High achievers in the racing industry gathered at Wine Country Race Club on Monday for the annual Hunter and North West Racing Association’s (H&NWRA) industry awards.
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The awards, hosted by the Newcastle Jockey Club, were a first for the Cessnock track and aim to recognise outstanding achievement and to encourage excellence in personal profession of the sport.
Heading up the list was Broadmeadow trainer Paul Perry who took out the trainer’s award with 41 winners, while Sue Grills claimed the prize for performance by a trainer in the H&NWRA with 40 winners.
The top performer Scissor Kick, prepared by Paul Messara at Scone, won the open horse of the year award based on three wins, including two Group 3 races, one listed and only going down by a nose in the Group 1 Golden Rose.
The horse of the year trained and performed in the association’s area was Artlee who took out the country championships final at Randwick and one listed race at Scone for prizemoney totalling $365,095.
Cessnock received its share of accolades with hall of famer Robert Thompson claiming the leading jockey award with 75 winners. Sophie Young was named the leading apprentice with 35 winners.
The Bede Thomas Memorial Award was a popular win for racing industry stalwart Eddie Cory.
H&NWRA chairman Rod Watt thanked and congratulated all concerned with the awards presentation. He said his thanks extended to all involved in the industry, both professional and volunteers, who work over a huge district.