Most awards acknowledge excellence in a chosen field or success at a high level.
The Harness Racing Victoria HERO Program recognises that a notable achievement or personal milestone doesn’t necessarily involve winning or come as a result of a competition.
Sometimes it’s as simple as realising a goal, overcoming a challenge or doing something you’d previously thought was beyond your capabilities.
With that philosophy in mind, an exciting new initiative to reward Victoria’s off the track standardbred owners has been unveiled.
Every retired pacer or trotter who has transitioned into a life after racing with the assistance of the HERO Program will be eligible for the HRV HERO of the Year Award.
One nominee will be chosen each month commencing November, 2019, with the overall winner to be selected from the 12 finalists.
The trots community has been generous in its support for the innovative concept, with sponsors already secured for 10 monthly prizes.
“We get the most amazing updates from the owners of our graduate horses, which prompted the HERO team to come up with the idea of an annual award,” Program Manager Tanya McDermott said.
“Anyone who has a HERO horse can nominate and each sponsor will be involved in the selection process to determine the monthly winners.
“Of course those who win notable competitions or events are not excluded from nominating, but we want everyone to feel like they can be considered.
“If you’ve always been anxious about travelling with your horse and found the courage to float to a friend’s house for a trail ride, for example, we’d love to hear about your experience.
“Or perhaps you rode solo for the first time after always going out in company, participated in a clinic or fulfilled a long-time ambition to ride in the high country, or on the beach.
“This award celebrates the versatility of the standardbred, the breed’s great temperament and the wonderful partnerships that develop between HERO graduates and their new owners.”
HERO would like to thank Adam Kelly, Larajay Farm, Andy and Kate Gath, Aldebaran Park, Matthew Craven, Lauren and Shane Tritton and Karen Starr for coming onboard as HERO of the Year sponsors.
If anyone is interested in taking up one of the two remaining monthly sponsorships at $100 each please email Tanya McDermott (tmcdermott@hrv.org.au).
