It's Gold with Julie Snook

The boys from Hello Sport are in the house this week, swapping footy talk for their newfound love of horse racing. Their star galloper, ‘Heard Of Him’, has become a genuine phenomenon with the Hello Sport audience after the pair partnered with MustR Racing to offer listeners a slice of ownership through micro-shares. With the Freedman stable steering things on track, the boys take us through the wild ride from buy-in to race day nerves, and what it's been like watching a horse they part-own break through with a maiden win.It's also a chat about the bigger picture - how two best mates built one of the biggest sporting podcasts in the country, and how a punt on a racehorse became one of their most unexpected hits yet.

Katelyn McDonald joins us in studio this week for a warm, laugh-filled chat covering life as a jockey, her newfound love of racing broadcast, and what really goes on behind the scenes with husband and world's best jockey James McDonald. Katelyn opens up about keeping the Team JMac wheels turning at home, the remarkable journey racing has taken the pair on, and what's on the horizon, all ahead of what's shaping as a blockbuster 2026 Spring Carnival.

This week Julie is joined by Sydney jockey valet Nic De Martino for a rare look inside the jockeys' room. Trained as a mechanic before finding his way into racing, Nic has built a coveted role working alongside some of the biggest names in the sport. From saddling up and shining boots to the trust and routine that make a valet indispensable on race day, Nic gives listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a job most racegoers never think about and the people and relationships that made him fall in love with it.

Fresh off being crowned Sydney's newest champion apprentice, Siena Grima is in studio this week to reflect on a remarkable season. Once bound for veterinary studies, a chance start in trackwork turned into a racing career, with her talent catching the eye of Chris Waller and Darren Beadman. Now just the fourth female apprentice to claim the Sydney metropolitan premiership, Siena talks through the journey - the horses, the mentors, and what it means to go from life in Kempsey to riding for the nation's premier stable.

Our first Freedman episode was so popular, we couldn't resist bringing in another! This week, trainer Will Freedman talks about growing up in one of the country's most iconic racing families. From forging his own path to now partnering with his father Richard Freedman, Will is charting a different course. But at the heart of it all is a simple philosophy: racing should be fun, and he's on a mission to help the sport reach as many people as possible.

This week on It's Gold, Julie sits down with Racing NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Carly Garling, for a fascinating conversation about the passion, dedication and lifelong love of horses that have shaped her career. As one of the industry's most respected veterinary leaders, Carly shares insights into the evolving world of equine welfare, emerging technologies, and the importance of collaboration with international counterparts. From the challenges of working at the highest level to the unwavering commitment required to safeguard the sport and its horses, this is an inspiring discussion.

This week, Julie is joined by the vibrant Emma Freedman, one of Australia's most recognisable media personalities. While the Freedman name is woven into the fabric of Australian racing, Emma has carved out an impressive career all of her own. From growing up in racing's most famous family to life in front of the camera, Emma shares plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes stories and the infectious energy she's known for. It's a fun, honest conversation you won't want to miss.

This week, Julie is joined by renowned strength and conditioning coach Trent Langlands, whose client list reads like a who's who of elite Australian sport.Best known for his work with champion jockeys including Hugh Bowman, Glen Boss, Zac Purton and James McDonald, Trent has helped athletes perform at their peak during some of the biggest moments of their careers. He has also worked across a range of elite sports, earning a reputation for his innovative, performance-focused approach.In this episode, Trent shares what makes jockeys some of the most remarkable athletes he's ever trained, revealing the extraordinary levels of strength, balance, discipline and mental resilience required to succeed in one of the world's toughest sports. 

Small shares, big races, huge thrills - that's the MustR Racing motto, and they're living up to it. This week, Julie catches up with Cameron and Tom Hay, two of the three founders behind the fast-growing micro-syndication business that's making racehorse ownership more accessible than ever. From celebrating winners to building a passionate community of new racing fans, they share how MustR Racing is changing the ownership experience and having plenty of fun along the way.