Helping reinvigorate the Inter Dominion, bringing trots heritage to Melton and promoting prostate awareness have been some of the highlights for Peter Watkinson, who has stepped away as a Harness Racing Victoria board director.

Having been appointed in 2016, Watkinson ceased his official involvement with HRV at June’s end, but the breeder/owner of the Sahara horses stressed he was eager to continue his “racing interests”.

Watkinson said his more than seven years on the Board had been an “absolute privilege”.

“I have learnt so much more about the industry than when I started with my first horse 50 years ago,” he said.

“By joining the Board I needed to acquaint myself with the broader industry and the challenges that faced it. I can say through meeting so many participants and attending racetracks all over Victoria it has been an absolute pleasure and I have enjoyed the experience, which has enhanced my overall knowledge of the industry.”

Watkinson said he would continue to be closely tied with harness racing, including building on the success of his Sahara brood that’s headlined by Mildura Pacing Cup winner Sahara Tiger.

“I will also still be involved with HRV in several projects, including the growth of the prostate cancer awareness program and assist in the ownership model,” Watkinson said.

He will continue as Deputy Chairman of Australian Pacing Gold and said he looked forward to his continued involvement with stakeholders and the industry through selling yearlings across Australia.

Like Watkinson, HRV chair Dale Monteith was part of the board constituted by then Racing Minister Martin Pakula in March 2016, their first time working together.

“It’s fair to say we have developed a friendship that is something we will have for the rest of our lives,” Monteith said.

“His love and passion for harness racing is unsurpassed. His service to HRV has been outstanding in my opinion, in terms of not only what he has contributed at the Board table but his knowledge of the industry.

“I am sad to see him go, but glad he is not lost to the industry and the Board wishes him all the best in his breeding and ownership.”