Decorated Elmore-based Trainer/Driver Neville Welsh has taken out the highest honour in Victorian harness racing, being named the 2012 Gordon Rothacker Medallist in a glittering ceremony at Melton’s Tabcorp Park tonight.
Having driven winners in every decade since the 1950s including a win in Cobram as recently as last week, Welsh’s record of achievement is as enduring as it is successful.
The Minister for Racing the Honourable Dr Denis Napthine was on hand to present the award alongside 2011 Gordon Rothacker Medallist Ted Demmler and Harness Racing Victoria Chairman Ken Latta.
In awarding the medal to Welsh, Latta paid tribute to the reinsman’s character and longevity in the sport.
“Neville is a humble man who doesn’t seek the spotlight, but his record demands recognition.
“There aren’t too many people in any sport who can claim to have been winners in the 1950s and continue to win today. It really is a magnificent achievement that defies age.”
Welsh was genuinely surprised when called onto stage to accept Victorian harness racing’s highest award, saluting the man whom it honours as a mentor and idol.
“I watched Gordon (Rothacker) right from when I was very young and I ended up having a good association with him even though I never won a race for him from memory.
“One thing I know is that everything that everybody says about the man is right. He was a gentleman on and off the track and I am extremely humbled to receive this award tonight.”
Neville began his career driving trackwork at a very young and secured his first win, Sea Witch at Horsham, aged just sixteen.
His career highlights include the 1971 AG Hunter Cup aboard Son of Nancy and the 1974 National Drivers Invitation at the Melbourne showgrounds on Truant Armagh.
Most notable however were his record breaking premierships in 1970/71 and 1971/72 where he drove 81 and 84 winners for the season respectively.
Significant Country Club award winners included Bendigo Harness Racing Club, which took out the Country Club of the Year and David Scott of Cranbourne Harness Racing Club, who was awarded the full-time Secretary of the Year.
COMPLETE WINNERS LIST
1. Gordon Rothacker Medal Neville Welsh
2. Pearl Kelly Award Maree Caldow
3. AVCHRC Volunteer of the Year Award Rod Booker
4. VHRSC Owner of the Year Heather Anderson
5. Graduation Club of the Year Kyabram HRC
6. Secretary of the Year (Part Time) Joanne Cross – Horsham
7. Secretary of the Year (Full Time) David Scott – Cranbourne
8. Best On-Course Promotion Wangaratta HRC
9. Best Presented Track and Venue Yarra Valley HRC
10. Club of the Year – 16 meetings or less Cobram HRC
11. Club of the Year - 16 meetings or more Bendigo HRC
GORDON ROTHACKER MEDAL HONOUR ROLL
2012 – Neville Welsh
2011 - Ted Demmler
2010 - Arthur Graham
2009 - Les Chapman
2008 - Bruce & Elizabeth Clarke
2007 - Peter Manning
2006 - Matt Donaldson
2005 - Ron Pocock
2004 - Jim Barker
2003 - Geoff Hill
2002 - Ian McCallum
