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Lombo La Fe Fe has created harness racing history, becoming the first two-year-old filly to be crowned Victorian Horse of the Year.
The brilliant juvenile defeated Shakamaker, La Coocaracha and boom trotter Zesta to secure the prized trophy.
The 2001-02 winner was announced at last night?s Vin Knight Medal presentation at Crown Casino in Melbourne.
Lombo La Fe Fe is just the second two-year-old ever to be named Victorian Horse of the Year, joining boom colt Garrys Advice who won the award in 1981.
Her West Australian owner, Mick Lombardo, collected his second Horse of the Year trophy, after accepting the honor in 1998 thanks to the deeds of then three-year-old Tailamade Lombo.
Lombo La Fe Fe notched 19 wins and three placings from 22 starts last season, for stake earnings of $469,519 ? a new record for the most prize money earned in a season by a two-year-old.
She also created a new Australian record for the most number of wins in a season by a two-year-old filly under the care of Clyde horsewoman Jayne Davies and regular driver Chris Alford.
Her feature race successes included the Vicbred 2YO Fillies Super Series Final (G1), Breeders Crown 2YO Fillies Final (Listed), Bathurst Gold Tiara Final (Listed), Australian Pacing Gold 2YO Fillies Final (Listed), Kay Seymour Nursery Classic Final (G2), Pink Bonnet (Listed), NSW Breeders Plate (Listed), and the Youthful Stakes.
The fifth annual Vin Knight Medal count, which recognises excellence in horsemanship, saw a minor upset with Toolern Vale trainer/driver John Justice claiming top honours.
Dominant Great Western trainer Andy Gath was a warm favourite to win the prestigious award but had to be content with the runners-up position behind Justice, beaten two votes.
Lance Justice finished third, narrowly in advance of Kerryn Gath whose achievement to fill fourth placing was remarkable considering she missed the final three months of the season through injury.
The newest inductee to Harness Racing?s Hall Of Fame is Carrum Downs horseman Ted Demmler.
He claims living legend status and joins Dick Lee, Brian Hancock, Gordon Rothacker and Graeme Lang on the industry?s most distinguished honor roll.
In other awards announced last night:-
* Talented Ararat reinsman Michael Bellman capped a stellar season when he was named the 2001-02 Pacers Australia Young Achiever of the Year.
Bellman notched 30 wins, including the much sought-after Australasian Young Drivers? Championship at Sydney?s Harold Park.
* Popular Gippsland couple Gary and Debbie Quinlan were named Victoria?s Most Improved Trainer.
The training partners enjoyed their best ever season with 53 wins, highlighted by the performances of classy mares Petes Dream and Sunset Soky.
* The Most Improved Driver Award was won by diminutive reinswoman Jodi Quinlan who established herself among the State?s most successful and talented drivers last season.
Now based at Melton, Quinlan said her best season in the sulky, which netted in excess of 120 wins, was due principally to the support of trainers such as Gary Quinlan and Merv Williamson.
* David Aiken received a $3000 cash prize, acknowledging his Avenel operation as Victoria?s Best Presented Stable.
The new Award recognises maintained excellence in the race day presentation of staff, horses and equipment.
Dedicated harness racing sponsor Garry Rogers Nissan provided a total of $7000 in prize money for the Most Improved Trainer and Driver, and Best Presented Stable Awards.