Milestones for Tomlinson and Norman at Invercargill

[Wandering Eyes]

By Jonny Turner

Driver Kerryn Tomlinson and trainer Brian Norman were delighted to clinch milestone victories at Ascot Park yesterday.

Brian Norman was left with a temporary reminder of his 200th win at a trainer from his trotting mare Steve.

Steve made the most of a drop in grade to score a penalty-free win with junior driver Oliver Kite.

Steve clearly was feeling spritely after her victory as she handed Norman an accidental post-race head butt, which left him sporting a battle scar following his milestone victory.

Though the trotter brought strong form to yesterday’s race, Norman didn’t go into the event over-confident.

The mare hadn’t been in the winner’s circle since the corresponding meeting at Ascot Park two years ago.

“I didn’t really expect to win, Dem Bones Dem Bones who beat us last week was 10m in front of us today,” Norman said.

“But it was good, Ollie did a good job with her.”

Steve is raced by George and Joan Martin and Jennie Wilson, who have contributed plenty of victories to Norman’s 200-win tally.

“Their first 12 horses with me have all been winners, Harleen Quinzel is number 13 so I have a bit of work to do with her yet.”

The Norman family have made a substantial contribution to southern harness racing over many decades.

Norman’s brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Tracey Norman, stood Washington VC at stud and the sire has produced a big number of the trainer’s 200 victories.

“There has been one or two by Washington,” Norman quipped.

“It is a shame we are going to run out of them.”

“Every one of them paced from just about the word go, they have great natures and are well mannered.”

“We loved them because the Aussies loved them and they have kept us going.”

Norman trained at Gore for many years before moving to The Catlins and then returning to the Eastern Southland region.

“It has been entertaining I suppose, so long as I have got the horses I don’t care where I am.”

Moving from her home base has been a key factor in Kerryn Tomlinson building up to her 100th win as a driver.

The junior reinswoman completed the feat with the Brad Williamson trained Classic Mission yesterday.

Tomlinson has been based in Oamaru for several seasons and she’s built her success under the tutelage of the Williamson family.

“It has been great, Brad has given me a lot of opportunities.”

“It helps that they all drive and have been able to give me a lot of advice.”

“Matty is my mentor, we talk a lot about the form and he helps me a lot.”

“But he’s the first one to tell me if I have made a mistake, which is good.”

“Phil has helped me a lot too, I think he gave me six winners in my first year in Oamaru.”

Tomlinson said one of her next goals is to gain her trainer’s licence.

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