Passion Will Never Fade For Former Darwin Trainer

Renowned former trainer Nev Conner is doing his best to settle into retirement in Darwin, but admits he will never be able to leave his old lifestyle behind him.

A year after announcing his retirement during the Darwin Cup Carnival, Conner admits he misses the racing atmosphere.

“I miss the company of the racing fraternity and I miss dealing with horses, but most of all I miss the whole environment,” said Connor.

The 81-year-old knew it was time to put an end to his successful career twelve months ago, giving him and his wife the chance to move up to Darwin from his previous training base in Alice Springs.

“Just like when I gave up motorbike riding many years ago, I knew it was time to give up horse training,” Conner said.

“I have always liked Darwin and although Bonnie and I loved our time in Alice, we didn’t really enjoy the cold weather.”

However, Conner is doing his best to ensure that his ties to horse racing are not broken; continuing to own two promising race horses that he leases to other trainers.

Faster Buster is currently taking part in an encouraging career in Melbourne while Disc Jockey recently finished second to the in-form High Finance in his first Darwin start.

Conners is hopeful that Disc Jockey will contest both the Darwin Guineas and NT Derby.

“Coming to Darwin for the Guineas and Derby was the plan after he won that weight-for-age race in Alice,” Connor said.

“High Finance is quality opposition, but Disc Jockey has already won over 1600m.”

While Conner continues to participate highly in the local racing industry, he now spends many of his days playing golf at the nearby Marrara Golf Club.

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