The Annual Horse of the Year Awards were held at Globe Derby Park last night with the winner of the 4 year old or older pacers category and social media identity COME ON FRANK taking out the top honour, Horse of the Year. Part owner, Jodie Billinger gave an emotional speech about the importance of Come on Frank in their lives and how he has touched the lives of strangers. MC Gary Newton commented that Come on Frank had brought people back to the races.
The Nevada Smoke Award for Special Achievement was presented to long term Port Pirie Harness Racing stalwart, Neville Thomson. Neville has decades of experience in the Port Pirie harness racing industry, originally joining the Committee at 17 years old. For the past 18 years, Neville has teamed with Club President, Mick Darling providing leadership to the successful Club. A humbled winner and truly honoured to receive the special achievement award.
Top honours for Broodmare of the Year went to ARATUSA LASS whose progeny include King Crocker and 2015 Interdominion finalist, Major Crocker.
The emotional and reflective part of the evening was the announcement of a new award for 2015/16. The Jim Hurley Medal. A panel of three members vote weekly for the trainer or driver who has performed consistently at a high level throughout the racing season. Guests at the event dinner included Jim’s wife Nancy, his sister Betty, son Robert, grandson Mathew and daughter-in-law Glynis. The room was silent while everyone viewed the Living Legends Youtube video that Jim participated in some years earlier for the City of Salisbury. A true gentleman of the sport now immortalised with this highly sought after award.
The Horse of the Year Awards provides an opportunity for all associations to come together. Awards were presented by the South Australian Reinswomen Association (SARA), Square Trotters Association (STA), the SA Pony Trots, BOTRA, the South Australian Harness Racing Club (SAHRC) and Harness Racing SA (HRSA).
Congratulations to all the winners.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
