It's Gold with Julie Snook

This week, Graeme Hinton was announced as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of Racing NSW. He steps into the role following a 22-year tenure by Peter V'Landys.It's the perfect chance to get to know the man who's been integral to much of Racing NSW's success from the launch of The Everest to the expansion of the NSW Spring Carnival, and the development of Racing NSW's world-leading equine welfare programs.It’s a great listen, with real insight into the industry, and where it's heading.

Sydney horsewoman Clare Oxley is in studio this week, tracing a lifelong passion for horses into a career spent entirely around them. From clipping horses for Chris Waller, to rehoming retired racehorses, to building her own global equine business from the ground up, Clare has turned a childhood love into a life's work and along the way, found herself the proud owner of Group 1 winner Kolding. It's a conversation about grit, horsemanship, and a life truly lived and breathed in the industry.

From the northern beaches to the top of The Everest, jockey Sam Clipperton's career has taken more turns than most. He shocked the racing world when he announced his retirement late in 2024, only to find his way back to the saddle and rediscover his love for the sport. In this raw and honest conversation, Clipperton opens up about chasing a new identity, the weight behind his decision to walk away, and the journey of rediscovery that's brought him back to where he belongs.

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.

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.