Edger Tatlow Medal awarded to Karen Dornauf

The Edgar Tatlow Medal recognises an individual who has contributed to the Tasmanian Harness Racing Industry. The contribution may have been in training, driving, ownership, administration, breeding, or other harness-related activity.

This year’s medal was awarded to Karen Dornauf, who also took out the BOTRA Volunteer of the Year award, both announced at the Tasmanian Horse of the Year and Hall Of Fame dinner in Hobart on Friday, 12th April.

Karen Dornauf, the recipient of this year’s Edgar Tatlow Medal, hails from a rich harness-racing lineage. She is the granddaughter of the late Harry Hazelwood, a renowned figure in the industry who trained the illustrious Golden Alley, a horse that triumphed in every major race in Tasmania and even clinched the Hunter Cup in Victoria.

Even in her teenage years, Karen Dornauf’s talent and dedication were evident. She proudly represented Tasmania, participating twice in the prestigious Invitational Female Driver races.

As an owner and breeder, her best horse was the superstar mare Jane Ellen. 

After joining the Carrick Park Pacing Club committee in 2009, she has made a significant contribution to the success and growth of the northern club.

Karen has overseen the establishment of the Tasmanian Harness Racing Museum based on the track at Carrick. The museum has become a must-visit for any harness racing enthusiast.

She also resurrected the Tasmanian Mini Trots, which had been lost to the industry for some 20 years.

Dornauf joins the long list of Edger Tatlow Medal winners since its inception in 2001. Doug Martin won the award.

by Gary Newton