By Jordan Gerrans
The colours that Neville Peoples made famous through the Central West for decades made a profound impact at Caloundra on Sunday just hours after the revered horseman passed away.
Peoples – or known as ‘Nocka’ throughout the bush – was a Birdsville and Townsville Cup-winning trainer in his heyday.
Nocka passed on the training touch to his son David who has handed it to his son Louis.
Louis now trains in partnership with his mother Kristie Clark at the Sunshine Coast.
At 93 years of age and having battled ill health for some time, the Peoples clan made the quick decision last week to change the racing colours of one of their gallopers to the silks used by Nocka’s horses when he was still training.
It was decided that Persevere would carry Nocka’s colours – red, white and black diagonals with a black cap – on Sunday at the provincial meeting.
The respected and popular racing identity passed away early on Sunday morning.
With top hoop Jim Byrne in the saddle, Persevere did the rest in Benchmark 65 Handicap grade to deliver a heartfelt victory for the entire family.
Caller Josh Fleming – who hails from Barcaldine – made special mention of the late conditioner as Persevere got the money on Sunday.
“That one is for Nocka,” Fleming said.
“Persevere has won by two and a half. That will be a highly emotional win that one, Persevere. In the colours of Nocka.”