Better known nowadays as “Dr Turf” or the “Doc”, John can be heard giving his expert opinion on most sporting events across a number of different networks.
As a young boy one of John’s earliest memories of racing was Gwen the SP bookie arriving at his home to collect small debts from his mother in the 1960’s. After spending most of his Saturdays with his…
Better known nowadays as “Dr Turf” or the “Doc”, John can be heard giving his expert opinion on most sporting events across a number of different networks.
As a young boy one of John’s earliest memories of racing was Gwen the SP bookie arriving at his home to collect small debts from his mother in the 1960’s. After spending most of his Saturdays with his father at various race tracks around Victoria, by the time John turned 16, he was already betting bigger than his dad.
“Dr Turf” realised early on that in order to be the best, he needed to learn from the best and luckily for him, he had John Duncan to take him under his wing. Duncan taught “Dr Turf” how to “bet like a genius” and under his watchful eye, “Dr Turf” quickly honed his skills and learnt that if you were diligent, prepared to put the time in, and had a mathematical ability, you could bet and win.
“Dr Turf” gave his first tip on the radio as part of the Punter to Punter team with Slim Whittle and Tony Rickards on 3RRR in the early ’80s, later becoming a panellist on The Fat on ABC, and a Saturday broadcaster on 3AW with Trevor Marmalade and Tony Leonard.
“Dr Turf” can currently be heard co-hosting Off The Bench and Footy Fix on SEN 1116, as well as the nightly drive time program, Sportsday which airs on Zinc radio across regional Queensland. “Dr Turf” appears as a regular commentator on TVN- an Australian thoroughbred horse-racing channel available on Foxtel, Austar and Optus TV, and co-host on Off The Bit, a late night racing show on Southern Cross Ten across Victoria.
John’s book, Dr Turf’s Guide published in 1987, details how to get organised, how to do the form, how to bet and how to win to Better Punting.
“Dr Turf” lives in Melbourne with his wife, Melissa, and their three daughters who are all keen to learn their father’s trade. John says of his daughters “I’m happy to teach them anything they want to know about the gambling profession, as long as they approach it in a semi-professional way. You either approach it that way or you lose everything you invest”.
Enquire Here +
Unparalleled International
reach and client list
Industry leaders, trusted
for over 10 years
Managed the whole way, from
enquiry to event
Unsure which keynote speaker will best suit your event? We excel at helping our clients identify the right speaker. Whether your occasion requires motivation from an industry leader, laughs and a chance for your staff to relax or the thrill of being in the same room as one of their heroes, we can connect you with the right speaker.
We have an unrivalled International client list, and after being in operation for over ten years we have catered for all sorts of occasions. Our aim is make your event truly memorable. For more information on any of our speakers or the services International Speakers Group provide, enquire below. We look forward to hearing from you.
We understand that your keynote speaker can make or break your event. We excel at helping our clients identify the right speaker, and from enquiry to your event day we handle all arrangements to ensure a smooth and successful presentation is delivered.
