The stars, the achievers and the great servants of the trots were celebrated as we enjoyed rolling coverage of the 2018-19 Gordon Rothacker Medal.
RE-LIVE A GREAT NIGHT:
Pictures by Sam D’Agostino of SDP Media.
6.43PM:
MC Michael Guerin introduces the night and leads a special standing ovation to Gavin Lang, who he announces is at home tonight watching us via the live stream.
A rousing applause fills the room in support of the brilliant reinsman, who is battling ill health with the thoughts and support of the industry.
6.46pm:
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HRV Chairman Dale Monteith greets the room and invites Minster for Racing Martin Pakula to the stage to talk to the industry and make key announcements.
Mr Pakula announces he has approved Dayle Brown to take the CEO role and that he will commence in that position in the coming days.
Mr Pakula said Dayle was “a highly respected and experienced racing adminstrator with a deep knowledge of harness racing” going back to his time working for more than a decade in the integrity unit at HRV.
“I think he will be wonderful for this code,” Mr Pakula said.
Mr Pakula also paid tribute to former HRV board member Elizabeth Clarke and announced that Judy Rothacker would be appointed in her place, and said Judy had brought great passion to the sport through the Angelique Club and would be a great asset to the board.
Mr Pakula also passed on “his love and best wishes” to the family of Danny Frawley, the HRV board member who sadly passed.
6.55pm:
Mr Monteith returned to pay tribute to all who contributed to the sport and in particular those who have passed and been greatly missed.
Mr Monteith paid special tribute to former fellow board member Danny Frawley, who he said had played a big role and was greatly missed.
7.05pm:
The awards begin with the winner of the Victorian pacing two-year-old filly of the year Maajida, trained by Emma Stewart.
Accepting the award was co-owner Stephen Johnson.
“It’s just been incredible for our family. When we come to town, we party hard, let our hair down and I’ve got no hair left so I must go too hard. The best feeling is our Mum and Dad have been in the industry for 50-odd years, never owned a Group 1 winner. For us to be there on Vicbred night and win that Group 1, that was the greatest thing we’ve ever done. The excitement of our mother, the brothers are best mates, it’s just the greatest thing ever.”
7.10pm:
The winner of the Victorian two-year-old pacing colt or gelding of the year is Be Happy Mach, trained by Emma Stewart.
Co-owner Tim Bunning accepted the award.
“Emma and Clayton were very happy with the horse early on. The wrap was very strong on this horse from day one. From what I hear, when he goes away nothing troubles him. He hasn’t been a kind drawing horse, but he’s such a good horse he can go to the death, do the work and he’s got great speed. He’s a real all-rounder.”
7.13pm:
The winner of the Victorian two-year-old trotting filly of the year is Jaxnme, trained by Russell Jack.
Accepting the award is part-owner and breeder Graeme Love.
“I’m over the moon. I love her and I’ve got to thank the trainer and the other two owners. I’m rapt. I spoke to the filly during the week and she told me Gavin (Lang) was the best driver she’s ever had.”
7.16pm:
The winner of the Victorian two-year-old trotting colt or gelding of the year is Is That A Bid, trained by Michael Hughes.
Accepting the award is Malcolm Wells.
“Mick and his team have been absolutely fantastic and Zac (Phillips) has been a fantastic driver throughout the season for us and we are glad he stuck with us given that after the first trial he thought how the hell is this horse ever going to win a race. We hold no fears for anyone in the upcoming season.”
7.20pm:
VHRC Owner of the Year is Pat Driscoll, the prolific trotting owner.
Yabby Dam Farms staff member Jack MacKinnon accepted the award.
“He puts so much into the industry and really does a lot for us.”
7.22pm:
The Alabar Concession Driver Premiership winner is Kima Frenning, who accepted the award.
“When I first came over I obviously never thought this would happen. Very, very grateful for every opportunity I’ve got from all the owners and trainers. I could not have done any of this without them. Last season was unreal and I don’t think I could ever top that.”
7.26pm:
The Schweppes Victorian Metropolitan and Garrards State Driver of the Year awards were both won by Chris Alford. It’s the 15th time Chris has won the metropolitan title and the 14th time he’s won the state award.
He accepted the award and chatted with RSN 927 presenter Gareth Hall.
“I think the highlight of the year was a toss-up between Poster Boy in the Chariots and Be Happy Mach. I have great support. I wouldn’t be here without great owners, great trainers, great supporters. I’ve been lucky, I grew up watching Ted Demmler, Brian Gath, Gavin Lang. You just drive the horse how they feel, that helps a lot.”
7.39pm:
The Reknown Silverware State Trainers Premiership and Taylors Metropolitan Trainers Premiership winner is Emma Stewart, who accepted the award.
“We are always looking forward, so you don’t get time to stop and smell the roses and occasionally you look back and think did I really do that. You’ve got to hit the lowest spots to come out on top and I think we are feeling fitter and better than ever.”
7.43pm:
The Woodlands Stud Victorian Breeder of the Year is Bruce and Vicki Edward of Durham Park.
Bruce Edward accepted the award.
“Tam (Major)’s on the improve, both he and Kualoa are very similiar, they have very big hearts. We just love her. We are basically breeders and we love looking after our fillies and mares. Kualoa will be back next year and we will see how she goes.”
7.48pm:
Frank Ryan Memorial Club Employee of the Year winner is Andrea O’Gorman, of Charlton Harness Racing Club.
She accepted the award.
“It’s been quite a ride in the last 10 years. It’s more or less taken over my life, but I love it. I love the horses, I love the industry, I love Charlton – a lot of changes are taking place. We are so close to racing again, we are really, really excited about that. We are hoping to really be able to promote harness racing in our region. It’s not a one-man band at Charlton by any stretch, we have a fantastic committee.”
7.57pm:
Trots Club Victoria Volunteer of the Year winner is David Long, who accepted his award.
“This award is fantastic for me, but it should be represented by the people at the club. We have a wonderful staff led by Brett, it’s a joy to work with them. It’s a great surprise. It’s a fantastic honour. I would like to thank everyone who supports us, including the wonderful committee we’ve got. This is an honour for me, but should also be an honour for everyone involved in the club.”
8.01pm:
The Trots Clubs Victoria Club of the Year winner is Ballarat and District Trotting Club, an unprecedented 12th win.
Club president David Young accepted the award.
“This is the one we drive for every year, so a big call out to the team. We strive for it, we think we are a well-oiled rig, obviously innovation is a key to it. The time I’ve been involved, (the Inter Dominion) was definitely a highlight of mine. The amount of people that were there, the vibe at the track was amazing.”
8.40pm:
No shortage of laughs in the room as comedian Marty Fields entertains the crowd with the help of some trots stars.
9.18pm:
Winner of the Victorian three-year-old pacing filly of the year was Kualoa, trained by Emma Stewart.
The award was accepted by breeder and owner Bruce Edward.
In accepting the award he said “she did a very very good job against some very good fillies”.
9.20pm:
Winner of the Victorian three-year-old pacing colt or gelding of the year is Max Delight, trained by David Aiken.
The award accepted by Anne Maxfield.
“It is amazing. Congratulations to the amazing team of David Aiken, we couldn’t do it without you Aiks and appreciate everything you’ve done, and also to (driver) Todd McCarthy.”
9.23pm:
Winner of the Victorian three-year-old trotting filly of the year is Royal Charlotte, trained by Paul Males.
The award is accepted by Paul.
“She was a bit of hot head, so we turned her out. Zac (Phillips) did a really good job to get her relaxed and she did good. She’s had a couple of months off now and due back in soon, so (looking) really good. She has got good high speed when she relaxes and that will be good if she comes back and settles more.”
9.26pm:
Winner of the Victorian three-year-old trotting colt or gelding of the year is Majestuoso, trained by Andy Gath.
The award is accepted by Andy.
“He has got freakish ability. He’s a bit of handful. He’s a great little horse and hopefully in the future he can blossom into what Tornado Valley and McLovin are. He’s got strength, he’s got all the ingredients to make it to a really good horse.”
9.31pm:
Winner of the Victorian four-year-old pacing mare of the year is Pistol Abbey, trained by Emma Stewart.
Breeder and owner Anne Anderson accepted the award.
“We are very proud. She came into her own towards the end of the season. She walked into the ring at Sydney and just owned the ring. We brought her home, gave her to Emma and Clayton (Tonkin) and the rest is history. Not in our wildest dreams (could we have envisaged that season). Abbey had to step up and she did.”
9.34pm:
Winner of the Victorian four-year-old pacing colt or gelding of the year is Poster Boy, trained by Emma Stewart.
Breeder and owner Bill Anderson accepted the award.
“Emma goes beyond what anyone would expect for him, without them I don’t think he would reach the feats that he has. We nearly lost him in July to pneumonia, credit to Emma and Clayton (he’s recovered). Our main target is to get him back for the Miracle Mile. All the signs are positive for him to return.”
9.39pm:
Winner of the Victorian four-year-old trotting mare of the year is Moonlight Dream, trained by Andy Gath.
Breeder Mick Fryar accepted the award.
“Denis and I bred the horse some years ago, it races in Colleen’s name. It’s very satisfying, to breed a horse and race it and have it successful is fantastic. Kate and Andy Gath we can’t thank them enough.”
9.42pm:
Winner of the Victorian four-year-old trotting entire or gelding of the year is Majestic Player, trained by Anton Golino.
Accepting the award is Yabby Dam Farm’s Jack MacKinnon.
“If he drew the front row he was always going to be tough to beat. We were lucky enough to keep him for Breeders Crown, he left after that for the US and I’m sure he will do well over there.”
9.45pm:
Winner of the Victorian aged trotting mare of the year is Dance Craze, trained by Anton Golino.
Accepting the award is Yabby Dam Farm’s Jack MacKinnon.
“She’s pretty good, even at home Anton’s firmly stuck on her so you don’t get to drive her much. This will probably be her last season of racing, Anton’s always wanted to take a horse over to Sweden and I think she might be the one.”
9.48pm:
Winner of the Victorian aged trotting entire or gelding of the year is Tornado Valley, trained by Andy Gath.
“He’s a lovely horse. Who would have thought he’d do what he’s done? We are very appreciative of (owner) Norm Jenkin, he’s been a great supporter of mine, he’s a great friend. I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of big wins with Kate, to win the trotting Inter Dominion in our home state, and for Norm to come down and share it with him, was fantastic.”
9.52pm:
Winner of the Victorian aged trotting mare of the year is Tell Me Tales, trained by Emma Stewart.
The award was accepted by Emma.
“She’s very special and she’s probably been the best mare we’ve ever had. She’s been a dream to train, we absolutely adore her. She will definitely mix it with the boys.”
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9.56pm:
Winner of the Victorian aged pacing entire or gelding of the year is San Carlo, trained by Stephen O’Donoghue and Rebecca Bartley.
Owner John Eichhorn accept the award.
“Absolutely fantastic, we’ve had a great run. He’s just got better and better, he’s just so exciting. Steve and Bec have done a fantastic job with him. We are looking forward to taking him to New Zealand and having a crack at the big one. The country cups have been fantastic, we’ve had some great races. I’ve watched a lot of trotting races, there are not a lot of horses that can do what he does.”
10.02pm:
The Victorian Horse of the Year nominees are Poster Boy, Tornado Valley and San Carlo.
The winner is Tornado Valley, trained by Andy Gath and driven by wife Kate Gath, who accepted the award.
“I can’t believe it, I didn’t think he would win this award – it’s such a great surprise. He’s a great horse and at the time you probably don’t fully appreciate how great they are. He gets the job done every time. The Inter Dominion is one of the races I’ve won and the crowd applauded him, that was really nice. I was lucky enough to win the Hunter Cup at Moonee Valley in 2006 and it was really great for the Inter Dominion to bring a bit of that back again.”
10.10pm:
Winner of the Pearl Kelly Award is Kath Ford, a country club contributor and talented reinswoman, a trailblazer in breaking down barriers to women drivers.
Kath accepted the award.
“It’s great to see (so many female drivers now). Who would have thought that would happen? When I started it was a struggle to get drives. It was a bit hard for a start, we wanted to do well, but were quickly accepted and look now, the girls are some of the top drivers. I would like to thank my family, they are all here to support me.”
10.15pm:
The Harness Racing Victoria Distinguished Service Medal winner is Rod Osborne, a Victorian trainer and driver who made the move to the stewards’ room and become Chairman of Stewards. Rod was a mentor for many young stewards and is a value member of the appeals board.
Rod was unable to be in attendance. HRV Head of Integrity Brent Fisher accepted the award on his behalf.
“Rod wanted to say he’s most appreciative to receive this award on this special night.”
10.21pm:
The winner of the Gordon Rothacker Medal, joining an extraordinary list of contributors, is Ginger Gleeson.
A mentor to many, a long-time owner, breeder, trainer and driver, ‘Ginger’ is a trots legend in every way.
“I’m absolutely shocked. The shock is amazing, I can’t believe this. I was lucky enough to drive a horse for Gordon (Rothacker) called Gingernut. Gordon said to me one night, I hope one day I can win one of these medals. I’m so proud, this is beautiful. We have got the most magnificent people in harness racing and I think of everyone in harness racing as my family. I’ve been very, very privileged. It was just a great thrill and an honour to drive for such decent people. I know the people in harness racing all stick together, we’ve been privileged to be involved. I’m lucky enough to be part of a sport that can suit everybody. We have a lot of fun with it. I dream of something like this and this is a dream come true.”
