I worked for the railway in Woodville 1972 / 75. and part time grounds man for Eric Ropiha, Noel was just a naughty teenager then but already riding very well.I remember him riding 5 winners in a row at a Woodville meeting, last 3 on the 1st day and 1st 2 on the second. Brent Thomson married Erics daughter in that period. Bob Warrier ?? spelling, rode for John Harris, Noels Dad, on Bobs wedding day bob had 1 ride in the high weight, 1st of the day, all of Woodville was on it , they knew it was Bobs wedding present. No cameras back then. It won. Woodville had many good stables , trainers, jockeys, horse's back then . I could give my race book to the stable boys who rode track work all week and they would mark it for me, I made some handsome profits from place bets only, which was my game then..The TAB would hand write your tickets in triplicate using carbon paper between the 3 yellow sheets of paper.....remember. ??.
