Some of the bits and pieces that caught Tim O’Connor’s eye in the world of harness racing…
THE HERO…
DUNCAN MCPHERSON
One of harness racing’s most passionate supporters was honoured on March 22 with the state’s highest individual honour, the Gordon Rothacker Medal.
An emotional McPherson was the toast of the Victorian Harness Racing Awards function where he spoke about his love for the trotters, his journey in growing the breed here Down Under and his work with Team Teal.
Bravo, Duncan. Such a deserved honour for someone we all look up to. And well done to all other winners, including Pearl Kelly Award winners Patsy Abrahams and Katrina Fitzpatrick.
Click here for the full wrap of the Victorian Harness Racing Awards.
LOOKING FORWARD TO…
MILDURA PACING CUP
Not long now until the biggest week of the year in the Sunraysia.
The Mildura Pacing Cup heats will take centre stage on Tuesday, April 7 with qualifiers moving through to the big $40,000 final on Saturday, April 11.
STAWELL’S UNIQUE FEATURE!
The Pleasant Creek Plate at Stawell on Good Friday is shaping as a beauty!
Borrowing from the Great Southern Star concept of two heats into a final on the same day, the race is for four-years-old and older pacers rated 0-49, with preference in field selection given to those with the highest number of starts since their last win.
The two qualifiers are worth $5000 each, with the final at $10,000.
Click here for the fields.
THE STAWELL GIFT – THE HARNESS VERSION…
A staple of the Good Friday meeting in recent years has been the Stawell Trainer Driver Gift.
And things are coming together for the 2026 edition.
Chris Alford gripped on from his frontmark to win the inaugural version in 2023, before Michael Bellman saluted in 2024.
Last year, Luke Dunne charged home from last to score in style.
Keep an eye on the HRV socials for the final field this week.
GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL…
PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION
Harness Racing Victoria has a page for those who wish to donate to the Good Friday Appeal under the industry banner.
If you’re wanting to contribute to a pool that has already surged past $10,000, please visit the page here.
REASON TO CELEBRATE…
JODI’S 500th
Well done to star horsewoman Jodi Quinlan, who registered her 500th training victory at Cranbourne on Sunday evening.
Quinlan, who started training in the 1994-95 season, reached the milestone with Liberty Star Dust in the Decron Maiden Pace.
The 51-year-old is a three-time Group 1-winning conditioner, who has also driven more than 2300 winners in the sulky.
Read the full story here.
ONE FOR THE BLACK BOOK…
SHINELIKETHESUN
What a huge run by Shinelikethesun after galloping at the start at Melton on March 20.
Paul Morrisey’s charge dropped right out, but chased hard to rejoin the main part of the field after a lap and did a huge job to finish fourth, beaten just 14.7m.
After all her chasing, she still recorded the race-fastest last quarter of 28.91!
Her effort prior when second at Shepparton was massive and the first-up win impressive.
She’s down to run at Bendigo in race six tonight.
SOMETHING TO PONDER…
With Victoria’s first slot race – the Running of the Bulls at Birchip – an undeniable success, we should all be thinking about what else we can do to reinvigorate and reshape this wonderful sport of ours.
Bringing people to the track and helping them fall in love with harness racing, in my mind, has to be a priority as we strive to lure a new generation of fans.
And don’t think anything’s too big or bold to try. Honestly, the backing of a good sponsor, some clear plans and a desire to get it done is really all that was needed to make Birchip’s race a reality.
One of these memorable days is not enough. We need more. And they don’t have to be the same.
If you love harness racing, and particularly if you’re involved at club land, put your thinking caps on. The time to try things is now.
Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.
