farlap, never went to Woodville races, if I remember right the barrier was more important there more horses for courses also local horses always picked up afew ??went to Awapuni abit where Noel and Eric ended up , yes Noel was a character, Chris Johnson is another of my old favs wonderfully balanced rider but abit naughty , M Walker to lot of trainers round the area swear by him.
I see there is a Ropiha training in Toowoomba I dont know if there is any connection ?