WAY BACK WEDNESDAY!
A fitting Way Back Wednesday this week, as we host our Members Night here on Friday night, with Family of League, (formerly Men of League) joining us. With an image of the late John ‘Macka’ McMartin: NRL legend and local Harness Racing Driver, Trainer, and Breeder.
The first image is an absolute gem from our NHRC museum’s archives. Obtained by us from Peter Witcom, thank you Peter! We have also included two images found via today’s sources.
With respects, our picture, is of John McMartin driving at the former Newcastle Paceway, in the lates 70’s. The horse: CANDYS BROTHER, driven by John McMartin, with trainer: Peter Sullivan. John had great success as a trainer, driver, and breeder of harness racers, and trained over 70 winners. Including his 2005 winning drive on Krysta in the Franco/Australian Trotters Final at Harold Park.
John, also, had a profound passion for rugby league. Well known amongst his peers, the former Parramatta Eels and Cronulla Sharks hooker played 167 appearances for the Eels (1967-75) and 92 games for Cronulla (1976-79). He also played one game for New South Wales in 1975 and was an integral member of the Cronulla team that made its way through to the Grand Final in 1978.
As mentioned, this is a fitting #WBW as Family of League (FOL) joins us once again! Family of League have been conducting fundraising race nights for many years. The NHRC connection with FOL developed originally when former CEO Ross Gigg (ex-Penrith Panthers Player) was the local president of Men of League, at the time. The current committee president, Garry Leo (former Balmain Tigers great) and Peter Corcoran (former NSWRL Administrator) continue the association with our Club as a respect to the late Ross Gigg. We also thank West’s Group for their sponsorship of the Ross Gigg Memorial held of this Friday, Family of League Night.
What a great time in Harness Racing! Which NRL footy stars do you remember that were connected to harness racing? From the late greats of John McMartin and John Sattler to present day.
Source’s from today’s WBW came from Harness Racing NSW article (Content
& image): https://www.hrnsw.com.au/news/1991/vale-john-macka and The Cumberland Throw Article: https://thecumberlandthrow.com/.../remembering-john.../ .
