Veteran Bendigo horseman Ron Pocock is Harness Racing Victoria’s 2005 Gordon Rothacker Medallist.
Pocock was presented with HRV’s highest honor by Gordon Rothacker and HRV Chairman Neil Busse at a gala dinner at Moonee Valley racecourse this evening (Saturday) before a crowd of 550 people.
He joins past winners Ian McCallum (2002), Geoff Hill (2003) and Jim Barker (2004) on the Gordon Rothacker Medal honor roll.
Pocock has provided exemplary service to the harness racing industry for more than 60 years. The astute and highly respected horseman has fulfilled many roles, but is best recognised for his breeding and training achievements.
Over the past five decades, Pocock has nurtured and developed one of the State’s most successful standardbred families. The progeny of his foundation broodmares boast collective stake earnings in excess of $1.38 million.
They have also delivered to the 78-year-old a host of feature race wins, particularly with juvenile pacers which have become his trade mark.
Jasmarilla, True Roman, Jack Brandon, Ima Orphan, El Pablo, Gold Share, Six Oclock Rock, Next Bonus and Star Bonus are just some of the many quality horses Pocock has either bred, educated and/or trained.
He has been a member of the Bendigo Owners’, Trainers’ and Drivers’ Association for 30 years since being elected its inaugural President in 1975.
In his younger years, he also played a significant role in developing the fledgling harness racing industry in the State’s north and was among a handful of volunteers who worked to develop tracks in this region.
Today, Pocock continues to commit his energy and passion to the sport he loves, preparing handy pacers Lucky Punch and Sportspower and breeding from a small band of broodmares.
HRV Chairman Neil Busse congratulated Pocock on his achievement.
“Ron’s practical approach, sincerity and integrity have kept him at the forefront of harness racing,” Busse said.
“We are proud to recognise his contribution to the industry, and acknowledge him as a truly deserving winner of the Gordon Rothacker Medal,” he added.
In addition to the Gordon Rothacker Medal, three long time industry participants were acknowledged with Distinguished Service Medals – Bob Birthisel, Peter Rathjen and Keith Greenwood.
Tonight’s function also featured the presentation of HRV’s Country Club Awards for the 2004/05 season.
Mildura Harness Racing Club was the star performer, winning Country Club of the Year (More than 12 meetings). Mildura’s Mark Kemp also received the prestigious Frank Ryan Secretary of the Year award.
Horsham Harness Racing Club secured both the Country Club of the Year (12 meetings or less) and the Best Local Media Coverage trophies.
“The quality and number of nominations for this year’s Country Club Awards was very pleasing,” Busse said.
“Our Country Clubs are the backbone of the industry and I’m delighted to be able to recognise their efforts publicly,” he said.
Full list of award winners:-
Gordon Rothacker Medal - Ron Pocock.
Distinguished Service Medals - Bob Birthisel, Peter Rathjen, Keith Greenwood.
Club of the Year (More than 12 meetings) - Mildura.
Club of the Year (12 meetings or less) - Horsham.
Graduation Club of the Year -Mooroopna.
Frank Ryan Secretary of the Year (Full time) -Mark Kemp (Mildura)
Graduation Secretary of the Year- Sue Dawson (Warrnambool).
Most Successful Country Cup Meeting - Ballarat.
Best On-Course Promotion - Cranbourne (Girls Night Out).
Best Presented Track - Bendigo.
Best Local Media Coverage - Horsham.
