What a weekend of rolling emotions that was.
From the celebratory joy of Saturday night’s Victoria’s Hall of Fame to the other extreme, farewelling a wonderful industry contributor Dan Costello after his recent passing at his memorial service at Albion Park.
The same in some ways, but so different.
It was a weekend that reminded us all what great people we have in this game.
How it’s driven by a genuine love of horses and a deep passion of the sport.
It’s not a game you’ll get financially rich in, but there’s lots of other enrichment around.
Take Andy Gath, Noel Alexander and Jayne Davies.
Superstars of the training ranks. Premiership wins galore and a long list of star horses between.
They’ve never got a whiff of the recognition their thoroughbred counterparts are afforded but have delivered every bit as much in a more selfless and less financially rewarding space.
Their rewards are the pride in what they do, setting their own milestones and goals, and achieving success in a game they love.
They epitomize what being in a Hall of Fame stands for.
John Coffey’s 60 years plus, the greatness of Sokyola, globetrotting Sundons Gift and superstar of the past Royal Gaze are the same.
Nights like Saturday are so important.
While innovation and moving with the times at critical, recognizing the past, the fabric the game is built on, is so important, too.
Our young people, who carry the hopes of the sport into the future, must know about the greats – people and horses – who came before them.
It gives the ultimate sense of perspective and respect.
Well done to HRV on the way its amplified and promoted the Hall of Fame in the past couple of years.
It was less than six months ago the Queensland-based Costello was recognized at a similar function.
To a rousing and emotional reception, Costello received the Feehley Achievement Award for his service to harness racing on so many levels, most notably his photography work in recent times.
But Costello was so much more. He had so many other roles in the game, including President of BOTRA.
Dan was a giver. He loved the game and would promote it at every opportunity.
He always saw the bigger picture with a real focus on recognizing young talent and milestones.
Sadly, not long after that awards night, Costello’s cancer returned and we lost him earlier this month.
Many of those Costello supported showed their respect at yesterday’s service and hundreds more watched the live stream.
It was fitting.
Celebrating the stars of today is great, but remembering and recognizing those who came before us is just as important.
We owe them that and more.
