He is a legend in his own time.
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Parkes born stalwart Bill Palmer is 'Mr Harness Racing', and it is doubtful that anyone would argue that in this part of the world, he owns and has earned that title.
This Sunday at the Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club, the second race is named in his honour to recognise his contribution to the industry - and the $8000 Forbes Inn Palmer Pace, for horses with a National Rating up to 55, is going to be one to remember for Palmer.
"It is very, very special to have a race named after me; I'm incredibly thankful that the Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club has recognised all the work I've done," he said at last Sunday's meeting in Forbes.
"I just love it; it's a wonderful community to be involved in and it's been that way the last 50 years - some things have changed generationally but all the people involved are still wonderful."
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Bill grew up in a family that was incredibly involved in the community so it was inevitable that he would make a significant contribution in his lifetime.
"I've been involved nearly my whole life in the harness racing industry and am still involved at board level.
"My first involvement began with my mum and dad from the punting side of things before we gradually began to get horses ourselves; training and breeding a couple of winners - which was a real thrill," Bill said.
He and the late Roy Ivey went into business together, firstly operating the Parkes Ampol Depot and later the Parkes Grain and Produce Store.
Bill, who has remained a bachelor, became involved in harness racing from a young age and when he was in his early 20's joined the Parkes Totting Owners & Trainers Association, becoming the Treasurer when the late Bob Thomas was President.
It was around 1967 when Bill was assisting in the running of the Tuesday night Trials and the then Secretary, the late Lofty Woodcock Senior stood down from that role.
Bill then took over as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association and for the next 42 years he ran the trials in a diligent and professional manner.
Working with the late Betty Muzyczuk from Radio Station 2PK, Bill was one of the driving forces behind the annual Charity Gymkhana which grew to become a huge event, raising thousands of dollars for the Far West Children's Health Scheme.
Such was the mystique of this special event, several celebrities of the time including prominent Sydney Media personalities, John Tapp and Ian Craig would entice many colleagues and top jockeys to travel to Parkes and participate in a celebrity driver's race which was a highlight.
Trotting Gymkhanas were popular events back in the day and if there was one on in the district, Bill would be there to help run them.
But one of two significant turning points in Bill's life occurred at a Forbes Gymkhana in the early 1970's when he was simply attending the day as a spectator.
The regular racecaller (believed to be the late Bobby Gunn) was a no show which left organisers in a quandary.
The late Allan (Pud) Woods, aware of Bill's passion for the sport, beckoned him to jump up on the old Bandstand and call the trot races and as they say, the rest is history for Bill.
"It's a funny story, I really did fall into race calling.
"I was just watching the races once day in 1971 as an interested punter, and then the regular race caller didn't turn up!
"They literally pushed me up into the broadcast box and told me to call the races that day and I called for another 40-50 years after that, so it's safe to say I love that aspect of the industry!
"It was love at first sight, race calling, and I'm so glad I got that amazing opportunity initially," Bill said.
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From there, Bill became a household name and was regarded as one of the best race callers Australia wide.
And to prove that he is all class, it was Bill himself who called time on his Race calling career when TAB racing was quickly replacing the non-TAB meetings throughout the area.
Bill felt that with the vast amount of traveling expected, it was time for someone younger to step up to the microphone which paved the way for Dubbo's Craig Easey to kick off his calling career.
The second life changing and unexpected challenge that was thrust upon Bill was when in 2009, after enjoying a night out at his beloved Harold Park Paceway, he experienced a mysterious medical episode while waiting for a Bus.
As luck had it, a Doctor was also waiting to travel home and there is no doubt his presence and quick attention saved Bill's life which was for a time "in the balance" at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Once he was well again, he was back his role as a Director of the Parkes Harness Racing Club and travelling around the district with the mobile barrier, helping all the Clubs wherever he could.
Today, at the age of 80, Bill chooses to take things a little steadier, but you will still find him at the Tuesday night trials and Parkes meetings.
He's there turning on the lights, and letting the horses on and off the track and rarely misses a meeting.
For Bill, his longevity in the industry comes down to one thing.
"The lifestyle kept me sticking around; it's the amazing people and horses you get to meet," Bill said.
Like many in the trots fraternity would attest, there are a few characters in the industry; but one in particular stands out for Bill.
"I've met a few interesting characters in my time in the industry, and Clarrie Robb (who had a Memorial race named after him at last Sunday's meeting) was right up there - he is a very funny man.
"He was an incredible horseman, like all the Robbs are, and he did a lot for the industry in Forbes."
Forbes president Lex Crosby, with a glint in his eye, is very happy that Bill is able to have a race named after him.
"I said to Geoff (Cole, Parkes president) in front of Bill, when he dies, you're gonna name a memorial race for him aren't you?" he said.
"We then decided it would be nicer for him to enjoy a race while he was alive, so with the help of sponsor Forbes Inn, it will be Palmer-giana season this Sunday!"
It is just a small token of appreciation for what William Michael Palmer has given to the sport and something he justly deserves.
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