Forums

Australian

Welcome to Live View – Take the tour to learn more
Start Tour
There is currently 1 person viewing this thread.
elsu.
12 Dec 10 23:03
Joined:
Date Joined: 14 Jul 10
| Topic/replies: 6,038 | Blogger: elsu.'s blog
120 years of history will end this fri night
when  harold park closes the gates for the last time
Pause Switch to Standard View FAREWELL TO HAROLD PARK FRI NIGHT
Show More
Loading...
Report joshuatree December 13, 2010 6:42 AM GMT
Fields for Friday night

http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=HQ171210
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 7:29 AM GMT
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!!
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 7:46 AM GMT
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!
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 7:48 AM GMT
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!!
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 7:55 AM GMT
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!!
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 8:00 AM GMT
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!!
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 8:04 AM GMT
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!
Report Lloydy Trots Man December 13, 2010 8:07 AM GMT
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
Report earlycrow December 13, 2010 8:12 AM GMT
Let's Elope you seem to know a lot about the industry, but gee mate your a sour old cnt
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 8:27 AM GMT
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.
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 8:30 AM GMT
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!
Report Melbourne_Punter December 13, 2010 8:31 AM GMT
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!
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 8:40 AM GMT
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.
Report Back High Lay Low December 13, 2010 8:48 AM GMT
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.
Report uncleee December 13, 2010 8:55 AM GMT
did they really have to put 13 horses in the races? and 14 in the last
Report elsu. December 13, 2010 8:59 AM GMT
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
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 9:03 AM GMT
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.
Report Melbourne_Punter December 13, 2010 9:08 AM GMT
any danger someone tips me a winner at the last meeting at HP? im cast and need the petrol money to get back to mum and dads for Xmas
Report trotlover December 13, 2010 9:32 AM GMT
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.
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 9:40 AM GMT
Remember these?
Jikk Adios (a fantastic looking horse btw),Bondi Bill.Toughkenamon,HAppy Toliver,Gundary Flyer,Bundanoon,Gloomy Lass,Local Honoured,Tebaldi,Flushing Meadow,Music Teacher,Bill's Student,Gliding Princess,Karamea Duplicity,Jayares Dream,Area Code,Shamrock Sorrel,Paleface Bubble,Glenns Thunder,Shakey Jake,Tiffs Mystery,Bens Image,Gay Adam,The Private Dancer,Rocket Jason.
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 9:48 AM GMT
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!
Report earlycrow December 13, 2010 9:48 AM GMT
Doubleagent you have so many memories it's like there's two of you
Report trotlover December 13, 2010 10:08 AM GMT
One for the Poppy fans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msE1zn3iVFE
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 10:17 AM GMT
Nice stuff trotlover and earlycrow.
Report doubleagent December 13, 2010 10:22 AM GMT
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.
Report Craig The Speculator December 13, 2010 10:59 AM GMT
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
Report Khan321 December 13, 2010 11:01 AM GMT
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.
Report Lets Elope December 13, 2010 1:15 PM GMT
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.
Report Luck December 13, 2010 1:23 PM GMT
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.
Report Lets Elope December 13, 2010 1:28 PM GMT
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.
Report Lets Elope December 13, 2010 1:29 PM GMT
sorry crow that should read not drive like their at HP
Report trotman December 13, 2010 9:22 PM GMT
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 !
Report TeenQueen December 13, 2010 9:47 PM GMT
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 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.
Report thorate December 13, 2010 10:06 PM GMT
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.
Report TeenQueen December 13, 2010 10:08 PM GMT
Okay!

http://www.users.on.net/~nicoleoz/teen-queen.jpg

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
Report wombleoz December 14, 2010 3:34 AM GMT
You must really love that horse TQ Grin

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
Report uncleee December 14, 2010 4:14 AM GMT
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
Report doubleagent December 14, 2010 7:43 AM GMT
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!
Report Hal December 14, 2010 8:29 AM GMT
Norm Lang trained and driven, very tough horse. I also think he won the time honoured (thank you smokey) Tom Austin Cup at Richmond.
Report trotman December 14, 2010 10:57 AM GMT
Has anyone suggested a meeting place for Friday night at The Park - or is Lloydy arranging for us all to join him in the Directors Room ?
Report doubleagent December 15, 2010 8:27 AM GMT
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!
Report doubleagent December 15, 2010 8:35 AM GMT
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 Whisper,Warrior Khan.
Report trotlover December 15, 2010 8:42 AM GMT
Stop it doubleagent, I'm starting to get misty Laugh
Report doubleagent December 15, 2010 8:44 AM GMT
You want some more?

Coco's Dream,Young Mister Charles,Winsome Eagle,Look Sharp,Stroma,Sabilize,Exceptionally Smooth,Miss Paula,Loves A Dare,King Servente,Late Bid,Bastille Beggar,Butlers Love,Medowie Prince,Patchwood Star,Shrub,Makor Pay,Young Whiz,Express Post,Tibet,Our Aynsley,Surfers Paradise.
Report themaster007 December 15, 2010 9:11 AM GMT
DA................. most of those horses you listed, used to visit the "MILKBAR" on there way to track........... LOL
Report Stipey December 15, 2010 9:11 AM GMT
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.
Report themaster007 December 15, 2010 9:25 AM GMT
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
Report elsu. December 15, 2010 9:25 AM GMT
very good stipey thank yu ver very much ......and doubleagent brilliant keep setting the pace
Report Lloydy Trots Man December 15, 2010 9:53 AM GMT
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
Report FATSTEVE December 15, 2010 9:55 AM GMT
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
Report Lloydy Trots Man December 15, 2010 9:55 AM GMT
And Yep Dooks and Ziggy it was Coops
Report trotlover December 15, 2010 9:57 AM GMT
Hondo and Paleface, very scratchy video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONWmBa34VRI
Report FATSTEVE December 15, 2010 10:01 AM GMT
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
Report Lloydy Trots Man December 15, 2010 10:10 AM GMT
2011 Dutch Harbour (Gavin Lang) LOL
Report Lloydy Trots Man December 15, 2010 10:11 AM GMT
P.S N Jack was suspended.
Report Luck December 15, 2010 10:16 AM GMT
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,
Report FATSTEVE December 15, 2010 10:22 AM GMT
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.
Report themaster007 December 15, 2010 10:30 AM GMT
All great memories
Report Lloydy Trots Man December 15, 2010 10:35 AM GMT
What about Robin Hoods win Over Blacks a Fake that night.
Report themaster007 December 15, 2010 10:43 AM GMT
Yeah you tell'em Lloydy.......... what about the $19 fill up
Report Lloydy Trots Man December 15, 2010 11:08 AM GMT
I remember after Race Colgate Kid posted a funny story about it
Report Lloydy Trots Man December 15, 2010 11:09 AM GMT
Then 2 weeks later Killed them in Bangstown
Report doubleagent December 15, 2010 8:25 PM GMT
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!
Report doubleagent December 15, 2010 8:57 PM GMT
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.
Report joshuatree December 16, 2010 1:26 AM GMT
interesting

http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=15113
Report joshuatree December 16, 2010 2:08 AM GMT
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/hope-harnessed-from-harold-park-histo...
Report trotman December 16, 2010 3:24 AM GMT
Hey joshuatree,
Do you know form analyst David Mullins ?
Report joshuatree December 16, 2010 4:03 AM GMT
dont know the name mate!
Report trotman December 16, 2010 4:26 AM GMT
The surname suggests he might be the son of ...

Anyhow - I'm sure he's not up to Giddy-Up standard :-)
Report themaster007 December 16, 2010 5:19 AM GMT
Anyone know who form analyst David Mullins is?????????? sounds like another urger/ imposter
Report joshuatree December 16, 2010 6:41 AM GMT
was interested in his race 2 market and no comment on Serene Jasper
maybe he knows more than me lol
Report uncleee December 16, 2010 7:26 AM GMT
he might be trying to get his price from 1.20 out to 1.30?? or maybe serene jasper has lost 2 legs since his last start
Report trotman December 16, 2010 5:31 PM GMT
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 !!!
Report Bag Limit December 16, 2010 7:13 PM GMT
Double Agent typed:You want some more?

Coco's Dream,Young Mister Charles,Winsome Eagle,Look Sharp,Stroma,Sabilize,Exceptionally Smooth,Miss Paula,Loves A Dare,King Servente,Late Bid,Bastille Beggar,Butlers Love,Medowie Prince,Patchwood Star,Shrub,Makor Pay,Young Whiz,Express Post,Tibet,Our Aynsley,Surfers Paradise


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 ?
Report joshuatree December 16, 2010 8:58 PM GMT
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/living-legends-comfortable-with-winds-of-change-20101216-18zkr.html

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/harold-park-great-keen-to-farewell-his-home-track-in-the-right-way-20101216-18zkx.html

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/superracing/finish-line-for-harold-park-tonight/story-fn67rc85-1225972417117
Report elsu. December 16, 2010 10:59 PM GMT
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.....
Report elsu. December 16, 2010 11:15 PM GMT
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
Report doubleagent December 17, 2010 12:00 AM GMT
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?
Report HonestBob December 17, 2010 2:00 AM GMT
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.
Report TeenQueen December 17, 2010 2:26 AM GMT
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 !!!
Report BF LOVER December 17, 2010 9:32 AM GMT
honest bob
the late wayne gallagher was the best punter;gallops trots or dogs i ever saw
Report jofess December 18, 2010 8:48 AM GMT
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!!
Report jofess December 18, 2010 8:55 AM GMT
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?
Report who_meee December 18, 2010 9:14 AM GMT
did the pasty man make the trip up from globe derby, would have been big for him if he did!!!!!!!!!!
Report doubleagent December 18, 2010 9:21 AM GMT
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!
Report knightp December 18, 2010 9:41 AM GMT
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.
Report lazza December 18, 2010 10:30 AM GMT
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.....LaughLaugh
Report doubleagent December 18, 2010 10:57 AM GMT
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.
Report lazza December 18, 2010 8:38 PM GMT
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
Report trotlover December 18, 2010 11:10 PM GMT
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
Report lazza December 19, 2010 12:18 AM GMT
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
Report doubleagent December 19, 2010 9:13 AM GMT
He had a funny tail.
Report trotlover December 19, 2010 9:51 AM GMT
And if you were on the leader you did not want him in the death. Probably the ugliest horse I have seen. But one of my all time favourites.
Report doubleagent December 19, 2010 9:58 AM GMT
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.
Report Aussie Desperate December 19, 2010 10:35 AM GMT
Gave my mate a $100 place ticket on The Scotsman for his 21st birthday.
He went around a long odds on fav and ran 4th LaughLaughLaughLaugh
Report doubleagent December 19, 2010 10:54 AM GMT
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!
Report Aussie Desperate December 19, 2010 2:46 PM GMT
That's nothing compared to some bizarre things we did in our early years Laugh
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 LaughLaughLaugh
I should contact the mate that has the pics, they're priceless
Report jfc July 24, 2013 4:31 AM BST
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?
Report Chariots July 24, 2013 2:50 PM BST
Same bloke but think you will find he operates the Punters Club for Gloucester Park Harness Racing Club. Don't think RWWA would or could be involved.
Report jfc July 24, 2013 7:40 PM BST
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-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.

http://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/parliament/commit.nsf/(Evidence+Lookup+by+Com+ID)/F43347A471E132A8482578310042EFAC/$file/2009.11.30.Sub11.Best.Bookies.pdf
Post Your Reply
<CTRL+Enter> to submit
Please login to post a reply.

Wonder

Instance ID: 13539
www.betfair.com