THE harness racing industry was shocked by the sudden and unexpected passing of legendary trainer-driver Kevin Newman on Tuesday night.
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“Kevin at 83 was well and had just finalised the sale of his Penrith home and was looking forward to moving on to the central coast with his wife Beryl,” HRNSW CEO John Dumesny said. “He was an icon, a legend of trotting, a one-in-a-lifetime horseman.”
Born in WA, Kevin moved to Sydney in 1951, two years after night trotting was introduced at Harold Park, as a 16-year-old. He became a dominate force in the golden era of harness racing in the 1960s and ‘70s, particularly at Harold Park. He won an unequalled 10 Harold Park trainers’ premierships and eight drivers’ premierships.
Kevin was the first driver to win two Miracle Miles - Halwes 1968 and Friendly Footman 1981. He drove 533 winners at Harold Park and about 1400 in his career.
Retiring from the driving ranks in 1986, Newman can claim victories in almost every major race at Harold Park. He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1991, was named a Living Legend by HRNSW in 2000 and was also one of seven Living Legends of Harold Park. He was also inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions at the State’s Sports Centre at Homebush in 2001. Kevin is survived by his wife Beryl, and daughters Julie and Debbie.
THE old stager Jedi Superstar – at nine years of age and at race start 169 – produced a 19 metre win over his rivals in taking out the 88.9FM Pace at Tamworth last Thursday.
LAST Thursday’s harness meeting at Tamworth provided reinsman Peter Hedges with the opportunity to drive a winner for trainer Paul Collins when he guided Sea Kingdom to a win in the Global Bloodstock Pace. Sea Kingdom was having his third career start and first run for Paul Collins.
THE old stager Jedi Superstar – at nine years of age and at race start 169 – produced a 19 metre win over his rivals in taking out the 88.9FM Pace at Tamworth last Thursday.
Raced and driven by Stacie Weidemann, the Clifton-based reinswoman also shares the ownership along with her partner SKY racecaller Anthony Collins.
It was a good day at the office for the Weidemann girls with Lola training three winners – Jedi Superstar, Captain Chargeover and Dalacos Empress – which gave her a driving double as an added bonus and niece Stacie a winner as well.
HARNESS racing will return to Tamworth next Friday afternoon. To place something in Keeping Pace, phone 0439 818 261.
