The Victorian Harness Racing Hall of Fame will induct its second tranche of immortal families at its August 29 dinner, when the Clarke, Mahar and Simons families will be celebrated.
The Hall of Fame committee introduced the Families category last year, when the Gaths, Rothackers and Shinns were the first famed surnames to be honoured.
The elite company will swell to six next week with the new additions, who will be celebrated at the Melton presentation dinner along with the elevation of a Hall of Fame Legend and the induction of six new horses, participants or associates.
Harness Racing Victoria Chair Bernard Saundry welcomed the committee’s recommendations.
“Families are at the heart of harness racing in Victoria and the Clarke, Mahar and Simons families have been synonymous with the sport for generations,” Saundry said.
“I look forward to celebrating with those families on the Hall of Fame night, one of the best occasions on our calendar.”
For more information about the Hall of Fame night, click here.
THE CLARKE FAMILY (1913-present)
- 311 Melbourne driving wins
- 123 Melbourne training wins
- Inter Dominions, Gordon Rothacker Medals, a Hall of Fame Legend
THE MAHAR FAMILY (1897-present)
- 200 Melbourne driving wins
- 123 Melbourne training wins
- Showgrounds success, driving premierships, and sires stakes standouts
THE SIMONS FAMILY (1912-present)
- 359 Melbourne driving wins
- 306 Melbourne training wins
- A name that lived on, an Inter Dominion, a Hall of Famer, and a trailblazer
