Racing: Veteran honoured

Two things you don't do with Norm Holland - guess his age or play golf with him.

Norm was every bit as fierce on the golf course (and still is) as he was riding a thoroughbred on his way to winning three national premierships during a 32-year career.

But as wonderful as his golf and race-riding achievements have been, it was for his services to racing in general that last night saw him bestowed with life membership of the Auckland Racing Club.

Holland, in his 80s and looking not a day over 70, has been a wonderful jockey advocate since his retirement in 1974.

He was Riding Master at the Auckland apprentice school for 17 years and his raceday duties of organising riders in the Auckland and Waikato have been significant.

Club chairman Lyn Stevens, in making the presentation, said: "Norm is a special person and the honour of life membership is a fitting tribute to the services he has provided to racing clubs for over 30 years."

Holland recalled last night that at the age of 13 he was sent home by his first boss after six months because at just 27.5kg he was too light to be a jockey. Two years later he was finally accepted as an apprentice and rode more than 900 winners.

Asked to single out one particular horse, Holland said: "I've always had affection for Syntax. I rode him 16 times for 14 wins."