JOHN TORMEY – TRAINER

WHERE DID YOUR INTEREST IN HARNESS RACING BEGIN?

I went to local trainer Matt Donaldson’s stable as a teenager.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS PRESIDENT OF THE CHARLTON HARNESS RACING CLUB?

Getting the next generation involved in our sport and willing to participate at club level.

BEST AND WORST THING ABOUT BEING A TRAINER?

BEST – The achievement of winning.

WORST – Horses going amiss.

MOST MEMORABLE WIN?- Group 1 with Mr.Castleton.

WHAT RACE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO WIN?

New Zealand Cup.

WHAT ARE THE THREE TRAITS YOU WOULD MOST LIKE IN A HORSE?

Kind nature, good legs, and one that tries it’s hardest irrespective of its ability.

ANY CLOSE CALL IN THE LINE OF DUTY?

I spent a week in Bendigo Hospital after driving fast work for Stan Gretgrix and getting tipped out.

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER THE BEST DRIVER AND WHY?

Gavin Lang – patient and doesn’t slaughter them.

BEST HORSE YOU HAVE SEEN?

Maori’s Idol

Popular Alm

FAVOURITE MOVIE?

The Hangover No 1

MOST ADMIRED SPORTSMAN?

Cadel Evans

ANY INTERESTS OUTSIDE HARNESS RACING?

Golf if I get the chance.

FAVOURITE TRACK?

Charlton

AFL TEAM?

Sorry, Collingwood but nearly ready to sack them!

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT THE  HARNESS RACING INDUSTRY TODAY WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Prize money and my baby race programming.

BEST WINS YOU HAVE HAD?

Sires Stakes – Mr.Castleton

Sapling Stakes – The Black Gem

DID YOU ENJOY YOUR STINT AS A DRIVER?

Not really – I was absolutely no good at it. Won 8 or 9 races, even got a double at St.Arnaud one day. But Ellen drove more winners in her first 6 months.

MATCH RACES WHO WINS?

Blacks A Fake and Lennytheshark? Blacks A Fake

Pure Steel and Smokin Up – PureSteel

Christian Cullen and I’m Themightyquinn – Dead heat

AND FINALLY WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THE FUTURE FORTHE CHARLTON HARNESS RACING CLUB?

We have some new faces on the Committee with some great ideas and great enthusiasm. I believe these people give us a very bright future and we can continue to be a successful club.