The race is on for the inaugural Jim Hurley Medal.
Star reinswoman Danielle Hill has regained the lead from rival Ryan Hryhorec following the counting of votes to the end of May.
Harness Racing South Australia has honoured legendary South Australian trainer-driver Jim Hurley by introducing a medal for a trainer or driver who performs consistently at a high level throughout the racing season.
David Thuen, Racing Operations Manager, said the medal was decided by votes cast at each meeting.
Voting is conducted on all SA harness racing TAB meetings by a panel of three who have been selected by Harness Racing South Australia.
Each panel member allocates points based on what they consider to be the three best training or driving performances at each meeting, not necessarily winning performances. Three points is allocated to what is considered by each panel member to be the best performance at the meeting, two points for second best and one point for third.
Mr Thuen said no figures would be released but the obvious inference is that the figures must be close with Hill leading early, Hryhorec taking the front running, now Hill back in front.
He said no further updates would be released until the winner is announced at the South Australian Horse of the Year function later this year.
The medal is named after Jim Hurley, who was an accomplished trainer, driver and owner for more than 50 years and a legend of harness racing, still training at age 90 until his passing in March.
With more than 1000 winners, the 1964 Inter Dominion winner Minuteman was his greatest highlight as an owner.
It is good to note that young drivers Michael Smith and Josh Holberton have made the leaderboard.
The Jim Hurley leaderboard is at the end of May: Danielle Hill, Ryan Hryhorec, Wayne Hill, Mark Billinger, Scott Ewen, Jayson Finnis, Ken Rogers, Darren Billinger, Les Harding, Michael Smith and Josh Holberton.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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