22 years of service comes to an end

When it comes to harness racing in Bathurst, members of the Hagney family have turned their hand to almost everything that can be done in the sport.

Tony Hagney and his wife Colleen have given Bathurst Harness Racing Club 22 years of service.

And when he’s away from the busy schedule at the track, Tony has managed to find enough time to train a small team of pacers and dabble in breeding standardbreds.

Not only have Tony and Colleen held down vital roles, but their four children James, Emma, Amy and Ben have all contributed at varying levels throughout the past two decades.

But tonight, Tony will be farewelled at the Gold Crown Paceway when he retires from the Bathurst Club’s track curator and clerk of the course duties.

Bathurst CEO Danny Dwyer was full of praise for the effort and commitment made by the entire Hagney family when he reflected on the past 22 years of their involvement.

“Tony and Colleen have been dedicated members of our staff,” said Dwyer.

“No job was ever a problem to them, they would just get it done.

“We rarely lost a race meeting at either the Showground or here at the new venue.

“It was reassuring in my role as Chief Executive knowing that Tony would have the track spot-on, regardless of the weather conditions.

“Tony knew his job and took pride in having the track right, whether that be for a race meeting in the dead of winter or on a feature night.

“I echo the thoughts of all participants in the wider Bathurst harness racing community in thanking Tony and Collen and their family and congratulate them on what they have given our club over the years.”

Dwyer said the Bathurst club was currently looking to find a replacement for Hagney and admits they will have big boots to fill.

“The club’s board will most likely be in a position to announce who Tony’s replacement will be at the next monthly meeting,” he said.

Seven races have been programmed tonight with Race 4, the James Hagney Pace, attracting a smart field.

Holy Camp Dillon has struck a purple patch of form, winning at Young and Wagga towards the end of June.

Trainer Anthony Frisby has elected to use Phoebe Betts’ concession claim to better place the gelding, making him the one to beat.

For complete race fields, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW