Standout performers from a big 2021 of trotting will be celebrated at the Victorian Square Trotters Association annual awards function at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night.
The VSTA has revealed nominees for a range of honours, including the Colin Redwood Award for Passion and Perseverance, the Bob Conroy Excellence in Trotting Award and the Dick Lee Rising Star Award.
The function kicks off from 6pm and will run alongside the meeting at Melton, which features the Colin Redwood Memorial VSTA Trotters Handicap Final.
VSTA vice-president Anne-Maree Conroy encouraged those already planning on coming to the races on Saturday night to book a ticket to the function.
“You don’t have to be a VSTA member to come to the awards night,” she said.
“We would like people to be members – and it’s only $30 to be a member – but if people are inclined to go and have a meal at Melton, why don’t they come to our awards night? They can have a go at the silent auction and raffle, sit around and meet some trotting people and have a good night.”
Tickets include a two-course meal and can be purchased for $50 by contacting Emma Prosser on 8746 0626 or eprosser@tabcorppark.com.au.
AWARD NOMINEES
2YO MALE TROTTER OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Maryborough Harness Racing Club
Courage Stride
Everybodyluvskenny
Plymouth Clubb
2YO FEMALE TROTTER OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Stawell Harness Racing Club
Aldebaran Vera
Just A Bit Touchy
Revelstoke
3YO MALE TROTTER OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Cranbourne Harness Racing Club
Aldebaran Zeus
Parisian Artiste
Tennerson
3YO FEMALE TROTTER OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Llowalong Farms
Ebonys Avenger
Honey Bourben
Queen Elida NZ
CHRIS E HOWE COUNTRY TROTTER OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Loddon Valley Stud
Ima Ziabee
Kalarney Heidi
Mystic Chip
TROTTER OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Ballarat & District Trotting Club
Ima Ziabee
Kalarney Heidi
Mystic Chip
TROTTING RACEMARE OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Bit Right Equine
Ima Ziabee
Kalarney Heidi
Mystic Chip
TROTTING SIRE OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Alabar Farms
Bacardi Lindy
Danny Bouchea
Skyvalley
TROTTING BROODMARE OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Mildura Harness Racing Club
Elusive Charm
Sheza Comment
Steffi Jay
TROTTING DRIVER OF THE YEAR – sponsored by EAS Australia
Chris Alford
Kate Gath
Greg Sugars
TROTTING TRAINER OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by P.J and B.J Rothacker Stockfeeds Bridgewater
Andy Gath
Brent Lilley
Chris Svanosio
TROTTING BREEDER OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Aldebaran Park
Aldebaran Lodge Pty Ltd
J. Connelley
Yabby Dam Farms Pty Ltd
Colin Redwood Award for Passion and Perseverance
Redwood was involved with owning, training and driving standardbreds since 1954 and was one of the most respected members of the sport. He was associated with great squaregaiters such as Rockin Dale, Mount Alm, Kurahaupo Lord, Maressar, Red Eclipse, Classic Victory and Arrestin Tess.
Redwood was tireless in his service to trotting, having been on the committee of the Victorian Square Trotters Association for more than 25 years, including serving as president.
Nominees
The Ainsworth Family
Mick Barby
Juanita Breen
Ray Cross
Shane Hall
Alexandra Hurley
Rebecca Morrissey
Danny and Gillian Norris
Glen Sharp
Fred Spiteri
Eddie Tappe
The Whittle Family
The Bob Conroy Excellence in Trotting Award
This award is presented to an individual who has been outstanding in the trotting industry.
Renowned as an outstanding trainer of trotters, Conroy spent a life training from Daylesford. He was raised in nearby Korweinguboora before occupying the former Daylesford Trotting Club track, from where he would often venture into neighbouring Hepburn Regional Park to educate his horses.
A trots trainer, driver and breeder, Conroy’s training successes included Mary Beverley’s win in the 1973 V. L. Dullard Cup, Lincoln Star’s victories in the 1978 Bendigo Pacing Cup and 1978 Italian Cup and triumphs in the Lightfoot Laurels on four occasions (Lucy Lastic 1997, Miss Universe 1999 and 2001 and False Gem in 2008).
Nominees
Chris Alford
Anne-Maree Conroy
Matthew Craven
Pat Driscoll
Ginger Gleeson
James Herbertson
Carla Innes Goodridge
Brent Lilley
Gerard Maloney
Neville Pangrazio
Dick Lee Rising Star Award
The Dick Lee Rising Star Award is presented to an outstanding industry participant aged under 25.
Lee served 12 years as president of the Victorian Square Trotters Association to advocate for the gait.
Some achievements from his time at the helm include the 1985 Redwood Classic for two-year-old trotters and the first all-trotting card in 1996, the Redwood Day at Maryborough.
Nominees
Jackie Barker
Tayla French
Jack Laugher
