VSTA to recognise its achievers

The fastest-growing sector in harness racing, Victoria’s trotting industry will celebrate its success stories and its quiet achievers at the annual Square Trotters Association (VSTA) awards on April 2, at Tabcorp Park Melton.

In addition to the seasonal honours, the annual VSTA awards, named in respect of past trotting achievers Dick Lee, the late Bob Conroy and the late Colin Redwood, have again secured an impressive list of 25 nominees for the three categories.

“It’s a reflection of the growing interest in trotting,” Victorian Square Trotters Association president Nick Youngson said.

“The number of trotting races were up 30 percent last year which was fantastic. We’ve taken trotting races from 850 to 1300 and over the past three years, there’s been a rise of $4 million in stakes for square-gaiters. It’s an exciting time to be in the sport,” he said.

Youngson said numbers had been rising in trotting by about 10 percent a year across the industry’s breeding and racing stock.

“I think overall harness racing is going fairly well and trotting, through the VSTA being active, is getting the benefits of a great working relationship with HRV. We have had a lot of issues addressed over the past couple of years, and that is helping trotting overall.

“The handicapping system and the additional races have helped, but we are still working hard to even the sport out more. Our goal is to sustain our racing population to the degree that horses can win a race on an average every 15 starts – that is obviously the key to keeping everyone keen and interested.

“We have three or four very big players in trotting who are very happy to push for the overall health of the sport across the board.

“We’re a healthy and growing sector of an industry that, overall, I am very bullish about. What a wonderful product we have where women are dominant, we have a brilliant bunch of young people coming through and a sport where anyone and everyone can compete. We need to keep getting our act together and maximizing that opportunity.”

The awards event is run in conjunction with Group One feature the TAB Sumthingaboutmaori Trotters Free For All and the Final of the Colin Redwood VSTA race after earlier heats at Ballarat, Bendigo and Cranbourne

“It’s a great chance for people to dress up and have a nice meal while watching the races, enjoy the awards and talking to likeminded folk about their own trotters – or those they’d like to have!” Youngson said.

“Obviously it’s a bit difficult for people racing on the night to attend but it would be great if the owners and friends could come along.

“You don’t have to be a member to attend the awards night so if people are going to Melton and planning on having a meal anyway, please come along and enjoy being part of our night.
Industry Award nominees are:

The late Col Redwood was involved with owning, training and driving standardbreds from 1954 and one of the most respected members of the sport. He was associated with great squaregaiters such as Rockin Dale, Mount Alm, Kurahaupo Lord, Maressar, Red Eclipse, Classic Victory and Arrestin Tess. Redwood was tireless in his service to trotting, having been on the committee of the VSTA for more than 25 years including serving as president.

Nominees:The Whittle Family
Rebecca Morrissey
Ray Cross
Glen Sharp
The Ainsworth Family
Juanita Breen
Shane Hall
Mick Barby
Fred Spiteri
Danny and Gillian Norris
Alexandra Hurley
Eddie TappeThe Bob Conroy Excellence in Trotting Award
Renowned as an outstanding trainer of trotters, Bob Conroy spent a life training from Daylesford. He was raised in nearby Korweinguboora before occupying the former Daylesford Trotting Club track, from where he would often venture into neighbouring Hepburn Regional Park to educate his horses. A trots trainer, driver and breeder, Conroy’s training successes include Mary Beverley’s win in the 1973 V. L. Dullard Cup, Lincoln Star’s win in the 1978 Bendigo Pacing Cup and 1978 Italian Cup, and the Lightfoot Laurels on four occasions (Lucy Lastic 1997, Miss Universe 1999 and 2001 and False Gem in 2008).
Nominees:Matthew Craven
Brent Lilley
Chris Alford
James Herbertson
Neville Pangrazio
Gerard Maloney
Anne-Maree Conroy
Carla Innes-Goodridge
Pat Driscoll
Ginger Gleeson

Dick Lee Rising Star Award (person under 25)
Dick Lee served 12 years as president of the Victorian Square Trotters Association to advocate for the gait with achievements including introduction of the Redwood Classic for 2yo trotters and the first all-trotting card, the Redwood Day at Maryborough in 1996.
Nominees
Tayla French
Jacki Barker
Jack Laugher
Bookings can be made with Emma Prosser at Tabcorp Park 8746 0626 by COB next Monday March 28.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink