The NZ Derby – 50 Years ago

[Wandering Eyes]

This Friday’s $300,000 Garrards New Zealand Pacing Derby at Addington has attracted a quality field including the likes of Better Knuckle Up, Jeremiah, Chase A Dream and last start winners Renegade and Bazooka.

Half a century ago it was a very different Derby – essentially a one horse race dominated by one of the greats.

The NZ Derby 50 Years ago – Noodlum

Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk

Health wise he was not 100 per cent but  Noodlum still outclassed his opponents at the New Zealand Derby on November 23, 1974.

Recognised as one of the best pacers of his era, Noodlum sprung a curb in the lead up to the big race 50 years ago.

Reports at the time said : “all Noodlum’s troubles originate from the fact that the great drive possessed in his beautiful pacing action caused strain on his stifles and when soreness occurred in these ligaments it placed greater pressure on the lower areas of his hind legs eventually resulting in injuries.”

Noodlum still had little trouble in winning the Derby, being hard held all the way in front for trainer-driver and part owner Freeman Holmes and covering his last 800 metres in 57.8 to make it 15 wins in a row.

At the time it was his 20th win in 23 lifetime starts.

Commissioner tracked Noodlum all the way and held second easily by a length and a quarter from the maiden In Or Out, who finished stoutly for third. Steven Stock battled on for fourth two and a half lengths back with a similar margin to Chief Eagle.

“I just turned the whip round in my hand in the straight to get a better grip. He was pulling so hard,” Freeman said post race.

Noodlum’s time for the 2600 metres was an unremarkable 3:27. To provide context Koarakau in 1973 and Main Adios in 1975 were both markedly quicker (3:23).

Such was Noodlum’s impact that at one stage an Australian based syndicate offered $180,000 for the star pacer. It was an incredible money at the time but turned down by owners Ann Wilson and Holmes.

Holmes’s uncle, the great Maurice “The Maestro” Holmes drove Noodlum on seven occasions.

He was impressed enough to say “he’s the greatest juvenile pacer I’ve ever sat behind.”

It’s part of harness racing folklore that Noodlum was “Muldoon” spelt backwards. A year after Noodlum’s Derby win Robert Muldoon, the then National Party leader, would become Prime Minister.

Noodlum retired from racing with 28 wins from 42 starts and went on to be a champion sire. Aged 18 he died after serving a mare.

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