N B Holland OBE

Karyn and I were really sad to learn yesterday that Norm Holland had passed away. I first met Norm in 1973 when I played golf with him at Mt Maunganui. Norm loved his golf and was pretty good at it too, deadly around the green and straight up the middle with his drive. He was one of our really great jockeys through the 1960's and won three Jockeys' Premiership riding just on 1000 winners.

After he retired from riding Norm was the riding master at the Auckland Apprentice School where he took a huge interest in all apprentices and even after he retired from that job he continued as the jockey liaison officer at all the northern racing venues. Norm was one of these guys to whom nothing was a problem, he was always ready to help with anything that was needed around the jockeys' room and he loved a winning tip.

He was a real people-person and each winter he would always take his wife Myrna to Honolulu for 3 or 4 weeks. A perfect day for Norm was having a swim in the morning and then heading off to play golf where he had some pretty impressive golfing pals. He often came and had drinks with us and most years we would have dinner together at his favourite restaurant, Michael's in Diamond Head.

I found it fascinating listening to Norm talking about racing in the 1940's, 50's and 60's and hearing his view on the great legends of the turf. I remember about 20 years ago when Mark Walker and I were in Honolulu on our way home from Europe and Norm and Myrna came and had dinner with us. Mark was just fascinated to hear Norm's great stories from a wonderful period of racing in New Zealand.

He was a true gentleman; always immaculately dressed and was a really passionate supporter of the thoroughbred industry. Norm will be sadly missed but always remembered.