What’s Your Oakbank Story? David and Tom Haylock
The Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival has been a fixture in the lives of countless families from across Australia for many years. David and Tom Haylock, originally from Adelaide but now living in Melbourne, epitomise the way in which the annual pilgrimage to the Hills track has an immoveable place on many social and racing calendars, no matter how life’s circumstances change.
David first came to Oakbank in 1978, and has been back every year since. “It’s a great spectacle and unique on the racing calendar,” he says, “and we really enjoy the whole carnival and picnic atmosphere.” He has continued to come to the Carnival annually even after moving to Melbourne in 1999. “We drive over on Thursday night and get up to the track early on Saturday morning so we can take up our regular place immediately opposite the last steeplechase hedge at the bottom of the hill, and walk the track.”
Tom’s association with Oakbank has, according to David, been even more long-lasting: “He first came in utero, so you could say he’s been here every year of his life!”
A racing journalist who appears on Radio TAB on Tuesday and Friday mornings and whose work you can read online at www.thetrialfiles.com, Tom’s first memories of Oakbank involve riding the bus that runs from behind the Members’ stand up to the first fence, as well as lots of big days out with school mates and friends. His great affection for the Carnival has remained: “I’m sure going to Oakbank every year since I was born has helped grow and develop my passion for the industry,” says Tom.
The pair have many shared memories of epic races and great horses over the years they’ve attended Oakbank, with Kiwi chaser Tobouggie Nights (winner of the both the Von Doussa and Great Eastern Steeplechases in 2012) a particular favourite. Unsurprisingly, both David and Tom are great supporters of jumps racing, with Tom explaining, “Oakbank is a big positive for SA jumps racing, with its timing and proximity to Warrnambool. It’s also good to see how safety has improved dramatically in recent years.”
David and Tom are already getting prepared to make their way to Oakbank this year, with 2017 being an extra special occasion because Easter Saturday coincides with David’s 62nd birthday. Everyone at Oakbank Racing Club hopes to see them both continuing to enjoy regular trips to visit us for many years to come.
