Carbine Chemicals presents ‘Faces at the races’

IT’S highly-unlikely there would be a person within harness racing who does more ‘training’ than Patrick Tomkinson.

That’s because when Tomkinson’s not training his boutique stable, he’s at his job as a train driver.

Employed with Metro Trains for the past two decades, Tomkinson has held a trainer’s licence since December 2022.

Almost 12 months later, Tomkinson registered his maiden success when Hey Goyougoodthing scored in Melton.

Fast forward to three weeks ago and Tomkinson notched his maiden metropolitan win with Isolation.

“When I was younger I’d have an occasional bet with my father Luke and my Pop, Norm, owned a couple of horses when I was growing up, but before I met Kat (nee Mullan) I had nothing to do with horses at all.

“She was doing show and dressage and I wanted to be supportive of her equine world, so I decided to do some harness with her father Danny.

“Danny wasn’t keen at first, thinking I was just trying to impress his daughter, so I went to Robbie O’Connell’s and he, along with Zac Phillips, who is my second cousin, showed me some ground work.

“I caught the bug, and after I showed I was still interested, Kat said ‘find him a horse’ and I haven’t looked back.”

You’re allowed to take one thing to a deserted island, what would it be?
The right thing is my family (Kat and daughter Arabella)…so I don’t get in trouble.

What was your first job?
Barman

Name one thing in your life you will never do again?
Bodybuilding comp

Describe your perfect weekend…
Training a winner then enjoying it with the family

Your worst habit?
Can’t fix anything and don’t want to…I’m not handy with tools

Favourite TV show?
It’s always sunny in Philadelphia

Favourite film?
Dark Knight

Favourite drink?
Monster Ultra

Favourite food?
Chicken Parma

Name a food you can’t stomach…
Cauliflower

Favourite sports team?
Suppose it’s still the Tigers

Who is your most admired person?
Greg Sugars

Best horse you’ve been associated with?
Isolation, but Hes Themightyspin is my boy

First winner?
Hey Goyougoodthing on Novembr 29, 2023