David Rawlings inducted into Tasmanian Harness HOF

David Rawlings, a true legend of the sport, was rightfully inducted into the prestigious Tasmanian Harness Racing Hall of Fame at the Tasmanian Harness Awards ceremony held in Hobart on April 12.

Rawlings’ journey in the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. From being an owner, breeder, trainer, driver, to an administrator, his passion and dedication have been unwavering since the early 1970s. 

He then purchased a mare named Liza Storm, who won her first three starts for Rawlings before injury forced her to retire to stud.

Her first foal a colt by King Kellanie raced as Thorate who won 70 races, including the 1990 Inter-dominion, under the care of leading New South Wales trainer Brian Hancock 

Rawlings’ mare, Liza Storm, stands as a testament to his breeding prowess. Her offspring, Stormrate and Adorate, were not just prolific winners but also a source of pride for the Australian harness racing community.

She was awarded the Australian Broodmare of The Year by the AHRC three times: 1988 (tie with Sally Alla), 1989, and 1990. 

Rawlings was a trainer-driver from 1975 to 2000. When he was elected to the Harness Racing Tasmania (HRT) Board in 2001, he was required to hand in his licenses. He remained on the HRT Board until it was disbanded in 2009 when Tasracing became the new governing body.

His stint on the North West Tasmania Light Harness Association committee was for almost 20 years and he was a committee member of the Tasmanian Standardbred Breeders Association for the short time that it existed. 

Rawlings’ involvement with the Burnie Harness Racing Club (BHRC) started in 1976. Through hard work and dedication, Rawlings and his family have seen a small country club grow into one of the progressive country clubs not only in Tasmania but nationally, an accolade it holds today.

by Gary Newton