Maurice Francis Tancred Holmes (10 November 1908 – 7 July 1998), commonly known as Morrie Holmes, was a driver of
standardbred
The Standardbred is an American horse breed best known for its ability in harness racing where they compete at either a trot or pace. Developed in North America, the Standardbred is recognized worldwide, and the breed can trace its bloodline ...
racehorses in New Zealand. He was associated with many champions and was a leading driver of harness horses in New Zealand. His father
Free Holmes was also a driving legend.
Owing to his skill, Holmes was known as "the Maestro". As at 1998, he was the most successful reinsman in the history of trotting of New Zealand dating back to the 1860s. He drove 1666 winners and amassed $2,054,555 in stake money over 49 years.
His long career lasted from 1925 to 1974, and a career spanning 44 years at the top. On his last night at the
Alexandra Park Raceway, he drove four winners from eight starters. As of 2014 Maurice Holmes still holds the record for the most Driving Premiership wins as he won his 18th title in his final year of driving in 1974. He also holds the record for the most wins in the group 1
New Zealand Trotting Derby with 11 outright victories and one dead heat. Holmes also became the first driver to win two
Inter Dominion pacing grand finals winning with Pot Luck in 1938 and Vedette in 1951.
In the
1975 New Year Honours
The New Year Honours 1975 were appointments in many of the Commonwealth realms of Queen Elizabeth II to various orders and honours to reward and highlight good works by citizens of those countries. They were announced on 1 January 1975 to celebr ...
, Holmes was appointed an
Officer of the Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding valuable service in a wide range of useful activities. It comprises five classes of awards across both civil and military divisions, the most senior two o ...
, for services to New Zealand trotting.
See also
*
Harness racing in New Zealand
Harness racing in New Zealand is primarily a professional sport which involves pacing and trotting competitions for Standardbred racehorses. The difference is the horse's gait or running style:
* pacing is where the two legs on the same side ...
References
External links
Racing History - Maurice Holmes
1908 births
1998 deaths
New Zealand harness racers
New Zealand Officers of the Order of the British Empire
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