Official recognition of Victoria’s harness racing greats has been made a top priority through the establishment of the Victorian Harness Racing Hall of Fame (VHRHoF).

The new VHRHoF is the industry’s unified and most prestigious accolade, building on the important foundation set by the Victorian Harness Racing Media Association (VHRMA) Hall of Fame Awards.

Only the greats of Victorian harness racing will earn a place in this exclusive club, ratified by a nine-person selection panel of harness racing experts.

The inaugural VHRHoF selection committee comprises of Gordon Rothacker Medal recipient and legendary trainer/driver Jim O’Sullivan, industry stalwart Judy Rothacker, VHRMA president and long-time industry media icon Len Baker, respected steward Barry Delaney, the sport’s preeminent mainstream media voice Adam Hamilton, Bendigo historian and passionate trots man Noel Ridge, the voice of Victorian harness racing Dan Mielicki, veteran trainer-driver and passionate industry man Ginger Gleeson and Chairman of Harness Racing Victoria Dale Monteith (Chair of the selection committee).

It is proposed that there be six distinct categories within the VHRHoF:

 

Horses:

Any horse (pacer or trotter) which has raced on Victorian racetracks which has excelled at the highest level

  • Any horse which has had an exceptional influence on Victorian racing
  • Horses which have raced in Victoria and excelled overseas will also be considered
  • Horses still racing are not eligible
  • Eligibility is not restricted by age, sex, number of race starts or ownership

 

Trainers:

Any trainer who has been licensed in Victorian and has:

  • Made an outstanding contribution to enhancing the reputation of Victorian Harness Racing
  • Consistently achieved results at the highest level (pacers or trotters)
  • Candidates may be active trainers

 

Drivers:

Any driver who has been licensed in Victoria and has:

  • Made an outstanding contribution to enhancing the reputation of Victorian Harness Racing
  • Consistently achieved results at the highest level (pacers or trotters)
  • Candidates may be active drivers

 

Associates:

  • Any person outside those set aside for trainers or drivers who have made an outstanding contribution to the Victorian Harness industry. This category includes breeders, owners, administrators, media and anyone else who has made an outstanding contribution to the Victorian Harness Industry. Candidates may still be active in their profession and need not reside in Australia or be Australian.

 

Legends:

  • Achieving legend status in the Victorian Harness Racing Hall of Fame is the ultimate honour bestowed upon participants in Australian standardbred racing. Those elevated to legend status will come from the list of current Hall of Fame members.

 

Fan Favourite

Members of the public help choose inductees which may come from any category and most likely reflect a season highlight or ‘extraordinary’ performance. The top five selected by the public will comprise a “fan ballot” that will be tallied when determining the final list of 2019 inductees.

Winners to be announced at an awards ceremony conducted by Bendigo Harness Racing Club on Friday 8th November (details TBC) and will form part of an expanded Bendigo Harness Racing Heritage Collection at Bendigo’s Lord’s Raceway.

The VHRHoF is calling for submissions for the inaugural induction of recipients. Please click here to submit your nomination.

The VHRHoF is also seeking sponsorship from businesses or individuals passionate about the industry and the acknowledgement of our champions. Contact our sponsorship team to find out more.

Finally the VHRHoF is interested in new objects for the heritage collection, particularly any that that relate to nominees and inductees, and encourage members of the public to contact Noel Ridge if they think they may have something of interest.