Awards Night 2015

TAMWORTH AWARDS NIGHT for 2014/2015 SEASON COMPILED BY JULIE MAUGHAN
The Tamworth HRC end of season awards night was well attended last Saturday night with plenty of celebration at the Southgate Inn.
“We’re pleased with the rollup” said Deputy Chairman Mark Lowe “It is a good mix of family, friends and supporters and we have kept it as a casual affair”

The Muse received the Peter & Diane McNamara sponsored Consistency Horse of the Year Award.
Trained by Craig Clegg, The Muse has proven a real little gem for owner Anthony Clinch with the Modern Art-Decora mare being his first introduction into harness racing.
“We had gallopers and from 22 starts we only had the one win so my son Kane suggested we go to the trots”
“I met Craig (Clegg) through his sister Megan at work and he found me a horse from Victoria”
The Muse has turned out to be that horse and has produced five wins and eight placings from 27 starts. What a great introduction!
“We are amazed and thrilled and more so for Craig. She (The Muse) is a true racehorse and we have had plenty of fun”
“She (The Muse) was the only local horse to get into the Golden Guitar final back in January and she held her own in the Marathon where she finished second”
The Muse finished second to the Peter Bullock trained Signory Shannon when they contested 3110 metre race back in July.

Anthony Varga held on by one point to take out the Harness Racing Travel world sponsored Driver’s Premiership at Tamworth, and even though he won the Junior Drivers Premiership on plenty of occasions this is his first time in the senior ranks.
“I have to thank Ernie Mabbott for his training of the horses” said Varga.

Tom Ison then had cause for celebration in taking out the Peter & Shirley Hillam Perpetual Trophy in only his first season of harness racing.

For 17 year old Tom Ison it was a celebration when he was also awarded The Pub Sponsored Drive of the Year for his efforts behind the Graham Moon trained and Jenny Moon owned Hannah’s Freedom. “It was a pearler of a season. Couldn’t have done any better” said young Ison with the distinct smile on his face.
“It was also a bit of a shock to win the drive of the year as well.”

“Ecstatic” was how Tony Missen summed up his feelings after taking out the North & North West District Harness Racing Association Trainers Premiership for the 2014/2015 season.
“I have been the bridesmaid four of five times” joked Missen “I have had a good season and I have to thank the owners for their support. Also Stan the Foreman and my brother Peter for the drives”
“I also have to give a mention to Craig Clegg for being the blacksmith”

For 20 y.o. Sam Ison it was also a surprise when he wrapped up the Junior Trainers Premiership conducted by the Association.

The Sauer's Glass Tamworth sponsored percentage trainers premiership was won by Ettalong trainer Michael Formosa while Julie Weidemann took out both the Harness Racing Travel World Trainers Award as well as the Owners Premiership.
The Weidemann sisters were an apology on the evening as they were contesting racing at the Ekka in Queensland where Lola won the $10,000 Garrard’s Big Dog Grand Final with Mister Elegant.

The Young Achievers Award was shared between Jess Mitchell and Tameka Knight while the Volunteer of the Year was also shared between Vince Brennan and David Pike.