The Tom and Angela Hewitt Memorial Race Day is an opportunity to honour pioneers of the districts modern harness racing tradition and enjoy the colourful exciting spectacle.

Harness racing has long been a part of the Goulburn/ Crookwell district and the Hewitt name is one of those synonymous with the industry.

Tom Hewitt was born at Crookwell in 1933 and although harness racing was a side line for his father Harold, it would eventually become Tom’s passion.

A devout Catholic man, he married Angela Talty in 1956 and on the family property ‘Karamia’ at Lost River they raised four children; Mark, David, Bernie and Jenna.

All four have followed Tom’s example and in their own way have contributed to the harness racing industry of this State.

For many years Tom was a grazier dealing primarily with cattle and sheep but during the late 70’s his focus switched to harness racing. Karamea Value was Tom’s first quality horse and the family and their friends travelled regularly to compete with him.

Later on the horse became the first stallion to stand stud at ‘Karamia’ enjoying moderate success. The arrival of King Rancio, a precocious young horse provided Tom with a top grade pacer who was successful at Harold Park as a 2, 3 and 4yo, setting several race records.

The Hilarious Way stallion won many races throughout NSW and then at stud went on to produce numerous high quality performers including Pretty Sassy, King Servente, Taketa and Dean Adam to name a few.

As King Rancio entered retirement, the outstanding Nikalong Shadow was born in 1984 and would go on to take all before him, propelling Tom and the family onto the Grand Circuit.

The ‘Country Champ’ competed against the very best and as a 4yo qualified for the 1989 Inter Dominion Grand Final at Perth.

Later he also would stand stud at ‘Karamia’ producing many good quality race horses.

Tom’s success as a trainer and stud master continued for many years and he and Angela enjoyed much success during the ensuing years.

As the family grew older and each of their children moved away to establish their own careers, Tom and Angela continued with the family business.

Tom’s propensity to help his neighbour was well known and he would often assist those in need, particularly when horses were involved.

Following the turn of the century things may have slowed a little at ‘Karamia’ but Tom’s desire to train and breed horses never waned, but unfortunately his life was cut short in January 2009.

Tom passed away suddenly at ‘Karamia’ and he left in place a rich legacy of not only horsemanship but of strong Christian and family values.

Angela Hewitt passed away in December 2014 at Viewhaven Lodge, Crookwell.

Tom and Angela’s children and grandchildren have gone on to considerable success in the sport.

Mark, David and Bernie are very successful trainers based in Grenfell, Goulburn and Bathurst respectively.

Tom and Angela’s only daughter Jenna is the mother of Dennis Picker (of Bigga) who has been enjoying great success the last few years.

His best horses are Condagen and Just Cala.

Other grandchildren to make their way in the sport include David Hewitt’s boys Brad, Scott and Sam.

They are all very accomplished drivers and Brad is now making his mark as a trainer.

His best horses are Spare Me Days and Sweet Molly O’Shea.

Bernie’s daughter Gemma is also a successful trainer and an administrator with the Bathurst Harness Racing Club.

While the Tom and Angela Hewitt Memorial is our main race next Sunday, March 8, other feature races with historic significance include the following:

1. tab.com.au Goulburn Sapling Stakes (for the 2yo pacers) – the Sapling Stakes at Goulburn was the first Sapling Stakes conducted in NSW and is a significant part of Goulburn’s harness racing history.

2. Walla Walla Stakes (for C4 and better pacers) – Walla Walla is one of the immortals of Australian harness racing and was buried on the track following his death in 1952.

Goulburn Paceway is at the Recreation Area on the Braidwood Road and race goers can watch the action from the new air conditioned comfort of the lounge in front of the winning post.