Hunter Valley Mini Trotting administrator Daryll Jackson won the inaugural Industry Volunteer Appreciation award on Saturday night at the HRNSW Industry Awards in Sydney. Mr Jackson has been the Secretary of the Newcastle/Maitland Mini Trots for 33 years and on the NSW Mini Trots committee for the equivalent period of time.
Mr Jackson organises the Mini Trotting State Championships at Gunning annually, with ponies and drivers coming from across New South Wales to compete in one of the 100 races run over the weekend. While Mr Jackson acknowledged he had been involved in the sport for a long time he was surprised when he was named the winner.
“It was sensational to win but it was a big surprise and it came from nowhere,” Mr Jackson said.
“It has been a long stint but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I hope to continue in Mini Trotting for many years to come.”
Mr Jackson spends hours every week organising Mini Trotting events for his local Newcastle/Maitland Club and still works tirelessly for the state body.
“I’m happy to do it, I got involved initially because my sons were involved in the sport and they have since moved on but I just get a big thrill out of watching all of the kids compete and become more confident around horses.
“Daniel Morgan received the Junior Encouragement Award for the Country and I have seen him come through the ranks as a young driver so to see them develop like that is what keeps me going.”
While Mr Jackson was presented with a trophy on the night, he also received flights and an accommodation package to the Perth Inter Dominion later in the year.
“Wendy (Strickleton) is a great support for me and if I didn’t have her support I don’t think I could get everything done, we will definitely enjoy the time in Perth.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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