“Paul’s racing knowledge was second to none and he travelled the world visiting all the famous racetracks. He was always keen to share his knowledge with others.” Brian Toye, Rothwell, Queensland.
The passing of Paul Conners appeared in the “Your Column” in “Winning Post” recently from Toye and rekindled memories of a racing tour 28 years back with Peter Harney’s Ambassador Travel.
Conners and wife Marion were in a group of racing enthusiasts with an abiding fascination for the turf over a journey that extended from Epsom Downs for the English Derby, Chantilly in France, The Curragh, and back to Royal Ascot.
The team included “Flash Ned” Holgate, similarly statured and attired to Hollywood George, “Fast Eddie” who set every airport alarm alight with his working boots, steel toed and fashioned for heavy labour, Denis Drewe, the “Big D” from Melbourne, Peter Whealy, then Dubbo’s leviathan bookmaker, Bill Rose, an outback trainer, unassuming until he hit bush betting rings, as well as Norma Cook, vibrant Norma, wife of trainer Keith Cook. And “Moulin Rouge Allan” who joined us in Paris, adding a dash of culture.
“Flash Ned” from Coogee, earned his pile as a bookmaker’s clerk, SP and Harold Park with Charlie Clarton while “Fast Eddie” had an impeccable knowledge of the stock market and jazz to match racing.
And few could rival the “Big D’s” passion for the punt. Whealy survived in western New South Wales when betting ring giants, Noel Teys and Hilary Cohen, wouldn’t blink if the Hong Tiger wanted to speculate. Rose had a knowing eye for a thoroughbred, handy in the parade ring before an event during the tour.
Perhaps Cook was the veteran, but the last person standing at the bar every night. She nearly missed the flight in Singapore but that’s another story.
Later the “Big D” distinguished himself with a full-throated demonstration after Frankie Dettori slaughter at Flemington, but abroad we all were on our best behaviour. The “Big D” really trimmed up at Chantilly, my nomination for a horse heaven, although “Flash Ned” voted for Royal Ascot, returning to the bus in content that couldn’t be matched.
Paris had its lapses. “I’ve been barbered,” cried “Fast Eddie” one morning before breakfast with his wharfie term for getting robbed.
Room invaders, too, had plundered me and others. But seeing in the dawn at a Paris jazz club where Whealy distinguished himself with a lass from the Australian Consulate, more than made up for it.
Meanwhile “Moulin Rouge Allan”, roommate of “Flash Ned” in the vogue of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matheau’s “The Odd Couple” had a suit, cut to his own design by a tailor, stolen prior to his attendance at the famed cabaret. “Moulin Rouge Allan” supported ballet, classical Sydney Opera House, with the same fervour as “Flash Ned” had for the Rabbitohs.
He found a replacement for the site of high kicks and still would take out a best dressed prize at Randwick and Rosehill Saturdays.
Alas “Flash Ned” is now discussing the form with Paul Conners and Norma Cook at another location, but contributed to an outstanding experience when the people matched the racing.
Conners was the son of Queenie Paul, OAM, a title she gained on the vaudeville stage. She was still performing in her mid-80’s. The Wiggles are great nephews of Conners, who had the family polish.
Amongst the comradery, the laughter, jokes, and when the conversation settled on racing, the horses, jockeys and trainers, bookmakers and characters the mutual intrigue was evident.
Conners was the voice of reason, obvious subsequently in his submissions to “Your Column” from which enlightenment was gained.
Until more recent decades I’d see Paul, who lived in Brisbane, at Eagle Farm. But he dropped off The Stradbroke meeting as I did.
Since 1978 under the guidance of Peter Harney, Ambassador Travel has been responsible for hundreds of racing tours, from my experience cultivating superb memories.
When it came to the turf, Paul Conners, “Flash Ned”, “Fast Eddie”, Norma Cook and the others put me in my place: a tabloid hack.
