By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
Palmerston North trainer John Gommans had a celebratory drink or two after bringing up his 50th training success.
But just not with the tipple you’d expect.
A purchase off gavelhouse for $1500, Whiskey On The Rocks was one of three winners for driver Nathan Delany at Tauherenikau on January 2.
“I must admit it was special – my first ever win was emotional”
“And that win was special too.”
And how did he celebrate?
“Not with a whiskey – I’m not a whiskey fan – it was a rum on the rocks though!”
A self-employed concrete contractor, Gommans has been training horses on and off since the 1980s. He got into it after striking up a friendship with fellow trainer Don Burrows, who was living in the Manawatu at the time.
Coincidentally the now North Canterbury-based Burrows brought up his 50th training success in December at Addington with Noah Magnific.
“He got me into it and we’ve been going side by side ever since – so to do 50 just after him is pretty cool.”
Gommans’ first win was with Pernod’s Image who started out with Roy and Barry Purdon. That win was at Hutt Park in 1990.
Among his best horses have been Clapton “who gave me my first Auckland win” in September 1997 and J C Superstar (7 wins), Lord of the Night (5 wins) and Eastwood Dubh (7 wins).
His most successful seasons wins wise were the seven victories he had in 1999 and 2000.
“It’s never been my livelihood, more of a hobby.”
“And I’ve had a lot of support along the way. Especially from the likes of Stephen Doody. He used to drive for me a lot back in the day and I’m so appreciative of the help he’s given us.”
For a decade or so Gommans opted out of the sport. At the same time his family focused on greyhound racing and he only got back involved after his son Mark became interested in the sport.
He’s got his stablehand licence and Gommans expects him to “take over one day” as a trainer in his own right.
These days Gommans senior has only two horses in work, Whiskey On The Rocks and one-race winner Rocknroydon, and is also educating two Sweet Lou two-year-olds.
His two pacers will most likely next be seen at Hawera’s big meetings on February 3 and 5, with Gommans hoping it won’t be too long before he’s toasting to more success.
