Chris Alford, pictured here on the left with Blitzthemcalder and Ross Payne, has cleared out in the state driver award.
The final calendar month of the racing season has all but drawn to a close and with one Metropolitan meeting left this Friday there is still a battle going on for the Taylors Metropolitan trainer’s premiership.
Lance Justice has continued to hold his rivals at bay all year but Geoff Webster has slowly eroded the margin and heading into the final meeting he is just one win behind the six-time premiership winner.
Although Justice will likely have a larger number of runners on the night, Webster will also play his hand with Have A Bender and Kotare Roland both engaged in the nominations.
Greg Sugars and Chris Alford were locked in a tussle to determine who would be the Melton Saddlery leading Victorian driver however with a string of victories inside the last three weeks, Alford has gone clear to hold an unassailable margin in the lead-up to the last meeting Saturday night.
The Norfolk Food Services leading concession driver had been a battle for much of the season between Ellen Tormey and David Moran.
Tormey however held her advantage over the last month and edged further in front to all-but seal the award with five days left this term.
Shayne Cramp is set to be crowned The Renown Silverware’s Victorian leading trainer for the first time.
With a stranglehold over the Sunraysia area, Cramp has rarely had to travel far to secure the bulk of his 151 Victorian winners so far this season.
Last year’s state trainer of the year, Glenn Douglas, holds down second with 118 winners from Emma Stewart who has 110 victories under her belt.
The SBG Accountants leading Metropolitan driver has been a tense battle all season but Gavin Lang holds sway with 40 winners in the big smoke, ahead of Greg Sugars on 35 and Chris Alford on 33.
This year the end-of-season industry awards night won’t coincide with a Tabcorp Park Melton race meeting, giving participants the chance to let their hair down and enjoy the frivolity of a night that will see champions crowned in equine and human form.
To be held at Tabcorp Park Melton on September 12, the industry awards will be a spectacular way to finish what has been an exciting season in the trots as the horse of the year awards will be decided on the night.
Tickets are $65 each and include a three course meal as well as beer, wine and soft drink for the night.
Those making the trek out to Melton will be able to secure a room in the hotel at the special price of $110.
For more information on tickets or to book to be a part of the action call Tabcorp Park Melton on (03) 8746 0631.
