The crème of the Upper Hunter racing crop was highly noted in Scone last week at a prestigious event hosted by the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association (HTBA).
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More than 350 local and state-wide racing identities gathered for the event last Wednesday night at the Scone Race Club.
The 24th annual HTBA Awards recognised and celebrated the achievements of champion thoroughbreds and the champion thoroughbred industry stakeholders across a range of categories.
Racing industry stalwart and successful entrepreneur, executive chairman of Harvey Norman, Gerry Harvey graced Scone with his presence when he was awarded the HTBA President’s Award for Life Time Achievement.
The owner of Baramul Stud in the Widden Valley, part owner of Vinery and Magic Millions, Mr Harvey has more than 1000 horses and is one of the most successful thoroughbred owner-breeders in the country.
He was honoured for his drive, commitment and dedication to develop and grow the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.
One of the other top gongs, the Murray Bain Service Award for not just large but lasting contributions to the industry, was awarded to Craig Anderson, who is the owner and manager of Amarina Farm.
Throughout the years since starting off working alongside his father at various studs, Mr Anderson has left a positive mark at studs including Segenhoe Stud with Lionel Israel, Bhima Stud and he was the master mind behind establishing the Bellerive agistment farm.
In 2006, Mr Anderson and his wife Sue, with Gavin Murphy and Catherine Donovan established the 420 acre agistment farm – Amarina Farm – now an industry leading facility nurturing the birth and development of many successful thoroughbred athletes.
This year’s HTBA Irish National Stud Scholarship was awarded to Emily Starr.
In the stables, there were many noted achievements to be proud of.
The champion two-year-old filly was awarded to Lake Geneva bred by Katom and Partners, and the champion two-year-old colt went to the 2015 Golden Slipper winner Vancouver bred by Fairway Thoroughbreds.
The champion three-year-old filly went to Fairway Thoroughbreds’ Winx and the champion three-year-old colt was awarded to Wanjina bred by Arrowfield Pastoral.
The champion racehorse was won by Widden Stud’s Dissident and the champion broodmare went to Skates, owned and bred by Fairway Thoroughbreds.
Other results were Champion First Season Sire – Benetau – Arrowfield Stud.
Champion Sire – Fastnet Rock – Coolmore Stud.
A HTBA representative congratulated all the winners and thanked the sponsors for their ongoing support.
