2023 Pearl Kelly Award: Margaret Watson

For a contribution that has not only enriched harness racing in Victoria but the lives of many outside its boundaries, Cobram’s Marg Watson has been celebrated with this year’s Pearl Kelly Award.

Joining an extraordinary list of female recipients for the cherished Award, Watson’s tireless work in advancing the sport, her club and a great cause was celebrated at the Crown Palladium tonight.

Jason Bonnington produced this tribute to honour her service.

At all levels, Victorian harness is largely defined by its female leaders, and few women have occupied the front line in promoting our sport with more spirit and tenacity than Margaret Watson.

We’ve all heard the adage about the woman behind the man and, for many years, Margaret played that most virtuous role when acting as secretary of Cobram Harness Club during husband Bob’s amazingly successful reign as Club Manager.

For half a century, nothing has been too much for Watson in her pursuit to make the Cobram club successful.

And the breadth of her contribution has been staggering.

Whether catering for Cobram’s committee and patrons, applying for government grants or administering a vast range of administrative needs, the Cobram club life member has happily sacrificed herself for any role required.

In her heart of hearts however, Watson’s major passion has always been the promotion of Cobram and harness racing in general.

Long after the final floats whisk their way from the Cobram track, Watson has revelled in sharing celebratory social messages about the winners and warriors that compete on her home deck.

And in harness racing that commitment is both respected and adored.

Despite her plethora of other achievements, however, Watson is inextricably tied to her heroic achievements for breast cancer research.

It’s now 12 years since Watson became the chief instigator and motivating force behind Cobram’s now iconic ‘Pink Day’ in collaboration with the internationally renowned McGrath foundation.

Just as she’s done throughout her life, Watson didn’t simply launch the concept either.

Through ill health and various other challenges, she has leveraged every opportunity at her disposal and applied every talent from her elaborate arsenal to elevate and promote the concept.

Even when that has meant donating her own treasures for further funds.

To date, the Pink Day or Pacing for Pink concept has raised over $320,000, with proceeds growing exponentially each year.

Not one of Margaret’s deeds have been done in pursuit of tonight’s Pearl Kelly award, yet Harness Racing Victoria is passionately proud to see her acknowledged for the legend that she is.