By Duane Ranger
Waikato harness racing stalwarts Luk Chin and John/Colleen Butcher stole the limelight at the annual North Island Harness Racing Awards at Alexandra Park last Saturday night.
Twenty two awards were up for grabs at the annual function sponsored by A Rocknroll Hanover, but it was the Waikato trio which won the two most prestigious prizes on offer.
Chin won the ‘Racing Achievement Award’ while the Butcher husband and wife duo were presented with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Harness Racing Award’.
One of the organisers of the 2016 prize-giving ceremony, Raelene Balle said Chin notched up more than $100,000 in stakes for the first time in his training career.
“Luk also drove his 100th winner this season. He nearly reached $100,000 in stakes as a driver also. Not bad for a hobby trainer. He has long involvement in harness racing and his stats year on year have got better and better.
“Luk is a workaholic who manages to train his horses every day and still practice as a Doctor. His award is very well deserved,” Balle said.
Her organising committee were also delighted to the Butcher award.
“John’s health is not great and with this in mind, Michael Guerin filmed interview with John and Colleen at their home in Cambridge and awarded presented them with their trophy.
“John was so excited and David told me afterward he was absolutely stoked and Colleen was blown away.
“They are probably the largest family currently involved in North Island harness racing and it all started from trainer/driver John.
“Colleen has always been actively involved also with Kids Kartz and at Cambridge Raceway of late, let alone their progeny and their achievements. Colleen is all about family and has been the rock of the family over the years.
“There was a lovely quote from David Butcher (quoting his father) …. ‘I have never won anything in my life.’ That was gold,” Balle said.
The Female Racing Achievement Award was also presented mid-way through the evening. It was sponsored by Merv and Meg Butterworth of Australia and won by Lin Neal.
The Pacer and Trotter-of-the-Year Awards were won by Have Faith In me and Speeding Spur respectively.
The fill list of winners were:
Auckland Harness Trust Premier Cadet Award: Mark Johnson
Dunstan Amateur Driver: Cheree Wigg
Premier Horse Transport Groom: Nathan Delany
Magness Video Ltd / Vid – Com Ltd Licence to train/owner-trainer: Tim Vince
Mitavite Junior Driver: Kyle Marshall
PGGW 2 year old colt or gelding: Vasari
PGGW 2 year old filly: Partyon
Breckon Farms 2 year old Trotter: Heavyweight Hero
Breckon Farms 3 year old Trotter; Temporale
Crombie Lockwood Bloodstock 3 year old colt: Shandale
Crombie Lockwood Bloodstock 3 year old filly: Arden’s Choice
Merv and Meg Butterworth Female Racing Accomplishment Award: Lyn Neal
Garrards Horse and Hound Owners: Stonewall Stud
Caduceus Club Filly/Mare: Dream About Me
NISBA Breeder: Woodlands Stud
IRT Driver: Josh Dickie
Veterinary Associates Equine and Farm Trainer: Steve Telfer and Chris Garlick
Veterinary Associates Equine and Farm Broodmare: Scuse Me
Woodlands Stud Stallion: Bettor’s Delight
HRNZ Trotter of the Year Speeding Spur
Auckland Trotting Club Pacer: Have Faith In Me
Sir Lincoln at Lincoln Farms Racing Achievement Award: Luk Chin
A Rocknroll Dance Alabar/Nevele R Stud Outstanding Contribution to Harness Racing: John and Colleen Butcher.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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