Where are they now???

[The Form Student]

Would like to start a thread to find out what has happened to certain "characters" from harness racing are doing now?

Has anyone seen "Parramatta Tony", I have not been to a meeting in a while, so I don't know if he is still going? Can anyone update?

[The Form Student]

What about "Mad Mark", he often was seen at Harold Park not wearing a shirt..........He would say "you have taken everything else, you may as well take my shirt as well"
His most famous incident was when Cecil Devine "slaughtered" Lord Module at Harold Park, and Mark climbed up on top of the old tote building and said "come on punters let's storm the birdcage"
He was often seen on a soapbox down at the "domain" giving a speech about the world!

Anybody seen him?

[Triple V]

One always stuck in my mind. There was a (relatively) young fella out there, can't remember his name...a pretty big & burly type, he used to cup one hand over an ear and call various ID & assorted big race clashes from years past.
Those assembled would hang on his every word and cheer at the appropriate moments as the titans of years gone by stepped out to battle once again. One night I was out there & old mate was there, giving it his all as he called a titanic battle, culminating in Harry Hazelwood's horse, Golden Alley & Henry Pullen surging to the line. Great stuff. The bloke didn't have both oars in the water of course but he sure was a very, very good race caller.

[The Form Student]

I know who you mean, I think he was called "Freddy". "Parramatta Tony" was also a great greyhound race caller, only one problem the same greyhound came from last to win everytime - his name "Ragsie", and that's what he used to do!!! he was a great greyhound.

[broncobrad]

Was at Forbes one saturday arvo and I think Bill Palmer was doing the calling. All was going swimmingly until the field rounded the home corner and charged for home.
The PA suddenly gave out and in the deathly silence a wag in the crowd at the top of his voice yelled "AND HERE COMES HARRYS BOY". Guffaws of delight as the crowd broke out in laughter. Don't remember the winner, but will never forget that moment. Guess you had to be there.

[The Form Student]

Was at Forbes one saturday arvo and I think Bill Palmer was doing the calling. All was going swimmingly until the field rounded the home corner and charged for home.
The PA suddenly gave out and in the deathly silence a wag in the crowd at the top of his voice yelled "AND HERE COMES HARRYS BOY". Guffaws of delight as the crowd broke out in laughter. Don't remember the winner, but will never forget that moment. Guess you had to be there.

Hey Brad, I heard on the grapevine that HRNSW are thinking of opening a track at Maclean.........they have even earmarked a location......you know when you are coming into Maclean from the south on the Pacific Hwy, before the bridge...........you know where you have to do the big loop to go to Yamba...........right in the middle there!!........how do reckon it will go?

[Danno]

Hey Brad, I heard on the grapevine that HRNSW are thinking of opening a track at Maclean.........they have even earmarked a location......you know when you are coming into Maclean from the south on the Pacific Hwy, before the bridge...........you know where you have to do the big loop to go to Yamba...........right in the middle there!!........how do reckon it will go?

I'd love to see the business plan for that!!!

[The Form Student]

The Hunter Valley is as far north as trotting goes along the north coast, I think Port Macquarie Harness Racing Club sounds good.... only problem is it is too far away from the "Mecca" at Menangle.....and Hunter Valley trotting does not have enough meetings...........there are always full fields with the same horses going around week after week, unless it is a carnival meeting.......even the horses all know each other!

[broncobrad]

Hey Brad, I heard on the grapevine that HRNSW are thinking of opening a track at Maclean.........they have even earmarked a location......you know when you are coming into Maclean from the south on the Pacific Hwy, before the bridge...........you know where you have to do the big loop to go to Yamba...........right in the middle there!!........how do reckon it will go?

Its called the clover leaf which the RMS is currently trying to floodproof. I'll pass your comments on to the relevant authoritys but for now the only tracks I get to these days are the G. Coast and AP and thats only every now and then.

[kaybee]

What about "Mad Mark", he often was seen at Harold Park not wearing a shirt..........He would say "you have taken everything else, you may as well take my shirt as well"
His most famous incident was when Cecil Devine "slaughtered" Lord Module at Harold Park, and Mark climbed up on top of the old tote building and said "come on punters let's storm the birdcage"
He was often seen on a soapbox down at the "domain" giving a speech about the world!

Anybody seen him? Yes lives in Perth now and funny thing is he was a maniac on caourse but a nice bloke to have abeer with at the pub.

[The Form Student]

Yes lives in Perth now and funny thing is he was a maniac on caourse but a nice bloke to have abeer with at the pub.

That's great, at least he is still out there in the wild. He was like most of us, hated doing our money! To be honest, I had a number of intelligent conversations with him, he was just a character!

Anybody else looking to find out what is happening with one of their "mates" from the past.
C'mon, someone must know where "Parramatta Tony" is, he used to carry his binoculars everywhere, I think at some stage he was the "self inducted" stable foreman for Mr P Morris..... everybody from Fairfield would know him. He too, would give a speech if something he backed was "slaughtered".

[doinmabest]

Hi Jaimie,

You might be referring to Fred Rowley perhaps....Short older guy....Always calling races or was seen at the thursday provincials walking up and down the ring yelling to the bookies..."Rosehill Saturday 8 races the first at 12.50" over and over...lol
Ray Conroy the legendary Harness caller once said Fred was underneath his box at Fairfield one night and Ray yelled out to Fred that he had a sore throat what does he recommend and quick as a flash he retorted ä razor blade".....

[The Form Student]

Yes Fred, that's who i was thinking of, when I said his name was "Freddy".....didn't he come and pester you at Richmond?
Hey Fred, a mate of mine said that he was playing golf with you a couple of months ago, and in conversation said that you had stuffed up the names of the horses in a race at Menangle............the next time you played, you told hime that you had gone and checked the tape and their was no mistakes........I think he got you!!

[aussiebreno]

Yes Fred, that's who i was thinking of, when I said his name was "Freddy".....didn't he come and pester you at Richmond?
Hey Fred, a mate of mine said that he was playing golf with you a couple of months ago, and in conversation said that you had stuffed up the names of the horses in a race at Menangle............the next time you played, you told hime that you had gone and checked the tape and their was no mistakes........I think he got you!!
Off topic but just down the road from Menangle, Glen Alpine/Campbelltown Golf Course is an excellent course to play for any interested.

[doinmabest]

He probably did Steve.... Lol...
Funny you mentioned that Brendan as I went past that course today and thought I should have a hit there.... Trouble is mate I do struggle with my handicap, which is playing in the first place.... Just like getting out and having a go...

[The Form Student]

He probably did Steve.... Lol...
Funny you mentioned that Brendan as I went past that course today and thought I should have a hit there.... Trouble is mate I do struggle with my handicap, which is playing in the first place.... Just like getting out and having a go...

At least it shows you are a professional Fred!

[The Form Student]

Fred, you must have come across "Parramatta Tony" in your travels? He had an ungainly gait and used to throw his head around......P Morris would know him!

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Fred, you must have come across "Parramatta Tony" in your travels? He had an ungainly gait and used to throw his head around......P Morris would know him!

He had an undercheck and spreaders on then?

[The Form Student]

He also used to hang a bit when he was running to the tote!

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

.........and a lugging pole????

[Triple V]

Fred, you must have come across "Parramatta Tony" in your travels? He had an ungainly gait and used to throw his head around......P Morris would know him!

[VVV] You're not talking about the fella that was said to be Roger Neighbour's brother are you Steve?

[doinmabest]

What about the guy known as Photos... Such called because he would swipe the photo prints from the display board...his real name was neil.... Some clubs hired him as a judges runner.... (I know Richmond Dogs did) his last name may of been Carter...

[The Form Student]

Roger Neubauer's brother is "Trotting Tony", one of the biggest punters of his day! He was not "Parramatta Tony".

Just found this post by a triplev123, that is not the previous alias for the Triple V is it


triplev123
Guest http://www.harnessracingforum.com/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by tiny http://www.harnessracingforum.com/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.harnessracingforum.com/showthread.php?p=12473#post12473)
My guess is Roger neighbor he's on the pension.




[VVV] He'd certainly be getting on a bit.
Roger would be sporting a Zimmer Frame by now wouldn't he? :rolleyes:
http://idostuff.co.uk/Images/Zimmer%20frame%20steps%20temporary.JPG

[The Form Student]

No Fred, Tony was just a punter who as Triple says "had one oar not quite touching the water", he carried a pair of binoculars everywhere as his sight was not the best, he was very skinny, but loved racing from when he was a small kid.......he went to the same high school as me, and we would get him up the back of the playground to call his famous greyhound races.......which "Ragsie" always won (1972 - NSW Greyhound of the year) coming from last. I would always yell I'll have a $100 on Ragsie.
I would often see him walking to meetings at Fairfield and give him a lift to the track and drop him home. Do you know there used to be a free bus to Fairfield trots from the station!! I really can't believe Fairfield is not racing regularly these days!
I would just like to know he is still around and is alright.

[doinmabest]

I will do some homework mate and get back to you

[The Form Student]

Thanks, Fred....P Morris might know, he might even tell you a yarn or two about "Parra".

[The Form Student]

Someone mentioned on another thread that we should add the "Colgate Kid" to our missing persons list...........any info on his wherabouts?.........c'mon Sam write in...........

[Old Frank]

Through my business activities, I actually see Roger Nebauer some 2-3times a week and we always have a quick hello / chat and I can assure he is in good health and spirits and enjoying life very much out of Harness Racing.

[The Form Student]

I wonder if he gets to the local TAB for a punt!

[TSW]

Would like to start a thread to find out what has happened to certain "characters" from harness racing are doing now?

Has anyone seen "Parramatta Tony", I have not been to a meeting in a while, so I don't know if he is still going? Can anyone update?

Parramatta Tony can often be found at Wentworth Park Dogs on a Saturday night. No idea what other race meetings he goes too. Old Parra was a great fan of Max Presnell and if you sat near him at the races you would see him watching the race through his binoculars and he would quietly call the race also. He hasn't changed in 35 years since I first met him except for some greying hairs

[The Form Student]

Thanks Tim, that is good to know, he obviously doesn't go to Menangle, because you really need a car..........Is there a bus from Campbelltown station to Menangle Park?.......If so, I hope the trotting club is making it free!!!!!!!!!!

If you see him, ask if "Ragsie" can win tonight!

[tiny]

Rogers partener Ron is on the board at Wendy leagues. I look back at there rein and they did a pretty good job. Well we didn't have scandals in the newspaper.

[The Form Student]

If it was quiet.....that could have been a problem also! We will never know.......we only know what we know!

[The Form Student]

You need to pull your head in!...........I am talking about a disabled person that cannot obtain a licence to drive a car!! There only access to meetings is public transport or a free lift from someone! A bus from Campbelltown station might assist those who cannot make it by vehicle to Menangle. For authenticity why don't you ask yor fellow Menangle trainer Peter Morris if he knows "Parramatta Tony" and whether he could drive to a meeting.......I don't need any anti-depressants to assist me, maybe you are so attached to the place as you have been training their since "Adam was a Boy" you might need a holiday and get out in the real world. If you are so protective of the place that is your problem!!!
Moreover, I can remember in the 1970's there was a free bus from Campbelltown station to the track........I recall it like yesterday, as it was in my early days of trotting whilst going to school, and it was my only way of getting their. I remember my first time on the bus as the first race I saw was won by Lou Cini driving a trotter named Midway Orrison that won by 80 yards!

[Triple V]

Through my business activities, I actually see Roger Nebauer some 2-3times a week and we always have a quick hello / chat and I can assure he is in good health and spirits and enjoying life very much out of Harness Racing.


[VVV] I'm just glad that someone actually knows how to spell his surname. I threw in a Neighbour as in the bloke next door. Shame, shame, shame.

[The Form Student]

Does anybody follow the gallops at Shatin???........the race caller is Darren Flindell??.............he used to call the trials at Liverpool gymkhana!!!!. You can do anything you want in this world!!

[murray green]

Does anybody follow the gallops at Shatin???........the race caller is Darren Flindell??.............he used to call the trials at Liverpool gymkhana!!!!. You can do anything you want in this world!!

Good lord when was the last time they trialed at Liverpool .

[The Form Student]

Good lord when was the last time they trialed at Liverpool .

I know it has been a little while, but Darren was the caller for a while! There was also Wayne "whacka" Parnell calling the trials!

[murray green]

I know it has been a little while, but Darren was the caller for a while! There was also Wayne "whacka" Parnell calling the trials!

They were & are lovely people the Parnells . How time goes by .

[aussiebreno]

Gavin Lang?

[thepacingman]

Gavin Lang?

GEELONG 1 February
Gavin Lang (Cyclonedomic) was found guilty of a charge under the provisions of Rule 156(3)(b) in that as the driver of that gelding he used his whip to excess in the home straight on the final occasion where his whip hand was raised above his shoulder on numerous occasions when driving that gelding out in the home straight. Mr Lang’s license to drive in races was suspended for a period of 2 weeks. When assessing penalty stewards took into account that Mr Lang had breached the same rule on two occasions in recent weeks. Stewards deemed the penalty to commence midnight 4 February 2012.

MELTON 4 February
Gavin Lang (Flying Pocketlands NZ) was found guilty of a charge under AR156(3)(b) in that over the concluding stages while using the whip he used more than a wrist and elbow action by raising his hand above his shoulder on numerous occasions. When assessing penalty stewards took into consideration Mr Lang had now breached the rule on no less than three occasions within the designated reset periods and as a consequence his driver’s license was suspended for 2 weeks. Stewards ordered that the suspension commence upon the conclusion of a suspension commencing at midnight tonight for a similar breach of the rule handed down within the previous week.

[The Form Student]

I wish it mentioned, what reason Gavin gave for the continued breaches.........or maybe there is no excuse?.......the stewards should have told him what will happen if there is a further breach inside the reset period!

[aussiebreno]

GEELONG 1 February
Gavin Lang (Cyclonedomic) was found guilty of a charge under the provisions of Rule 156(3)(b) in that as the driver of that gelding he used his whip to excess in the home straight on the final occasion where his whip hand was raised above his shoulder on numerous occasions when driving that gelding out in the home straight. Mr Lang’s license to drive in races was suspended for a period of 2 weeks. When assessing penalty stewards took into account that Mr Lang had breached the same rule on two occasions in recent weeks. Stewards deemed the penalty to commence midnight 4 February 2012.

MELTON 4 February
Gavin Lang (Flying Pocketlands NZ) was found guilty of a charge under AR156(3)(b) in that over the concluding stages while using the whip he used more than a wrist and elbow action by raising his hand above his shoulder on numerous occasions. When assessing penalty stewards took into consideration Mr Lang had now breached the rule on no less than three occasions within the designated reset periods and as a consequence his driver’s license was suspended for 2 weeks. Stewards ordered that the suspension commence upon the conclusion of a suspension commencing at midnight tonight for a similar breach of the rule handed down within the previous week.
Cheers mate.