Episode 268: Norm Lang

John Tapp Racing

It’s now twelve years since Norm Lang put away the harness and hopples for the last time. The game of bowls now commands his full attention.

The eighty five year old has vivid memories of his exciting journey with Steel Jaw- the $5000 horse he took from a maiden pace to a NZ Cup in a very short time. He covers the whole Steel Jaw story, and for trots fans it’s riveting listening.

Norm takes us back to his days as an Ampol agent at Mittagong, and his introduction to trotting by local trainer George Walton.

He remembers his first winning drive at Canowindra and the near accident before he even left the parade yard.

The veteran horseman recalls his purchase of a broodmare and the success he had with her two foals.

Norm pays tribute to a select group of horses who took him to a prominent spot on the Harold Park trainer’s ladder.

He talks about the reputation he enjoyed of being able to keep horses up for long periods of time.

Norm quit race driving in the 1991/92 season but continued to train for another 17 years. He explains the reason for that surprise decision.

Sounding much younger than his 85 years, Norm Lang reviews a very rewarding career.