by Graeme White
TRAINER Shane Hillier and driver Blake Jones each took home two of the awards at the Wagga and Southwest & Riverina presentation evening on Saturday.
Hillier and Jones claimed the trainer and driver of the year titles at both Wagga and in the Riverina last season.
Talented young driver Cameron Hart took home the Junior Driver of the Year award in a season where he also represented the region at the NSW Rising Stars Series.
Breeders Challenge regional final winner Killara Hustler was judged the region’s best performed pacer with four wins from six starts, while Leeton Breeders Plate winner Our Mach Jack was the top juvenile.
Killara Hustler’s owner and trainer-driver Damien McKelvie bred the promising pacer, but was unable to be in attendance due to an overseas wedding.
His father Brian said Killara Hustler would remain in training for a few more starts this preparation.
Our Mach Jack added his name to the honour roll of the Leeton Breeders Plate and was able to win three times from eight starts for trainer-driver Ray Walker, his wife Jane and fellow owner John New.
Wagga’s Pacer of the Year title went down to the wire with Halle Maruia finishing second at the final meeting of the season to edge out Jessica Amber.
Halle Maruia raced 10 times at Wagga for three wins, four seconds and three thirds for owners John, Sandy and Des Klemke of Henty.
The mare is trained by Hellen Scott at Albury and was able to race at a high level of consistency at Wagga after being off the racing scene for 12 months.
Some 125 guests attended the night where naming rights to the feature races at Wagga this season were announced.
The final two feature races came down to the last draw between father and son Paul and Jared Kahlefeldt with their respective businesses – Baylis Grind and Workout.
Baylis Grind will sponsor the Wagga Cup, Workout the Wagga Derby and Caltex On Fernleigh the Wagga Oaks on Saturday night, March 3.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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