Malcolm Bull decided a few years ago that it was time to find a hobby to enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of working life.
As a youngster he’d loved harness racing and worked in stables here in Australia and New Zealand, so it was decided to take the plunge and invest in a standardbred.
That eventually led to the Kiwi native taking out his training and driving licence in 2021 and working the odd horse in his spare time.
And after 35 starters without success, a little-known mare named Cee Cee Norman bobbed up at Geelong on Wednesday night to give the 59-year-old his first victory.
Bull gave driving duties to top reinsman Greg Sugars, but was “rapt” to claim his maiden win as a trainer and owner when the seven-year-old darted along the sprint lane to take out the Neil Richmond Distinguished Service Pace.
She trailed leader and favourite Good Feelings from barrier one and then sprinted best to score by a head on the line.
“You put in a lot of time and effort and these horses are like my children,” Bull said.
“I love the animal. When you’re a new trainer and you put the effort in and get rewarded like the win last night, it’s the best feeling ever.
“I’m a battler, mate. I get the lower-rated ones and you’ve got to look after them and treat them right.”
Bull, who works full time as a trainer and assessor for heavy vehicles, races the mare with his wife Gayle and prepares her from Dwaine Rumble’s property in Mt Cottrell.