Episode 578: David Taggart

I was thrilled to meet David Taggart for the first time at the recent Sydney premiere of the “J.Mac Story”. Like many Aussie racing fans I was well acquainted with his story. The story of a distinguished riding career being abruptly halted in 2007 by a freakish fall at Stony Creek- a career which had brought him more than 800 wins including 48 black type races. Included in that impressive tally are six Gr 1’s. “Tags” as he’s affectionately known, suffered years of post accident trauma before a stroke of good fortune changed his future direction. He’s still battling a few issues but occupies his mind with the task of preparing and presenting four weekly segments on Melbourne’s SEN Track. I quickly pinned him down to a podcast and we got the job done this week. David begins his inspirational story by talking about his current immobility problems and the way he overcomes them. He talks about the lucky break that led him to a radio career. David pays tribute to his SEN sidekick Gareth Hall. The former successful jockey takes us back to the freakish Stony Creek fall that ended his career. He talks about the injuries, the rehabilitation and the emotional aftermath. Dave looks back on his apprenticeship to legendary trainer Frank King, the man described as Melbourne’s answer to Theo Green. He remembers Frank’s undying devotion to his apprentices. “Tags” remembers the thrill of his first winning ride. He talks of the overwhelming experience of being engaged for a Gr 1 ride by none other than Bart Cummings. The 52 year old shares recollections of a very special day. David speaks glowingly of Greg Mance, the trainer who supplied his second Gr 1 winner. He enjoyed great success for the Mance stable over a lengthy period of time. His Stony Creek accident was bad enough but he looks back on another freak mishap at Moonee Valley that put him out for eight months. Dave pays tribute to Seascay, a high quality horse who gave him two wins and several placings at the elite level. He looks back on another Gr 1 win in the famous Goodwood Hcp at Morphettville for legendary trainer George Hanlon. He shares memories of a special day. David looks back on a successful stint in Macau. He originally planned on a three month term which stretched to four years. He elaborates on the Hollow Bullet story- the $10,000 filly who gave him his sixth Gr 1 victory in the historic Oaks at Flemington.  He shares several great stories surrounding the filly and the running of the 2004 Crown Oaks. Dave pays tribute to his 25 year old daughter Grace. He’s already introduced her to the AFL and to his favourite team.  This is an inspiring interview with a personable little bloke who’s learned to blend the good with the bad in life. Keen racing people will find him very entertaining as he looks back on the highs and lows.