INTERVIEW: Johnny Letts - 04 November 2026
Summary
Legendary jockey Johnny Letts joins the show to recount his 30-year career, including his unexpected start in racing and his first Melbourne Cup ride. He shares vivid anecdotes about his early experiences, such as sneaking into Flemington through the plumber's gate, and details his strategy for winning the 1980 Melbourne Cup on Beldale Ball. Letts also reflects on his record-breaking wins, including four consecutive Hamilton Gold Cups on Paramuka.
Topics discussed
Introduction and career statistics of Johnny Letts
Growing up in Port Adelaide and schooling
Teacher's suggestion to become a jockey
First experience riding a horse at 13
Apprenticeship with trainer Jack Canavan
First feature races: Goodwood and Adelaide Cup
Ambitions: Port Adelaide and Adelaide Cup wins
The universal dream: Winning the Melbourne Cup
Arriving in Melbourne and the taxi mishap
Entering Flemington via the plumber's gate
First Melbourne Cup ride in 1972
Tribute to a horse that lived to 28
Listener text: Winning Hamilton Gold Cups
Choosing Beldale Ball for the 1980 Melbourne Cup
Confidently predicting the win before the race
Riding strategy and the post-race story
Closing remarks and sign-off
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