Norman hopes for 80th birthday present

Veteran trainer Harold Norman hopes to put the icing on his 80th birthday cake by giving jockey Rikki Palmer her first city winner since her comeback.

Norman and Palmer will combine with tough gelding Lucky Tom in the Kartaway Open (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.

Palmer, who was apprenticed to Norman, has only been back riding for three weeks after a two-year break.

Norman turned 80 last Saturday and provided Palmer with her first winner back on Casino Evil at the Gold Coast.

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“It was a nice birthday present and good for Rikki to get a comeback win.” Norman said.

“Now for Saturday. Lucky Tom is Rikki’s favourite horse so it would be celebrations all round if he can win.”

Norman has always had a big opinion of Lucky Tom and Palmer rode him when he was unplaced in the 2014 Caulfield Guineas.

“He has had his share of problems but his first-up third at the Gold Coast was good and he has won four times at Doomben.”