It is fitting, as we look forward to the BILL & GLENN TOMLIN MEMORIAL FINAL this Friday night, that we kick off this week with a memory from 14th April 1997, when local drivers, trainers and officials stood silent on track as a tribute to the tragic loss of one of their own.
21yo Glenn Tomlin was a promising young harness driver killed in a freak training accident at his family’s property.
His parents Bill & Pam were long time employees and both Life Members of NHRC. Bill & Pam have played an instrumental role in the history of the Club having been involved with the Club in its Showground days and at the current Paceway site. At the current Paceway site in its construction days it was not uncommon for the father and son combination to work from daylight till dark, and after, completing many tasks.
Pictured here following victories are Bill & Glenn with CLASSIC TO RE and Glenn with MANWARRA BLURR.
Bill & Glenn Tomlin pictured with CLASSIC TO RE
Glenn Tomlin pictured with MANWARRA BLURR
Following Glenn’s passing, a Memorial Award was introduced is 1997 to recognise the efforts of young Hunter Valley trainers and drivers.
In 2000 a race series was introduced and inline with recognising the youth of the industry a Junior Drivers Invitational Heats and Final Series was introduced with an overall pointscore winner determined.
From 2001 to 2003 The Junior Drivers Invitational Heats and Final Series continued with the Final winner determined the Series Winner.
For 3 years from 2004 to 2006 a Standing Start Junior Drivers Invitational replaced the Heats and Final concept.
2007 was conducted as a Local Driver Invitational.
The race conducted between 2008 to 2014 was restricted to Hunter Valley Trainers and Drivers with open class based nominations.
In 2015 restrictions were placed on the nominations but remained open to Hunter Valley Trainers and Drivers only.
Heats and Final was introduced in 2016 remaining restricted to Hunter Valley Trainers and Drivers and with restrictions on nominations. Conditional changes have been made over the years since 2017 on a year-by-year basis but the restriction to Hunter Valley Trainers has remained constant.
In 2021 the race name was changed to recognise and honour the passing of Bill Tomlin.
Holding a special place in the hearts of the local harness racing community, what started as a way of honouring the memory of a young man with a bright future in harness racing, the BILL & GLENN TOMLIN MEMORIAL is now considered a feature race on the calendar.
For many years the Series has been generously supported by sponsors and prize donors who return year on year.
Who will be added to the honour roll in 2023?
Honour Role