
Norman was left with a temporary reminder of his 200th win as a trainer from his trotting mare Steve.
Steve made the most of a drop in grade to score a penalty-free win with junior driver Oliver Kite.
Steve clearly was feeling sprightly after her victory as she handed Norman an accidental post-race head butt, which left him sporting a battle scar.
Although the trotter brought strong form to yesterday’s race, Norman did not go into the event over-confident.
"I didn’t really expect to win. Dem Bones Dem Bones, who beat us last week, was 10m in front of us today," Norman said. "But it was good; Ollie did a good job with her."
Steve is raced by George and Joan Martin and Jennie Wilson, who have contributed plenty of victories to Norman’s 200-win tally.
"Their first 12 horses with me have all been winners. Harleen Quinzel is number 13, so I have a bit of work to do with her yet."
The Norman family have made a substantial contribution to southern harness racing over many decades.
Norman trained at Gore for many years before moving to The Catlins and then returning to the Eastern Southland region.
"It has been entertaining, I suppose. So long as I have got the horses, I don’t care where I am."
Moving from her home base has been a key factor in Tomlinson building up to her 100th win as a driver.
The junior reinswoman completed the feat driving the Brad Williamson-trained Classic Mission yesterday.
Tomlinson has been based in Oamaru for several seasons, and she has built her success under the tutelage of the Williamson family.
"It has been great. Brad has given me a lot of opportunities.
"It helps that they all drive and have been able to give me a lot of advice.
"Matty is my mentor. We talk a lot about the form and he helps me a lot.
"But he’s the first one to tell me if I have made a mistake, which is good.
"Phil has helped me a lot, too. I think he gave me six winners in my first year in Oamaru."