Mackrill recognised with the 23rd Edgar Tatlow Medal

Brian Mackrill was awarded for his contribution to the Tasmanian harness racing industry when awarded the state’s highest honour, the Edgar Tatlow Medal, in Launceston last Friday night.

Mackrill, a third-generation participant, has been continuously licensed for the past 50 years.

His first role in administration came when he joined the Danbury Park Trotting Club committee until it was amalgamated into the Launceston Pacing Club.

In the early 1970s, he joined the Northern Tasmanian Light Harness Association and held roles as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, along with the various essential roles of ensuring the trials ran smoothly until that association folded in 2015.

He was also part of the now defunct Tasmanian Light Harness Council, a combination of the three regional light harness associations, again holding roles of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and was also made a life member.

Mackrill joined the Carrick Park Pacing Club in 1990, again holding positions of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer before recently retiring.

He was also made a life member of that club for his contribution in 2009.

He has also been a part of the Westbury Training Track Committee and the Carrick Park Management Committee.

Other Awards presented on the night included for the 2022 season are listed below.

Participant Awards

• Leading Trainer, sponsored by Hardings Hotmix and D.H.R.C: Ben Yole
• Leading Driver, sponsored by S.M.P.C: Mitch Ford
• Leading Junior Driver, sponsored by N.E.P.C: Mitch Ford
• Leading Female Trainer, sponsored by C.U.B: Bianca Heenan
• Leading Female Driver, sponsored by Beach Club: Bronte Miller
• Mini Trot: Tamsyn Davis

Horse Of The Year Awards

• Medical Edge 2YO C&G: Triedtotellya
• T.T.C 2YO Filly: Iylac Pakaria
• CorComs 3YO C&G: Mickey Oh
• L.P.C 3YO Filly: Iden Boutique
• Elderslie Horse Care & Spelling 4YO/O Mare: Iden Miss Lucy
• Vizpix Broadcast Services 4YO/O E&G: Longfellow
• Tourello Standardbreds Broodmare: Soho Summer
• Ladbrokes Tasmanian Horse Of The Year: Longfellow

Hall Of Fame

• Associate: Ron Walsh
• Trainer-driver: Cecil Devine

HRA Awards

• J. P Stratton Award: Dean Cooper
• J. D Watts Leading Trainer: Ben Yole

BOTRA Awards

• Halwes Medal: Matthew Howlett
• Beautide Medal: Ryley Major
• Young Achiever: Jacob Duggan
• Volunteer: Barrie Rattray

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing