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Spectrum was a long-running weekly radio documentary series which captured the essence of New Zealand from 1972 to 2016. Alwyn Owen and Jack Perkins produced the series for many years, creating a valuable library of New Zealand oral history.
In this episode, John Buck looks at horse racing and betting.
The programme opens with actuality of John Buck placing a bet at the TAB. He interviews several unidentified men who have shares in race horses as a hobby.
At a Wairarapa race course he talks to a jockey and a trainer, Des Harris and Jim Burke, about the racing industry and what the attraction is for those who work in it. They discuss the money they can earn, and working conditions for jockeys.
John Buck watches horses training and learns what makes a good race horse. While he watches, Jockey Kevin Bull has a fall and suffers a broken thigh.
Haddon Preston, a horse breeder from Levin is interviewed about working with horses, and prospects for young jockeys. Jim Long of the Masterton Racing Club talks about the fate of retired race horses.
Owner and showjumper Debbie Patterson is interviewed and lets John ride her horse. They talk about the possibility of female jockeys being permitted to race.
Haddon Preston and Jim Long are interviewed about who makes money out of racing.
John interviews three 'bookies' but they refused to be recorded, so a re-enactment of the conversations is heard. A bookie talks about how he operates and why people use his services. He discusses illegal gambling and compulsive gamblers.