19
October, 2002
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Charlton icon Ian McCallum was tonight awarded the
inaugural Gordon Rothacker Medal at Harness Racing Victoria?s Annual Awards
Dinner.
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Named after the state?s most successful horseman, who was on hand to present the award with HRV
Chairman Neil Busse, the Medal recognises an individual for their outstanding
and sustained contribution to the harness racing industry in Victoria.
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It is the state?s highest honour and in McCallum it
has found a worthy recipient.
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Known to many simply as ?Macca?, he boasts half a
century of industry involvement, celebrating the 50th anniversary of
his first winner this year, and along the way he?s captured more training and
driving premierships than any other Victorian identity.
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He has been dedicated supporter of harness racing in
the central and northern regions of the State, particularly in his hometown of
Charlton where he has served on the Committee for more than 40 years.
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Whilst better known for his bread and butter horses,
he has prepared several smart performers including Toffee Gent. He achieved a
career highlight in July 1985, when he set a new record for a TAB meeting,
training and driving six winners at Mildura.
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On the flip side, McCallum has had many serious
falls, and on one occasion was diagnosed by doctors as having no hope of
recovery.
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Ian McCallum?s longevity and absolute love of the
industry has made his life an inspiration and a constant source of amazement to
many. His announcement as the inaugural Rothacker Medallist met with sustained
applause from the industry?s many and varied stakeholders.
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Sharing centre stage with McCallum was several of
the state?s country clubs, whose deeds were recognised in 10 new regional-based
awards.
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The Ballarat & District Trotting Club was
awarded the prestigious title of 2001-02 Country Club of the Year, in the
category of 12 meetings or more annually.
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With $259,000 in stakes distributed last season
Ballarat is a state leader. Their trackside Flying Horse Tabaret was the number
one venue in the state for two months, never dropping below eighth, and the
club was a vital member of the local community donating $15,000 to charity.
The club served over 44,000 meals between the
Tabaret and raceday functions and attracted 37 cash sponsors and eight trophy
sponsors last season.
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Cranbourne & Warragul secretary Michael Hodge
was named Secretary of the Year (Full-Time). Under Hodge?s leadership, the
Cranbourne Harness Racing Club registered a record profit of $237,230 last
season and successfully staged Australia?s first tri-codes meeting.
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In 2001-02, HRV introduced a Country Rewards Scheme
that returned over $600,000 back to the 25 country clubs. Hodge?s two clubs,
Cranbourne and Warragul, finished first and second respectively in the
KPI-based scheme.
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The full list of winners announced this evening
were;
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