Vale Norm McCloy

Well known Victorian owner-breeder Norm McCloy was farewelled in Bendigo today after his passing at the age of 70.

Norm loved his harness racing and had been involved in the sport for over 40 years, owning, racing and breeding standarbreds since the 1980s after having both gallopers and greyhounds previously.

His first horse was Truscott Boy, then came the likes of Bonamax, Please Don’t Tease, Lobell Fella and Nakita Bay, who he raced in partnership with wife Margaret (pictured with Norm).

Many carried the ‘Whata’ prefix – including Whata Avenue, Whata Roller, Whata Journey, Whata Challenge, Whata Escape, Whata Shaw Thing and Whata Punt – and were either raced or leased. At one stage, 120 of his stock were racing.

Norm had broodmares, stallions and foals in what was a giant operation.

He also had shares in stallions Art Major, Roll With Joe, Rocknroll Heaven and Sportswriter.

The horses were spread around many trainers over the years, including John McMullen, Trevor Hillson, Mattie Craven and John McDermott, and even Sydney race caller/conditioner John Tapp was involved.

Norm was most passionate about the harness industry and enjoyed so many happy and wonderful moments, with Margaret, daughters Julie, Kylie, Sally and Katie, and 13 grandchildren watching his stock race.

And Katie is following in her Dad’s footsteps. She is putting together a small team and has obtained her C grade driver’s license, with hopes to soon obtain a trainer’s ticket.

There won’t be any more ‘Whata’ horses coming on the scene as the prefix has now changed to ‘O’tara’, an affectionate name given to Katie by her father.

Norm will be missed by many and has left a big hole to fill in harness racing circles.

Harness Racing Victoria extends its sincere sympathy and condolences to the McCloy family.

by Len Baker, for Harness Racing Victoria