Lochie Marshall – A club man through and through
Harness racing stalwart Lochie Marshall is being remembered as a tireless worker for the industry.
Born “Lachlan MacArthur Marshall” he died in his home town of Geraldine this week after a battle with Leukaemia.
He had a long association with the sport, as a race-caller, trainer, and administrator. He was a past president and life member of the Geraldine Trotting Club, which is currently celebrating its 150th year.
“He was part of the club’s fabric,” says current Geraldine president Mark Weaver, “the sort that makes every club stick together.”
“As a builder his skills were handy …… and the number of trials and work-outs he organised, well god knows how many.”
As a commentator Marshall was described as a “chanter” and he was a regular at racetracks and on the airwaves. He called his first races in 1964 as a 19 year old and while South Canterbury and Central Otago were his most common gigs, he did have stints further afield at Forbury Park, Hutt Park and Riccarton.
He commentated until the early nineties, about the same time he started training winners.
He had 13 wins from 196 starters, exclusively with trotters. His most successful association was with Missie Castleton. She has had 81 starts for six wins and $62,701 in stakes.
Marshall trained her up until his deteriorating health forced him to transfer her to other stables.
Harness Racing New Zealand says “Lochie was very well known and very respected throughout the industry and his craft will be sadly missed by all.”
