Lennytheshark has joined an honour roll that has no peer in harness racing, the Australian Harness Horse of the Year.
Earning his place on a shortlist beside Gammalite, Popular Alm, Our Sir Vancelot, Blacks A Fake and Im Themightyquinn among others, the rewards for Lennytheshark’s season were not lost on owner Martin Riseley.
“To have him win the Inter Dominion and Victoria Cup and all those races was great, but the biggest thing I got was when I looked at the honour roll of the other horses who had won the award and that really put this into perspective,” Riseley said. “It is pretty humbling.”
Lennytheshark was today announced Harness Racing Australia’s Horse of the Year in addition to pacer of the year and aged category pacer of the year amid a Victorian dominance, which saw Victorian horses win all seven trotting categories.
CELEBRATE THE VICTORIAN WINNERS IN A PICTORIAL TRIBUTE
The awards were voted up by more than 60 judges, including media and administrators spread across the country.
In the pacing ranks, New South Wales trained Frith (aged pacing mare) and Kiwi Our Waikiki Beach (3YO colt/gelding) won their divisions, but Victorian pacers Rocknroll Magic, The Storm Inside and Petacular swept the remainder.
It was reward for outstanding success, none of course greater than Lennytheshark’s.
“Every time he went out (and raced) we couldn’t have been happier with his efforts,” said Riseley, who co-owns Lennytheshark with his dad, Kevin. “His campaign in Perth was great, then came the Victoria Cup, and then he was just pipped in the Miracle Mile by a pimple.”
It was a journey also enjoyed by Avenel trainer David Aiken and Bolinda driver Chris Alford, who said he knew he had something special when Lennytheshark stepped up at age four.
“He was always good, but when he beat Guaranteed in the Sires Stakes as a four-year-old I thought that he would make it to the Grand Circuit,” Alford said.
“We went over (to Perth for the Inter Dominion) pretty confident. It is always hard on a tight track, but I thought that with a bit of luck I had the best horse over there and it all worked out well.
“He showed a bit more arrogance over there and won when he sat parked, when he sat wide, which is something he couldn’t do 12 months before.”
And in a couple of months team Lennytheshark will reassemble for another tilt at the Perth Inter Dominion.
“He had a good break and is just coming back in,” Alford said. “As long as stays in good health I can’t see any reason why he won’t have a great chance again this year.”
“Everything building towards this year and I’m looking forward to getting over to Perth,” Riseley said. “The nominations look amazing, it’s going to be every bit as strong as last year if not stronger and I can’t wait.”
2016 Australian Harness Horse of the Year: Lennytheshark
PACING:
Australian Pacer of the Year: Lennytheshark
Aged Pacing Horse/Gelding of the Year: Lennytheshark
Aged Pacing Mare of the Year: Frith
3YO Pacing Colt/Gelding of the Year: Our Waikiki Beach
3YO Pacing Filly of the Year: Rocknroll Magic
2YO Pacing Colt/Gelding of the Year: The Storm Inside
2YO Pacing Filly of the Year: Petacular
TROTERS:
Australian Trotter of the Year: Keystone Del
Aged Trotting Horse/Gelding of the Year: Keystone Del
Aged Trotting Mare of the Year: Maori Time
3YO Trotting Colt/Gelding of the Year: Cruisin Around
3YO Trotting Filly of the Year: High Gait
2YO Trotting Colt/Gelding of the Year: Illawong Byron
2YO Trotting Filly of the Year: Kyvalley Kyrie
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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