Tormey’s career year ends with a bang

Ellen Tormey rounded off a memorable year with a winning treble at Bendigo’s Saturday night (Dec. 30) meeting.

The win on Paris Jamilla (Majestic Son) in the final event concluded Tormey’s career-best season of 160 wins, eclipsing last season’s tally of 133 wins.

Earlier in the night Tormey maintained her unbeaten record on rejuvenated mare Niki Nah Nah (Captaintreacherous), who is unbeaten in five starts since joining the Julie Douglas stable five weeks ago.

Tormey, who produced a gem of a drive, said Niki Nah Nah races better than her track work suggests.

“She is an easy horse to drive at the races but you don’t expect her to win on what she does at home,” Tormey said.

Tormey also won with Earl Of Pembroke (Washington VC) in the opener.

The 33-year-old Tormey achieved a significant milestone in the sulky when she notched up her 1000th career win after steering Paris Abbie to victory at Melton in October.

A graduate of the pony trots circuit, Tormey admits she didn’t envisage a long term future in the sulky after outdriving her claim 10 years ago.

“I thought I would struggle without a claim and that my career would probably just fizzle out,” she said.

However, Tormey’s penchant for hard work combined with her sublime skills behind the reins ensured a successful transition to the senior driving ranks in Victoria.

Tormey though had an alternative career path to fall back on in the form of university degrees in both Marketing and Human Resources.

“I’m glad I have managed to make a go of harness racing because I hated uni,” she said.

In 2014 Tormey was awarded the Leigh Plunkett Scholarship which included six weeks honing her schools with leading stables in the US and Canada.

On her return Tormey secured a job with Garrards Horse & Hound however she found it difficult to juggle her burgeoning race driving commitments with work.

“I was just getting too busy driving all over the state including Mildura,” she said.

Tormey has been a prolific visitor to the winner’s stall at Mildura in recent years.

“I reckon I’ve driven for just about every stable up there, been sacked and then put back on again,” she said.

Tormey attributes her achievement in chalking up three consecutive century of winners to the support she has received from the Douglas stable.

“I’m lucky that I have had regular drives for Glenn and Julie and that has progressed to driving better horses,” she said.

While Tormey has reached 1051 career wins, she is yet to land that elusive  Group 1 win.

“I have been beaten by a short half head in two or three Group 1s, so I’m hoping a win in one isn’t too far away,” she said.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink