Funny you mention Brian Forrester.He won the drivers premiership in about 82 with Fran Donohue horses.He loved a drink but was a terriffic driver.I had a good run following him. Old Fran could train a horse and had a terriffic mare Waitaki Ayr.She herself was not very likeable!!
Funny you mention Brian Forrester.He won the drivers premiership in about 82 with Fran Donohue horses.He loved a drink but was a terriffic driver.I had a good run following him. Old Fran could train a horse and had a terriffic mare Waitaki Ayr.She he
The betting ring was terriffic.So full you had to jostle people to get through.There was another ring under the grandstand and when a price got knocked off punters would make a dash to the other ring.Bookies would see them coming and turn down their price before taking a bet! Some keen types would run around to the leger about 400m away.Never went there myself. AS a boy I was fascinated by the emus who would go around picking up old tickets. There was only 25 minutes between races so by the time one race was settled the ring was back in action and the horses were out on the track to warm up.There was no time for even children to get bored. On entering the track you would hear the cries of the Trotguide sellers with their distinctive call Troooot - Guiiiiide.I do a good impression of that! On leaving an apparently asleep hot dog seller would be slumped over his boiler.Just as you passed he would straighten up and scream HOOOOOTDOOOOOOG!! That made you jump. For a while there was a two up game just past the hot dog seller for one last chance to get even.No one ever seemed to win though!
The betting ring was terriffic.So full you had to jostle people to get through.There was another ring under the grandstand and when a price got knocked off punters would make a dash to the other ring.Bookies would see them coming and turn down their
When a fav got beaten in suspicious circumstances a crowd of malcontents would wait for horse and driver to make their way up the hill to the stalls and hurl abuse.Some blokes used to go ballistic.It was great!!
When a fav got beaten in suspicious circumstances a crowd of malcontents would wait for horse and driver to make their way up the hill to the stalls and hurl abuse.Some blokes used to go ballistic.It was great!!
I've told this one before sorry. I was in the betting ring talking to a mate.In front of me was an attractive lady,everyone would know her.Anyway I was eating a hot dog with sauce, she was wearing a white fur coat.Someone pushed in front of her and she stepped back.You guessed it she had a massive blob of tomato sauce on her white coat.I looked at my mate in alarm.Then we legged it!!
I've told this one before sorry.I was in the betting ring talking to a mate.In front of me was an attractive lady,everyone would know her.Anyway I was eating a hot dog with sauce, she was wearing a white fur coat.Someone pushed in front of her and sh
One night the real Double Agent won the FFA at the extremely generous odds of 4/1. For some reason Robbie Waterhouse layed him big style.The FFA was race 6.He had a special queue because punters were still collecting after race 8.He didn't look too happy!!
One night the real Double Agent won the FFA at the extremely generous odds of 4/1. For some reason Robbie Waterhouse layed him big style.The FFA was race 6.He had a special queue because punters were still collecting after race 8.He didn't look too h
One night I had a chiko roll.Thought it would put a lining on my stomach for some beer drinking. A chiko roll that's been vomited up on your bedroom carpet looks exactly the same going in as coming out!
One night I had a chiko roll.Thought it would put a lining on my stomach for some beer drinking. A chiko roll that's been vomited up on your bedroom carpet looks exactly the same going in as coming out!
Been about 5 times. Never forget a night when the Boys had Em Maguane and Boom Boom in. We where in a room Drinks and Seafood all night. Where tipped nearly the whole Card. Was 2 people in the whole group that never won. One night ill never forget. Used to love betting on Colgate Kid Chris Gleeson. Thats all i used to back was him and V Knight. Used to go every Prov track on a Friday night. If i won $20 id be rapt.
Lloydy
Been about 5 times. Never forget a night when the Boys had Em Maguane and Boom Boom in.We where in a room Drinks and Seafood all night. Where tipped nearly the whole Card. Was 2 people in the whole group that never won. One night ill never forget.Use
I remember driving horses around the birdcage and feeling very important.There was a bigger crowd looking at the horses in the birdcage than are at an entire meeting nowadays.The boredom of minding a horse in the stalls.Waiting for one to pee to collect a sample.
I remember driving horses around the birdcage and feeling very important.There was a bigger crowd looking at the horses in the birdcage than are at an entire meeting nowadays.The boredom of minding a horse in the stalls.Waiting for one to pee to coll
I used to say I could go to Harold Park without a cent and leave blind drunk and backed a winner.There were some good blokes around then that didn't mind carrying you.Just don't make a habit of it!
I used to say I could go to Harold Park without a cent and leave blind drunk and backed a winner.There were some good blokes around then that didn't mind carrying you.Just don't make a habit of it!
yes very negative Lets, first you take aim at Pollett and now Harold Park, probably not the right thread to voice your opinions on the track either every other bloke that has commented here has spoke of great memories and good time then you come and bag the joint!
yes very negative Lets, first you take aim at Pollett and now Harold Park, probably not the right thread to voice your opinions on the track either every other bloke that has commented here has spoke of great memories and good time then you come and
I had a huge result when John Binskin drove Our Maestro to win the 1988 inter-dom at 6/1.It was the only bet I had that night there were so many people there I couldn't be bothered battling through them to the ring. I remember I think the same year when Provocative lost about 50metres but still won the Oaks.One of the most amazing runs I've ever seen.
I had a huge result when John Binskin drove Our Maestro to win the 1988 inter-dom at 6/1.It was the only bet I had that night there were so many people there I couldn't be bothered battling through them to the ring.I remember I think the same year wh
My favourite memory would have to be a midweek meeting in the mid-90's when i loaded up on a horse called Dim View after thinking the odds-on fav looked a bit of colour.
My favourite memory would have to be a midweek meeting in the mid-90's when i loaded up on a horse called Dim View after thinking the odds-on fav looked a bit of colour.
doubleagent your comments are really appreciatedand some great storys
back in those days showgrounds/harold park you could to the track everyone helped each other with information theyed had gathered up.. plenty blokes use to lend yu happened all the time if you were a good payer if if yu wernt they would GIVE yu something to have a bet with if they got a result
doubleagent your comments are really appreciatedand some great storys back in those days showgrounds/harold park you could to the track everyone helped each other with information theyed had gathered up.. plenty blokes use to lend yu happened all
I agree Menangle is a great track for the Miracle Mile.But generally I find the racing there very boring.It has none of the things I originally loved about the trots.Anyway as MP said this is is stroll down memory lane. It wasn't all fun of course.Everyone here knows the feeling of losing.Of being cheated by crooks.Or incredibly bad luck.Or intending to back one horse and instead backing something else that loses.Or backing the first winner and then trying to get out of trouble on the last.And only making it worse! There were always dodgy syuff going on but it seems worse these days.The pathetic prizemoney now is clearly the reason.
I agree Menangle is a great track for the Miracle Mile.But generally I find the racing there very boring.It has none of the things I originally loved about the trots.Anyway as MP said this is is stroll down memory lane.It wasn't all fun of course.Eve
To a lot of Sydney trot fans, Harold Park will be fondly remembered. It was head quarters when the trots were in their glory days. It was a place where mates would meet at the end of the working week, have a drink, have a laugh, have a punt and kick on if they backed a winner.
I was a regular for over 30 years and only on our wedding anniversary when it fell on a Friday night I would take the wife out to dinner and miss the first 3 races.
To a lot of Sydney trot fans, Harold Park will be fondly remembered. It was head quarters when the trots were in their glory days. It was a place where mates would meet at the end of the working week, have a drink, have a laugh, have a punt and kick
Bills Student reminds me of a story.He was in a standing start race and was an even money favourite.Problem was he was very ordinary at a S/Start.If he stepped he was a 1/3 shot if he galloped well you know the rest.I had a foolproof plan.I waited until the last second,no past the last second and said to the bookie '200 on Bills Student'. But I had one ear on the racecaller and he said 'the favourites galloped away'. I quickly withdrew my cash and told the bookie to forget it.
You guessed it he only galloped for 5 metres got back in his gear circled the field and won easily!
Bills Student reminds me of a story.He was in a standing start race and was an even money favourite.Problem was he was very ordinary at a S/Start.If he stepped he was a 1/3 shot if he galloped well you know the rest.I had a foolproof plan.I waited un
I got so drunk there once on a Tuesday afternoon I slept in the concrete canal out the back. Gimme a break I was only 20 years old.We all do stupid stuff at that age!
When I think of all the times I went there I probably only drank about 10% of the time.
I got so drunk there once on a Tuesday afternoon I slept in the concrete canal out the back.Gimme a break I was only 20 years old.We all do stupid stuff at that age!When I think of all the times I went there I probably only drank about 10% of the tim
what drove my interest originally in the trots was Friday night on the ABC.
The legs of the Harold Park double used to straddle an episode of Pot Black with Eddie Charlton etc. Norman May in the studio
Probably at no time before or since were horses like Hondo Gratton or Paleface Adios as well known by the general public.
i remember Mount Eden causing a false start before again missing it a long way and still winning
The heats of the interdom in 72 or 73 when there were 6 heats before Hondo won the final from the death
I was there for the heats in 1980. Pure Steel winning one of those stays in my memory.
The Gleeson era in the early 90's with the great mare Exceptionally Smooth.
The best win I ever seen was in 98 with Christian Cullen - probably the first time I could say i was glad to be there despite a significant loss on the night
what drove my interest originally in the trots was Friday night on the ABC.The legs of the Harold Park double used to straddle an episode of Pot Black with Eddie Charlton etc. Norman May in the studioProbably at no time before or since were horses li
Lol, I wound up sleeping under some newspaper one night at Geelong when I was a kid. Once was enough.
The fields are out! The last is a 3370m standing start!! According to the formguide Nickys Falcon has somehow managed to have 27 runs over that distance lol.
Lol, I wound up sleeping under some newspaper one night at Geelong when I was a kid. Once was enough.The fields are out! The last is a 3370m standing start!! According to the formguide Nickys Falcon has somehow managed to have 27 runs over that di
Crow The point i'm making is that clingin to a shihole like harold park has severely held back the NSW industry and we should have the last of it years and years ago. Now that your drivers have learnt to drive Menangle properly and drive like their at HP properly its fantastic racing and surely a big track like that is far better for the welfare of the animal (ask any thinking trainer)than trying to run way too quick around a crap track like Harold Park.
How many good horse have been destroyed that might have gone on to become stars because they've injured themselves trying to go too fast around a 1950's style track.
GP is the same, it's a great spectacle but we need at least a 1000m track and unfortunately the industry is held back by a bunch of silly old farts who sit up in the members with their canteen thermos's and sandwiches and vote for it to stay the same.
Its absolutely ridiculous that this multi million dollar industry is controlled by a bunch of geriatrics that contribute zero to the sport, spend nothing and don't bet. If thats sour well then Im sour I love the sport and because of joints like Harold Park and GP its been standing still for decades.
Crow The point i'm making is that clingin to a shihole like harold park has severely held back the NSW industry and we should have the last of it years and years ago.Now that your drivers have learnt to drive Menangle properly and drive like their at
Double, Fran Donohue had a lot of success with Lehigh Lad (about 40wins) and Dick Hancock driving him. Backed him to win the sydney inter when Koala King won it. Won his first two heats then the class caught up with him.
I think she also had the very smart Willing Whiz.
Double, Fran Donohue had a lot of success with Lehigh Lad (about 40wins) and Dick Hancock driving him. Backed him to win the sydney inter when Koala King won it. Won his first two heats then the class caught up with him.I think she also had the very
MP Running the Miracle Mile for all these years at HP has been the equivalent of running the Melbourne Cup at Hawkesbury or Traglon (not sure of the spelling)you wouldn't run the Melbourne Cup at those tracks so why would you run one of the showpiece events of the Australasian harness industry at a track whose time was up 20 years ago. ( it was built to accommodate the speed of 1950's 60 style of racing not todays high speed racing adn despite track improvement it' still essentially the same track) The breed of the horse was also vastly different then its was almost entirely dominated by the colonial line sires. It should been demolished years ago and I make no apologies for saying that and most trainers drivers would agree if purely thinking about the welfare of the horse.
I have some great memories of HP but I'm not going to be politically correct just for the sake of it and say what a great track it was, because it wasnt and to say anything else is to be hypocritical in the extreme.
MP Running the Miracle Mile for all these years at HP has been the equivalent of running the Melbourne Cup at Hawkesbury or Traglon (not sure of the spelling)you wouldn't run the Melbourne Cup at those tracks so why would you run one of the showpiece
Thanks for initiating this thread Elsu - definitely bringing back some fun memories.
I guess our own heydey was late 80's, early 90's, when there were still twenty bookies in the main ring, plus a handful under the stand and same across in the leger. You could really follow money with success back then - but you had to have a sniff of which runners could be backed first. Being a bit younger than the crowd at the time, we were quicker on our feet than most too. Usually you could grab the top fluc in the main ring - rush down the breezeway if that failed - and last resort ... the desperate stayers journey across the carpark to the leger ! I remember the first bookie on that side of the track yelling to the handful of runners jumping the fence in front of him ... "I'll bet the first one here - but the rest of you can go whistle !"
We even used to complete the night with a foot race around the track amongst our mates - handicaps were adjusted each week, and you were always some chance of catching the leader as he could get caught up at the top of the straight where the cars were driving out ! On big nights we avoided that traffic jam by running home straight sprints instead - usually to the cheers & jeers of the loitering drunks on the concrete steps !
Thanks for initiating this thread Elsu - definitely bringing back some fun memories.I guess our own heydey was late 80's, early 90's, when there were still twenty bookies in the main ring, plus a handful under the stand and same across in the leger.Y
Craig, the ABC sparked my interest too with Sportscene on a Friday night. My father and I used to bet 20 cents that my selection would beat his home. Eventually we progressed to putting a few bets on and got a trifecta that paid $262.00. I bought my first watch with those winnings. Not sure of all the horses but Charlie Smart was one of them.
A friend of mine that grew up at Condell Park was telling me recently that he was saddened to go to Bankstown Trots recently and see only 2 blokes there, both having a drink in the bar. no other spectators and no bookies. He said that he used to go to a meeting every night of the week in and around Sydney and have a ball, the betting rings were huge at Richmond, Penrith, Bankstown, Fairfield, Menangle, Bulli, Gosford and Parramatta. I didn't know that they used to pace at Parramatta, Westmead actually.
Apparently not long ago they also paced at Katoomba and Kembla Grange?
And I agree, menangle might be a good track for big races and fast horses, but the racing is very boring.
Geez! Doesn't ANYONE remember Teen Queen?Craig, the ABC sparked my interest too with Sportscene on a Friday night. My father and I used to bet 20 cents that my selection would beat his home. Eventually we progressed to putting a few bets on and got a
Have some great memories of Harold Park. Been there many times and rarely missed when Thorate was racing. Would get a direct flight from Devonport Friday morning, book in at the Glebe Motel and then walk down to the Trotguide office and have lunch with my mates at the Nags Head. Then spend the night in the Trotguide private box. Two of Thorate's most enjoyable wins would have been in the McWilliams wines Christamas Gift and the Harold Park Cup ( had a good serve at the 9/4 on offer). A month after the Christmas Gift the trophy ( a pallet of all McWilliams varieties of wine) arrived at my door here in Tassie.
Have some great memories of Harold Park. Been there many times and rarely missed when Thorate was racing. Would get a direct flight from Devonport Friday morning, book in at the Glebe Motel and then walk down to the Trotguide office and have lunch wi
Snippet taken from the Sydney Morning Herald Friday Feb 25 1980.
For those that want to browse old race fields that were printed in the Herald, go to:
http://news.google.com/newspapers#S
Select the Sydney Morning Herald,
Scroll to a preferred decade, then just under the decade select "view all"
Then scroll to a date and click on the paper
Okay!http://www.users.on.net/~nicoleoz/teen-queen.jpgSnippet taken from the Sydney Morning Herald Friday Feb 25 1980.For those that want to browse old race fields that were printed in the Herald, go to:http://news.google.com/newspapers#SSelect the Sy
Thanks for the link to the pics on page 1 as well, some great shots. I haven't been to HP for years but it's a shame to see it closing down - my Dad, long gone now, used to drag us there as kids when i was but a toddler
Hope it gets the send off it deserves
You must really love that horse TQ Thanks for the link to the pics on page 1 as well, some great shots. I haven't been to HP for years but it's a shame to see it closing down - my Dad, long gone now, used to drag us there as kids when i was but a to
teenqueen, the menangle midweek horses can't race any more excitingly, if they do any work they will just stop; it was the same for the midweek horses at HP
teenqueen, the menangle midweek horses can't race any more excitingly, if they do any work they will just stop; it was the same for the midweek horses at HP
Agree Craig Christian Cullen's MM was astonishing.People were in awe just watching him warm up.
Luck I remember Lehigh Lad well.Wish I could forget FD!
You guys remember Steel Jaw? He won about 15 in a row including NZ cup.He was a machine can't remember what became of him.Probably sitting three wide and death destroyed the poor bugger!
Agree Craig Christian Cullen's MM was astonishing.People were in awe just watching him warm up.Luck I remember Lehigh Lad well.Wish I could forget FD!You guys remember Steel Jaw? He won about 15 in a row including NZ cup.He was a machine can't rememb
In the 1970s and even early 80s it was a big deal to break 2 minutes.For the Miracle Mile they had blue and red lights on the 1/4 poles to show if they were running under 2 minute rate.As a kid in the 70s it made the race doubly exciting.If they went past the pole before the light changed colour there would be a gasp from the crowd!
In the 1970s and even early 80s it was a big deal to break 2 minutes.For the Miracle Mile they had blue and red lights on the 1/4 poles to show if they were running under 2 minute rate.As a kid in the 70s it made the race doubly exciting.If they went
Tricky One,Our Stretto,Thorate,Kyalla Fling,Willing Whiz,Executioner,My Ultrasound,Swing Out Sister,Four Penny Dark,Our New Life,Weona Chief,Westburn Grant,Franco Glen,Resilience,Just A Peek,Tolvent,Hilarious Gent,In a Whisper,Warrior Khan.
Remember these continued.Tricky One,Our Stretto,Thorate,Kyalla Fling,Willing Whiz,Executioner,My Ultrasound,Swing Out Sister,Four Penny Dark,Our New Life,Weona Chief,Westburn Grant,Franco Glen,Resilience,Just A Peek,Tolvent,Hilarious Gent,In a Whispe
Elsu I remember the Level Advice plunge vividly. The horse was in Graeme Wilson's name (who had been training it since its first start). Anyway I don't recall what the connection was or how it came to be in Andrew's stable, but he hadn't raced for about two months. Apparently he'd been working the place down so they kept it in Wilson's name to get a price and I think he drove it as well. Never forget, it was in the last race and I walked up to the ring with no intention of betting in the race, was pulled aside by somebody and given the tip before any money came for it. I reckon it was officially 9/2 to 6/4, but I'm almost certain they bet 11/2 or 6/1. It was 2350m, (not really Level Advice's go, but in weak company for what he went on to achieve. He led and bolted in. Comically I backed it each way at 4/1!! (BTW that was back when 4/1 each way mean't 1/1 the place ha ha.) Two starts after that he was just beaten in what is now the Cordina Sprint by Defoe. For those who remember that era well, it was the same year Franco Ice was left out of the Miracle Mile so Level Advice and Franco Ice went around at Bankstown the night after the MM in a lead-up to the Treuer. Anyway, just to give an indication of how good they thought Level Advice was, A Peace held the lead on him over 2540m and parked B Gath on Franco Ice. Needless to say Level Advice was good, but not that good.
There was another plunge of note around that time as well. Lots Of Kings - CJ Gleesen 14/1 into 2/1 and got home.
ElsuI remember the Level Advice plunge vividly. The horse was in Graeme Wilson's name (who had been training it since its first start). Anyway I don't recall what the connection was or how it came to be in Andrew's stable, but he hadn't raced for abo
Stipey......... That is correct about Level Advice.... A few people knew a horse had been burning track down at Peace's but no1 knew what the horse was..... UNTIL the horse came onto the track, it had all of Tubby Peaces gear on...... Then the charge began, to get what you could on..... Something for the battlers
Stipey......... That is correct about Level Advice.... A few people knew a horse had been burning track down at Peace's but no1 knew what the horse was..... UNTIL the horse came onto the track, it had all of Tubby Peaces gear on...... Then the charge
Never forget 1 night a HP was the night of Inter that Smooth Satin won. Have a Mate always Cast after the 3rd. Was a hot night had to wait for ages to get a drink. He buys 4 Scotch and Colas Johnny Red. Tried to give away as where getting warm. Was Cast trying to Snip us. We ducking for Cover. His last Can i swear when he opend it a Tube came out. He started going mental thinking we did something to his Drink. Inside the Tube was a $50 note and his Scotch n Coke was just Water and a Voucher to get a free one from the Bar. Yep he put the Lot on Smooth Satin then rolled it all on the next 3 winners. Walked out 5k shouted us all night as for years we have always shouted him. Think after it happened everybody was buying Cans of Scotch n Coke. Was a promotion Johnny Red had on. We got Barrd on Entry to Casino and had to be secuirity escort to our rooms. They put a 24 hour Ban. Best thing that could ever happen to us.
Lloydy
Never forget 1 night a HP was the night of Inter that Smooth Satin won.Have a Mate always Cast after the 3rd.Was a hot night had to wait for ages to get a drink.He buys 4 Scotch and Colas Johnny Red.Tried to give away as where getting warm.Was Cast t
PAST HAROLD PARK PREMIERSHIP WINNERS (GREAT LIST OF GREATS)
1949-50 Jim Caffyn 21 Jim Caffyn 26 1950-51 Perc Hall 24 Perc Hall 17 1951-52 Perc Hall 24 Perc Hall 20 1952-53 Jim Caffyn 19 Jim Caffyn 18 1953-54 Sutton McMillan 24 Alf Phillis 22 1/2 1954-55 Alf Phillis 41 Alf Phillis 40 1955-56 Alf Phillis 30 Alf Phillis 32 1956-57 Alf Phillis 25 Alf Phillis 25 1957-58 Jim Caffyn 22 Jack Watts 23 1958-59 Jim Caffyn 44 Jim Caffyn 35 1959-60 Jim Caffyn 36 Jim Caffyn 41 1960-61 Jim Caffyn 28 Jim Caffyn 24 1961-62 Perc Hall 15 Perc Hall 15 1962-63 Lawrie Moulds 21 Lawrie Moulds 21 1963-64 Perc Hall 35 Perc Hall 24 1964-65 Perc Hall 29 Alf Phillis 23 1965-66 Alf Phillis 26 Alf Phillis 31 1966-67 Kevin Newman 21 Kevin Newman 21 1967-68 Kevin Newman 29 Kevin Newman 19 1968-69 Kevin Newman 31 Kevin Newman 27 1969-70 Vic Frost 33 Kevin Newman 31 1970-71 Vic Frost 29 Vic Frost 27 1971-72 Kevin Newman 39 Kevin Newman 37 1972-73 Kevin Newman 39 Kevin Newman 31 1973-74 Kevin Newman 52 Kevin Newman 43 1974-75 Kevin Newman 43 1/2 Kevin Newman 36 1/2 1975-76 Kevin Robinson 23 Kevin Robinson 24 1976-77 Kevin Newman 37 Kevin Newman 42 1977-78 Vic Frost 52 Vic Frost 57 1978-79 John Binskin 36 Kevin Newman 24 1979-80 Vic Frost 34 Vic Frost 29 1980-81 Brian Hancock 35 John Binskin 30 1981-82 Brian Hancock 39 Brian Hancock 36 1982-83 Brian Hancock 38 Brian Hancock 41 1983-84 Brian Forrester 40 Fran Donohue 31 1984-85 Brian Hancock 45 Brian Hancock 44 1985-86 Vic Frost 45 Vic Frost 45 1986-87 Brian Hancock 55 Brian Hancock 55 1987-88 David Aiken 67 David Aiken 66 1988-89 David Aiken 113 1/2 David Aiken 125 1/2 1989-90 Chris Gleeson 89 Chris Gleeson 104 1990-91 Brian Hancock 63 Brian Hancock 55 1991-92 Andrew Peace 91 Andrew Peace 67 1992-93 David Aiken 54 David Aiken 58 1993-94 Darren Hancock 52 Chris Gleeson 80 1994-95 Glenn Frost 54 Glenn Frost 66 1995-96 Darren Hancock 42 Darren Binskin 42 1996-97 Brian Hancock 46 Brian Hancock 56 1997-98 Glenn Frost 49 Glenn Frost 56 1998-99 Darren Hancock 108 Darren Hancock 99 1999-00 Darren Hancock 69 Darren Hancock 63 2000-01 Darren Hancock 55 Dennis Wilson 59 2001-02 Joshua Willick 70 Dennis Wilson 49 2002-03 Greg Bennett 54 1/2 Brian Hancock 39 2003-04 Blake Fitzpatrick 64 Paul Fitzpatrick 77 2004-05 Gavin Fitzpatrick 69 Paul Fitzpatrick 105 2005-06 Blake Fitzpatrick 70 Paul Fitzpatrick 111.5 2006-07 Blake Fitzpatrick 77 Paul Fitzpatrick 120 2007-08 Gavin Fitzpatrick 41 Paul Fitzpatrick 66
PAST HAROLD PARK PREMIERSHIP WINNERS (GREAT LIST OF GREATS)1949-50 Jim Caffyn 21 Jim Caffyn 261950-51 Perc Hall 24 Perc Hall 171951-52 Perc Hall 24 Perc Hall 201952-53 Jim Caffyn 19 Jim Caff
CHARIOTS OF FIRE HONOUR ROLL( Just for you elsu) YEAR HORSE (Driver) Distance Mile Rate 1995 GINGER MAN NZ (AG Herlihy) 1 960m 1:59.9 1996 BEEFY T NZ (AG Langdon) 2160m 2:00.7 1997 KENTUCKIANA NZ (RB Byrnes) 2160m 1:57.9 1998 FRANCO HAT TRICK NZ (AG Herlihy)2160m 2:00.4 1999 HOLMES D G NZ (B Purdon) 2160m 1:58.4 2000 LOMBO RAPIDA (Kerryn Manning) 2160m 1:58.0 2001 SMOOTH SATIN (AS Turnbull) 2160m 1:57.7 2002 MANIFOLD BAY (Gavin Lang) 2160m 1:58.7 2003 OAXACA LASS NZ (JF Curtin) 2160m 1:59.5 2004 ELSU NZ (DJ Butcher) 2160m 1:57.8 2005 SLIPNSLIDE (LA McCarthy) 2160m 1:58.5 2006 INNOCENT EYES (Gavin Lang) 2160m 1:57.6 2007 NOT CONDUCTED DUE TO EQUINE INFLUENZA 2008 EBONY GEM (JJ Caldow) 2160m 1:57.4 2009 MAFFIOSO 2160m 1:59.4
CHARIOTS OF FIRE HONOUR ROLL( Just for you elsu)YEAR HORSE (Driver) Distance Mile Rate1995 GINGER MAN NZ (AG Herlihy) 1 960m 1:59.91996 BEEFY T NZ (AG Langdon) 2160m 2:00.71997 KENTUCKIANA NZ (RB Byrnes) 21
Some other of the late 70's brigade: Gay Hondo(G Moon), Able Ay(J Binskin), African Hondo, Gemini Boy (G Tsolakis), Garry Ayr,
Don't retreat, Master Findlay, Meadow Robyn, Alice in Wonderland, Greentree Helen, Lucky Kiwi, runwick, Crown derby, all L Moulds
Eva Thor, Ragtime Boy, Grand Thor, Mount Hobson, Jacraig Adios(paleface's brother), talcum (Koala King's brother, friendly footman, mitchell victory, roma hanover, challenge proof, run joe run, toliver gigi, junction road,
Some other of the late 70's brigade: Gay Hondo(G Moon), Able Ay(J Binskin), African Hondo, Gemini Boy (G Tsolakis), Garry Ayr, Don't retreat, Master Findlay, Meadow Robyn, Alice in Wonderland, Greentree Helen, Lucky Kiwi, runwick, Crown derby, all L
Well done doubleagent !! Great memories for all of us that went there over the years.Other great horses to grace Harold Park in M/Mile times ROBIN DUNDEE,HALWES,ADAPTOR,LUCKY CREED,MOUNT EDEN,BAY FOYLE,REICHMAN,HONDO GRATTAN,YOUNG QUINN,PALEFACE ADIOS,ROYAL FORCE,PURE STEEL,THE SCOTSMAN,LOCARNO,FRIENDLY FOOTMAN,GUNDARY FLYER,POPULAR ALM,DOUBLE AGENT,PREUX CHEVALIER,VILLAGE KID,MASTER MOOD,OUR MAESTRO,WESTBURN GRANT,CHRISTOPHER VANCE,FRANCO TIGER,CHOKIN,NORMS DAUGHTER,IRAKLIS,OUR SIR VANCELOT,CHRISTIAN CULLEN,HOLMES DG,SMOOTH SATIN,DOUBLE IDENTITY,SOKYOLA,BE GOOD JOHNNY,DIVISIVE.
Well done doubleagent !! Great memories for all of us that went there over the years.Other great horses to grace Harold Park in M/Mile times ROBIN DUNDEE,HALWES,ADAPTOR,LUCKY CREED,MOUNT EDEN,BAY FOYLE,REICHMAN,HONDO GRATTAN,YOUNG QUINN,PALEFACE ADIO
I remember being told by a bloke who worked for a well known HP trainer of the 60s and 70s about why they were stopped from using vaseline.Apparently at home they would smear vaseline on a horses nose and then hit him with the jigger (cattle prod).Then before the race all they had to do was use the vaseline to get the same result!
I remember being told by a bloke who worked for a well known HP trainer of the 60s and 70s about why they were stopped from using vaseline.Apparently at home they would smear vaseline on a horses nose and then hit him with the jigger (cattle prod).Th
After a race there were the same rituals.These happen at every track.The grader comes out and sweeps the track.Then the water cart.No matter how many times you've seen them you can't help watching.People parked in the centre would cross the track to enter or leave and you'd check them out hoping to see a good sort.You'd look up at the sky and watch the lights of a passing jumbo.Or wonder at the thousands of insects swirling around the huge light poles.With about 10 minutes to the race the runners would come out onto the track.Patrons would consult the racebook or a folded up formguide.Those of us that went 4 or 5 nights a week didn't need to do that we knew each horse and driver!The guy over the p/a would announce the prices from the betting ring.The mobile would move into position.In the 70s it was painted in the colours of Craven A red and white.Then it was John Player Special,black with gold.The distinctive hoofbeat of the pacer was the soundtrack.Some would jog past others a dash up the straight.With a couple of minutes left the second call would come from the betting ring and punters would check for any significant moves.Then the bugle call.I amused my mum when I was about 7 or 8 when I asked how could the man play the trumpet at the same time as talking?As the horses lined up the crowd would swell with punters returning from the ring.Some would run.Punters would watch in all manner of different ways.Some never shut up and started screaming in the straight.Others mumbled.Some expressionless.You could barely hear the racecaller by the time they were in the straight.Everyone on their feet.Cheering and smiles from the winners.Complaints and torn up tickets from the losers.My dad used to tear up his ticket above his head and then throw it on the ground for maximum dramatic effect. The runners would return to scale,the all clear given,and they would head off back to the stalls.The racebook would be turned to the next race.You'd look up from the book to watch the grader sweep the track.
After a race there were the same rituals.These happen at every track.The grader comes out and sweeps the track.Then the water cart.No matter how many times you've seen them you can't help watching.People parked in the centre would cross the track to
Perhaps he is being blooded to take over from the Trotguide's regular price assessor :-)
Back to the main topic -
BRING BACK THE CHINESE RESTAURANT UNDERNEATH THE RANJI BILL BAR !!!
Perhaps he is being blooded to take over from the Trotguide's regular price assessor :-)Back to the main topic -BRING BACK THE CHINESE RESTAURANT UNDERNEATH THE RANJI BILL BAR !!!
DA so many of those horses you mentioned in that one group above had a profound influence on my poor self.
At some stage I had a decent collect on most of the above, but a few stand out more than others:
Butlers Love (still not out from behind the leader in one ladyship mile) . In a very rare SS race in the early 90's got the lot with a pretty thing on top at around 5-2 / 11-4. The LOT.
Stroma. Paid for so many holidays I have forgotten. Won two feature races in a row and had a massive all up. Best horse never to fully realise his potential through industry. A freak.
Cocos Dream was another that filled the coffers. Had gatespeed and an owner with a nose like the eiffel tower hanging off his face.
Young Mister Charles. Big, big win pre post for Inters. 25's for plenty. Golden Mile a massive won too one night and hammered it when he beat Golden Reign in NSW Derby. Dennis W took CR legs, got 6 weeks but we got the lot. Elvis Scaravilli went bananas that night. He won stacks.Makor Pay was Morris/Scara too I think. What about Lotsnlots NZ?
Sabilize was in best two horse war I saw between it and Ultra Jet in lowly race at Fairfield one day. Nice mare who was unders a fair bit but great to see her throw a budding champion in Sushi Sushi.
Bastille Beggar from Proctors. Remember when they were winning everything? Our Big Monte, Tallowood Pursuit. Won Gold Crown I think and maybe a feature at HP.
Our Aynsley. Remember the plunges two weeks in a row. OA and Rocky Elgee. RE fav 1st week with OA off the map and OA saluted, following week OA fav and RE off the map as outsider, RE saluted. JE at his best. Crowd going beserk. Remember prominent HP bookie telling me never again. Quit week after. Pavalito.
Look Sharp one of many Frank O Sullivan horses to go to Ingleside . Just couldnt get enough cabbage into the pockets.
Patchwood Star from Frosty. He had another battling horse I loved called Hezno Star. Plonked it one Tues evening out there.
Could go through literally 100's of others.
Great days. Sorely missed. You could back something to win $10k without taking too many unders.
20-15 bookies two sided ring. Interstate ring that Christensen bloke would walk out of the interstate ring with thousands after plonking a peace horse. Tried his hand at bookmaking, soon got his comeuppence.
Onto the last meeting. Life moves on. Lets hope there is a special or two on the final night. Any late mail ?
well done bag limit the nsw forum boys at there best with amazing storys terry christensen was the punter/bookie i was going from melb 70s/80s as well as few other guys from vic some of the other bookies i bet with beside the waterhouses were..STUCKEY and some really old bookie who was a huge bookie who had hes bets recorded in the TROTGUIDE the following week the trotguide also gave u the sectionals on a leader to leader basis at the time the TROTGUIDE WAS THE BEST FORMGUIDE many a time on fri morning i would drive into melb fri morning and pick up my trotguide from mittys for harold park then have a study of the form they supplied....then later in afternoon catch a flight to sydney.....
well done bag limit the nsw forum boys at there best with amazing storysterry christensen was the punter/bookiei was going from melb 70s/80s as well as few other guys from vic some of the other bookies i bet with beside the waterhouses were..STUCKE
CALLING SAM NATI...... would be great idea to get some open cars or utes between races of some of thefamousfaces that went through harold park the last 60yrs trainer/drivers brian gath /chris glesson /darren binskin/etc media PETER V LANDYS billy ellis john tapp hutchy etc also a couple high profile x stewards... and even some x bookies with 10yr service or more p.s CHRIS GLEESON will definitely be on track
CALLING SAM NATI......would be great idea to get some open cars or utes between races of some of thefamousfaces that went through harold park the last 60yrs trainer/drivers brian gath /chris glesson /darren binskin/etc media PETER V LANDYS billy el
Most newsagents had one or two copies of Trotguide.But the newsagent at Riverstone had more Trotguides than any other paper!I wonder if it's still like that?
Most newsagents had one or two copies of Trotguide.But the newsagent at Riverstone had more Trotguides than any other paper!I wonder if it's still like that?
Great days at HP. Some of my personal favourites were Karalta Newk one night drew 8 when they started 6 across the front, led within 200m of them being released was 5/2 to 6/4 and won hard held. Laser Bye Bye was gifted the lead at the bell over a mile. Was embarassed to hand over my ticket to the bookie. The days when Wayne Gallager RIP ruled the roost, bowlers everywhere and whatever he backed just won. Bag Limit 100% Stroma the quickest 2 year old I've ever seen, beat the over hyped Kahns Thunder 2 weeks in a row.Fill up. Thorate winning the Bohemia Crystal after being controversially left out of the miracle mile field still remains one of the best bets I've ever seen at evens. Trotguide sensational early every Thursday morning. Bookies everywhere giving fractions. The anticipation of the charge into the first turn in the miracle mile. Leader bias great for the punt. A lifetime of memories, too many to write down. Happy days.
Great days at HP.Some of my personal favourites wereKaralta Newk one night drew 8 when they started 6 across the front, led within 200m of them being released was 5/2 to 6/4 and won hard held.Laser Bye Bye was gifted the lead at the bell over a mile.
I knew Canterbury races were on in competition to Harold Park's last night, but I didn't realise that Wentworth Park Dogs were also on until I watched the Punters' Show. It's outrageous!
But what about this?
Harold Park Hotel Friday Dec. 17th:
U2, 6 - 10pm FREE !!!
I knew Canterbury races were on in competition to Harold Park's last night, but I didn't realise that Wentworth Park Dogs were also on until I watched the Punters' Show. It's outrageous!But what about this?Harold Park Hotel Friday Dec. 17th:U2, 6 - 1
I remember Sean Bartholomew as a young bloke working for Warren Woodcock at HP. He used to run all over the betting ring trying to lay off for Woodcock, got barred for a couple of meetings for pushing patrons over and generally getting in everyone's way. A real pest!! Not sure what's happened to him after his purple patch on the punt.
Bookmakers in the 80's, 90's - Alex Dickson, Brad Petersen, Bill Murphy, George Paltos, the really old grisly bloke with grey hair, John Kennedy, the list goes on.
I remember one night John Binskin drove a horse called Soldatino. Had bugger all form but the word got out it was set for this race. Was backed from something like 20's into 2's. Just got beat a head by something Jim Castles drove. I remember John Kennedy the following week on the radio said if it had won, it would have been the biggest successful plunge at Harold Park he had ever seen!
What about Big Charlie and his mates storming down from the back of the ring and each one of them hitting a different bookie all at the same time. More often than not, those plunges came off.
GREAT MEMORIES!!
I remember Sean Bartholomew as a young bloke working for Warren Woodcock at HP. He used to run all over the betting ring trying to lay off for Woodcock, got barred for a couple of meetings for pushing patrons over and generally getting in everyone's
Also remember you'd quite often see trainer Peter Tritton in the betting ring with his missus. She always wore the shortest of short skirts and had very very long brown legs. For blokes who were not regulars they would have a real good perv, you'd see their jaws drop, hilarious!!! But the seasoned old blokes couldn't give a stuff, she was old news.
I think they used to transfer the horses to her name on the numerous occasions Tritton got busted for a positive swab. She looked like the least likely horse trainer ever!!!
I think Tritton went to America?
Also remember you'd quite often see trainer Peter Tritton in the betting ring with his missus. She always wore the shortest of short skirts and had very very long brown legs. For blokes who were not regulars they would have a real good perv, you'd se
Vicky Sullivan.She was actually a trainer and had a pretty good run for a while in the late 80s early 90s ( I think ).Her outfits in the early 80s are forever branded on my brain.That is one area that the brain never forgets!
Vicky Sullivan.She was actually a trainer and had a pretty good run for a while in the late 80s early 90s ( I think ).Her outfits in the early 80s are forever branded on my brain.That is one area that the brain never forgets!
Vicky was there last night - still looks OUTSTANDING! Really was a fantastic send off for the old track. I think every crook in Sydney came out of retirement to attend. Standing amongst a decent crowd in the betting ring really did bring back memories of better days. Lew's horse winning the last was a perfect exclamation mark for over 30 years of great memories at The Park.
Vicky was there last night - still looks OUTSTANDING! Really was a fantastic send off for the old track. I think every crook in Sydney came out of retirement to attend.Standing amongst a decent crowd in the betting ring really did bring back memories
WD Harold Park ..18000 attended...never been much of a Trot boy but I was there when Manaroua won by the length of the straight....I was with my Dad....and later on I took the mrs to the restaurant there which was pretty lousy but after the meal we walked out to the ring and I backed a dog called Shy Julie had a $100 on at 4/1 and then it firmed into 2/1 ( not from my 100 of course )drew the 1 and led by the biggest margin I'd ever sdeen in a dog race.....I said to the mrs this is home....she said "ah I don't know ".....sure enough it stopped in the straight and field ran over the fkn thing lol fk me....never forget it.....
WD Harold Park ..18000 attended...never been much of a Trot boy but I was there when Manaroua won by the length of the straight....I was with my Dad....and later on I took the mrs to the restaurant there which was pretty lousy but after the meal we w
Lazza never been a big dog punter but in mid 80s was into it.Anyway one night wanted to back a dog at WP .Happy to take 6/4.It opens at 4/6.I know bookies just being cheeky so I wait.It drifts.Gets to 6/4 my price.Out to 2/1.I step in to get on before it gets hammered.Oh Oh.It drifts further out to 7/2.I know it will lose. I watch the race.Box opens it jumps in front.Extends lead.On top turn leads by 6 lengths.Then stops.Finishes 6 lengths behind second last dog.
Lazza never been a big dog punter but in mid 80s was into it.Anyway one night wanted to back a dog at WP .Happy to take 6/4.It opens at 4/6.I know bookies just being cheeky so I wait.It drifts.Gets to 6/4 my price.Out to 2/1.I step in to get on befor
Anyone remember Manaroua ( not sure of the spelling ) He was a roach back from NZ wieeedest looking horse Ive ever seen but man he could run ffs lol...I know they bet 5/2 at one stage that night..was his 1st start in Aus and Dad had a tip on it....I think the margin was 25 metres ...I know it was a big margin anyway lol
Anyone remember Manaroua ( not sure of the spelling ) He was a roach back from NZ wieeedest looking horse Ive ever seen but man he could run ffs lol...I know they bet 5/2 at one stage that night..was his 1st start in Aus and Dad had a tip on it....I
Manaroa, a very tough horse who use to grind away. He was also a starter in Mount Eden's famous Miracle Mile. He was more a stayer than a sprinter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EW0gUeWkNM&NR=1
Manaroa, a very tough horse who use to grind away. He was also a starter in Mount Eden's famous Miracle Mile. He was more a stayer than a sprinter.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EW0gUeWkNM&NR=1
Thanks for that Trotlover.....funny thing about that tape was Charlie Parsons who had Bay Foil...I became good friends with him in his later years and I never knew he raced against Manaroa...What a gentlemen Charlie was.....You learn something new everyday...thx again
Thanks for that Trotlover.....funny thing about that tape was Charlie Parsons who had Bay Foil...I became good friends with him in his later years and I never knew he raced against Manaroa...What a gentlemen Charlie was.....You learn something new ev
When I was a boy I loved looking at the framed photos on the wall.There was Bay Foyle,Reichman,Lucky Creed,Cardigan Bay,Cocky Raider even the Scotsman. Would've loved to immerse myself in a huge nostalgic trip but with 18000 people there it just wasn't gunna happen.I should've gone a week earlier.
When I was a boy I loved looking at the framed photos on the wall.There was Bay Foyle,Reichman,Lucky Creed,Cardigan Bay,Cocky Raider even the Scotsman.Would've loved to immerse myself in a huge nostalgic trip but with 18000 people there it just wasn'
So instead of giving him $100 you gave him a ticket worth $104 IF he ran a place. Zero for fourth. That is truly one of the most BIZARRE things I have ever heard of!
So instead of giving him $100 you gave him a ticket worth $104 IF he ran a place. Zero for fourth.That is truly one of the most BIZARRE things I have ever heard of!
That's nothing compared to some bizarre things we did in our early years We drove up to Newcastle one day only to find out they'd been called off due to heavy track. We didn't waste the trip, we got into the track (4 of us) went to the mile start and had a running race, you have no idea how hard it was to run, took about 20 minutes minimum to run it. I finished 4th and got the camera and the first 3 reenacted the finish while I took the shot, also a shot of them in the winners stalls I should contact the mate that has the pics, they're priceless
That's nothing compared to some bizarre things we did in our early years We drove up to Newcastle one day only to find out they'd been called off due to heavy track.We didn't waste the trip, we got into the track (4 of us) went to the mile start and
ome of australias biggest gamblers started off when they were young such names of KERRY PACKER /BILL WATERHOUSE/ JACK AND BOB INGHAM..and many others as when the joint was flying in 60/70/80s and you could get on for plenty....hutchy as young bloke was telling me as a young bloke he use to fly up in 60s every fri night others to do this in 70s frank regan / garry ewan.ivan ribot/tom hogan/ danny revel in 80s 90s and many others .
------
Just stumbled on this intriguing snippet when googling Frank Regan.
Currently a leviathan punter.
On the public record as operating a Punters' Club for RWWA!!!!
Talk about conflict of interest!!!!
He could well have been of betting age in the 70s.
Would anyone happen to know whether they are one and the same - or related?
ome of australias biggest gamblers started off when they were youngsuch names of KERRY PACKER /BILL WATERHOUSE/ JACK AND BOB INGHAM..and many others as when the joint was flying in 60/70/80s and you could get on for plenty....hutchy as young bloke
I was referring to this material in a parliamentary submission:
With which I am far from impressed.
--------
Firstly, we suggested that Best Bookies could provide turnover directly to on-course totalisators in order to maximize the return to the race clubs. This proposal was rejected on the basis of advice received from the Commission - advice that did not state that the proposal would breach the legislation, only that there could be some issues. RWWA was not prepared to proceed with this proposal. Nevertheless, within 12 months, Mr Frank Regan was operating a "Punters Club" from Cannington Raceway in the same manner that we originally proposed. Best Bookies then proposed that RWWA appoint us as an online agent. This proposal was rejected on the basis that each of our clients would be required to hold an individual account with RWWA. RWWA is now running its own "Punters Club" competition whereby individual agencies can recruit an unlimited number of members at $20 a share. The money raised is deposited into a "designated TAB account" from which bets are placed on behalf of the members.
Thanks.I was referring to this material in a parliamentary submission:With which I am far from impressed.--------Firstly, we suggested that Best Bookies could provide turnover directly to on-coursetotalisators in order to maximize the return to the r