With the sad passing of Noel just eight days prior, his family have been trying to pick up the pieces and for his long-time partner Helen Miller, the win broke a 5-year spell from the winner's circle for the pair. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who wasn't helping drive the six-year-old gelding home, with the win meaning so much to the family.
Rollyourown was given to Miller and Hughes earlier in the year by close family friend, Rob Bartlett after he sadly lost his wife Trish in the new year, and has been racing in very consistent form since joining the Northam-based stable.
Driven by Hayden Charles, the duo went down narrowly the week prior at Kellerberrin, but Charles went into Saturday nights race confident they could get the job done.
"Noel's family and friends were there before the race to wish us well,
"I was confident the horse would run well after his fast finishing second at Kellerberrin on May 7,
"Knowing that Noel was instrumental in bringing the sprint lane to the Northam Harness Racing Club, it was brilliant to win on it,
"I was overcome with emotion as I crossed the finishing line in first place knowing that Noel was looking down on us all and cheering Rolly home." Hayden Charles said.
A family man, and dedicated horseman, Noel's story in harness racing began as a child, with his father Allan owning shares in both gallopers and pacers in the Goldfields.
Hughes moved to Perth in 1978 to work for Lou Austin, getting to experience real life harness horse royalty in San Simeon who was trained by Austin as Milson Lodge, a time that Hughes' family mention that he thoroughly treasured.
Moving back to Kalgoorlie, Hughes took up training and on June 6, 1984, he prepared his first winner with Astro Trunkey at Wagin with Trevor Warwick on board. Noel went onto to train winners, including Upwardly Mobile NZ, Woodlea Reigns NZ and in town .
Working as track curator at his home grounds, Noel was the driving force behind the first sprint lane being introduced to WA, at none other than Cruikshank Sports Arena (Golden Mile Trotting Track).
Helen and Noel eventually made the move to Northam around a decade or so ago, where Noel took up a position on the committee at the Northam Harness Racing Club, became Vice President of the club, as well as working as the track Curator soon after, becoming an integral part of getting the sprint lane in Northam, which Noel built himself.
Noel's family made mention that his favourite horses over the years were his beloved Big Bang Theory as well as Consuming Passions who unfortunately was plagued with a string of tendon issues.
Max, as he's affectionately known is still standing at their Northam home.
Noel Hughes' funeral will be held on Saturday, 27th of May at 1.00pm at the Northam Harness Racing Club, with the family welcoming all to farewell the beloved father and friend to many.
