Steve Cleave & Ellen Tormey Fall - by Gary Wild - 2012 Photograph of the Year
Harness Racing Australia has announced the winners in the various media categories. These awards have been going for in excess of 35 years and are well regarded in the industry as a measure of commitment to the sport of harness racing.
In announcing the awards Harness Racing Australia Chairman Geoff Want noted "the media plays a prominent role in the promotion of harness racing so it was pleasing to see such a large number of nominations across the various award categories.
Congratulations are extended to not only each award winner but to all those who play an important role in promoting the sport of harness racing. The rise in the use of social media by all levels within the industry is also of particular interest as this has the potential to attract new followers to the sport”.
Best News Story
Vindicated – Michael Court
National Trotguide April 5, 2012
Excellent coverage of the High Court decision upholding the NSW race fields legislation, ending a four year legal battle by Harness Racing NSW.
Best Feature Story
Ain’t no mountain high enough for Hill – Paul Courts
Harness Racing Weekly June 7, 2012
Well written, moving story on the struggle by Danielle Hill to recover from the horrific injuries sustained in a race fall at Globe Derby Park – and to make it back to driving winners at the track.
Best Historical Feature
The Inters in Perth – Alan Parker
The West Australian's Tabform January & February, 2012
Informative, well researched and concisely written six-part series on the history of the Inter Dominion pacing championships published in the lead-up to the 2012 series in Perth.
Best Regional Story
Farewell old mate – Tony Logan
The Wimmera Mail Times July 13, 2012
A touching story about the broodmare Frosty Again, her relationship with the Lewis family of Quantong and their sadness at having to put her down at age 28.
Best Action or Still Photograph
Dramatic fall after the line – Gary Wild
Harness racing Weekly November 10, 2011
A dramatic photograph encapsulating the dangers of racing as drivers Steve Cleave and Ellen Tormey crash to the track in a tangle of mangled sulkies, soon after crossing the line in a race at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Best Book
The American Standardbred – Ron Groves
Revised December 2011
A comprehensive and fascinating history of sire lines and maternal families in North America and throughout the world, this much acclaimed e-book by Professor Ron Groves is available free on the Pepper Tree and Blue Chip farms websites.
Best Radio Feature
Victory at last for Gary Hall – Len Baker & Brian Dobson
Harness Review on 97.9 FM, March 5, 2012
An entertaining interview by Len Baker and co-host Brian Dobson with trainer Gary Hall, following the victory of Im Themightyquinn in the 2012 Inter Dominion pacing championship at Gloucester Park.
Best TV/Video/Film
The Come On Frank phenomenon – Dragan Durdevic, producer
In The Gig, SKY Racing on 11 May 2012.
A riveting and emotional magazine piece on the phenomenon that is Come On Frank and the joy the pacer is bringing to the Billinger family of South Australia.
Award of Merit – Demonstrated Excellence In Promotion
Race for Fun Club – David Aldred (Bendigo Harness Racing Club) & Rod Case (Bendigo Advertiser Newspaper)
Launched June 18, 2011 and conducted throughout the season
An innovative and well conducted initiative, promoted in both traditional and social media, which has been embraced by many in the Bendigo community and attracted new followers for harness racing.
Award of Merit – Excellence In Social Media Usage & Innovation
Chris Barsby – Twitter
Chris has built up a large following and is constantly updating the happenings of harness racing throughout Australasia and beyond. He makes use of podcasts and other social mediums to deliver the latest news.
For any comment or for additional details please contact Gary Kairn, Operations Manager, Harness Racing Australia on (03) 9227 3003.
