Arthur Graham was tonight crowned the 2010 Gordon Rothacker Medalist in Victorian Harness racing’s premier awards night at Tabcorp Park, Melton.
A true icon of the Nyah Harness Racing Club, Mr Graham’s affinity with the sport spans five decades from the moment his trainer/driver father kindled his interest in the 1960s.
Serving on the Committee, Mr Graham ascended to the post of Club President over a decade ago and today continues to serve as Vice President. Throughout the years, he exemplified all-round involvement in the Club as a starter, steward, barrier attendant and mobile operator, as well as being a horse owner, driver and trainer.
Mr Graham has also served as the President of Association of Victorian Harness Racing Clubs since 2002.
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Chairman, Ken Latta said, “On behalf of HRV, I wish to congratulate Arthur on this prestigious honour and his lifetime of service to the sport of harness racing.
“Arthur is one of those rare characters who has done it all, and each time to the highest possible standard which is why it is so fitting that he now wears a medal bearing the name of the illustrious Gordon Rothacker.”
2010 Gordon Rothacker Medalist Arthur Graham said, “As I look at the previous winners on the wall behind me, I can remember driving with a lot of these guys. I remember Mr Rothacker throughout many, many years and to be put on the same pedestal as him, well I don’t think that’s right. I’ve got a fair bit to do to get to that level.
“I love harness racing. I love the industry and I appreciate the support I that I get from my family and the club. Thank you all so much. This means a lot,” Mr Graham said upon receiving the coveted award.
The Gordon Rothacker Medal was inaugurated almost a decade ago to recognise an individual for their outstanding and sustained contribution to the harness racing industry in Victoria.
Rothacker dominated the Melbourne Showgrounds for three decades, winning 14 Melbourne Drivers’ Premierships and 10 Melbourne Trainers’ Premierships. He was also the first reinsman to land 500 winners in Melbourne, doing so at Moonee Valley in 1987, some 39 years after driving his first winner at the Showgrounds as an 18 year old in the inaugural season of night trotting.
While the Gordon Rothacker Medal was the main feature, a number of other awards were presented throughout the course of the evening.
Former HRV Chairman Mr Neil Busse was presented with Harness Racing Australia’s J.P Stratton Award and Maryborough Harness Racing Club’s Carmel Dix was recognised with the Distinguished Service Medal.
Ballarat & District Trotting Club were the winners of the Country Club Of The Year Award for the seventh time in nine years.
Yarra Valley Racing Club also had a successful night, taking home three awards.
