Episode 533: Tony McMahon

It’s doubtful that Queensland has ever produced a more versatile racing all rounder than Rockhampton based Tony McMahon who was forced to reduce his workload significantly following a freak stable accident in 2022. After 50 frantically busy years working in multiple roles within the racing industry, the 72 year old walked away from several commitments including his favourite pursuit of horse training. His many supporters were delighted to hear that the veteran will continue in the role of resident race caller for several regional race clubs. This man’s story is ready made for a racing podcast and we’re delighted he agreed to join this one. Tony begins our chat by looking back on the simple accident that would leave him with a badly damaged shoulder. He has three race horses still in work with other trainers. Tony identifies five tracks where he’ll continue to work as resident commentator.        The veteran takes us back to early days when he’d hitch a ride from the Gold Coast to Brisbane most Saturdays to meet an uncle at the metropolitan race meeting. Tony remembers the days when he’d practice race calling onto a tape recorder and get top caller Vince Curry to review his work. He recalls his disdain of the schoolroom and his first job with a Gold Coast bank.  He reflects on the night when he got a work colleague to listen to one of his phantom race calls. The exercise indirectly guided him towards a race calling career.   Tony hasn’t forgotten his audition call for the Lismore Turf Club whose course commentator was nearing retirement. He landed the job at just 17 years of age. He immediately quit his job at the ES&A Bank despite the misgivings of his parents.  He recalls jumping at an opportunity to call some harness racing for Brisbane radio.   Tony looks back on a surprise opportunity in the early 1970’s to act as race caller and handicapper for the Gold Coast Turf Club. A short time into the dual role he developed blood clots on his vocal chords. He was devastated to learn that his race calling days were over, at least in the short term. He was thrilled when another door opened almost immediately- the dual role of assistant handicapper and cadet steward with the NRRA. Tony talks of his next adventure. This time he landed the job of handicapper for the Newcastle Racing and Registration Board. He became the youngest handicapper to be appointed in NSW. He looks back on subsequent roles with the Wyong Race Club and the Newcastle Herald. It was around this time his voice returned and he was soon back behind the binoculars. He remembers another change of direction in 1978 when the NRRA appointed him chief steward for race meetings in their northern sector. This made him the youngest chairman of stewards ever appointed in northern NSW and possibly the nation. Finally Tony’s long time desire to train in his own right got the better of him. He acquired stables on the Gold Coast and kicked off with some ‘hand-me-down’ horses from Newcastle trainer Jim Johnstone. He joined an  elite group of trainers to score with his very first starter. Tony pays tribute to the horses who launched his career and helped him to establish a reputation as a serious horse trainer. He makes special mention of Konedobu, the frustrating horse who provided his first Brisbane city win and became his one and only Sydney runner.  The versatile racing identity pays a special tribute to former ace jockey Tony Erhart. He looks back on a decision to set up shop as a trainer in faraway Rockhampton. It also brought him closer to his future wife Jean who’s been a tower of strength in subsequent years.  Once again a new door opened for Tony not long after arriving in Rocky. He walked straight into the roles of Callaghan Park race caller and racing writer for the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin. He held both jobs for many years.  He expresses gratitude for two journalistic awards to come his way. Trainer McMahon pays tribute to three special horses who kept him in the training spotlight- Mamselle Corday, Paradis Imperial and Cindy Kate.  Queensland racing’s “Mr. Versatile” relates some humorous stories from his days as a stipendiary steward.  Tony pays tribute to daughter Elizabeth, son Chris and granddaughter Arabella. He speaks affectionately of his receipt of the Pat Duff Trainer’s Association Award for long time services to Queensland racing. Great to finally catch up with the amazingly versatile Tony McMahon, a true Queensland racing legend.