Im Themightyquinn - again Western Australian Harness Horse of the Year

2012 WA Harness Horse of the Year Im Themightyquinn.

During the season Im Themightyquinn started 13 times for nine wins, two seconds and one third and stakes of $1,250,000.

His last six starts for the season saw the son of Washington VC unbeaten and the string of victories included the three heats and final of the Inter Dominion, the WA Pacing Cup and Fremantle Pacing Cup – three Group Ones and three Group Twos for good measure.

Trainer Gary Hall was pleased with the gelding’s trial at Byford this morning (last half in a tick over 55 seconds) and indicated that he may resume at Gloucester Park this Friday if he pulled up well on Monday morning.

Australian 2yo Filly Pacer of the Year Arma Xpress also took out the 2yo Filly Award in WA.

Her owner/breeder Jim Currie revealed plans for the daughter of Artiscape to head East to tackle the best from that side of the country in the Victoria, New South Wales and Australian Oaks before returning to Perth for the WA Oaks.

The 2011 WA 2yo Filly Pacer Sensational Gabby took out the 3yo Fillies Title in 2012 after yet another stellar season.

The 3yo Colt or Gelding title was won by another son of Washington VC in Im Victorious which is trained by former Australian hockey Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Brennan.

Getaway Plan took out the 2yo Colt or Gelding award for trainer and part-owner Ron Huston.

The award for the State’s Leading Trainer in 2012 went to the husband and wife training partnership of Greg and Skye Bond. It was their first win in the title.

The State’s Leading Driver was presented to Morgan Woodley whose remarkable season saw him pass the 200 wins milestone for the first time.

The RWWA Young Achiever was awarded to 23yo Courtney Burch who trained 20 winners during 2012 – more than double the number trained by any other junior.

It is the first time this award has gone to a young trainer rather than a young driver and Courtney is the first female to win the award.

Her record of training 30 winners well before her 24th birthday places her in elite company as none of the likes of Fred R Kersley, Trevor Warwick and current leading trainer Gary Hall went close to Courtney’s record when they started their illustrious careers as trainers.