suffered a brain aneurysm. His return to the microphone was short lived. Bryan recalls John’s heartbreak when 3UZ dumped its racing format in 1984. He looks back on early days at 3UZ when he and John Russell shared broadcasting duties at many tracks.  Bryan recalls one hilarious incident on the way to the races one day when he realised John was wearing a hairpiece. He talks of his colleague’s  love of a drink and an uncanny ability to handle the ravages of a big night. The famous Phar Lap movie required the appearance of a 1930’s race caller. Bryan remembers John’s delight in accepting the cameo role. We switch the focus to Martin who initially retired in 2007 at just 57. Bryan talks of a comeback on new station SEN who introduced an abbreviated racing service. That comeback lasted seven years. We get Bryan to reminisce about his famous call of Better Loosen Up’s 1990 Japan Cup win. The former commentator delights in talking about the high profile horse he part owned. People still marvel at his composure as he called Fields Of Omagh in two Cox Plate wins. He talks of his involvement in the development of Living Legends Farm, home to many a retired champion. Bryan outlines his present day role of managing smaller syndicates in horses sourced from OTI Racing and Te Akau Racing Stables. The winners keep flowing. He nominates a few syndicate runners punters should keep tabs on. Great to catch up with an old mate who was among John Russell’s dearest friends.