“Having travelled to many tracks over the past twelve months, it never ceases to amaze me the contribution racing makes to a local community,” Mr Holt offered. “It’s a credit to those that run the club that these meetings are such a success.”
Minister Holt also paid tribute to newly inducted CRA life members, Port Hedland stalwart Arnold Carter and Great Southern trainer Dixie Solly. Carter was Secretary of the Port Hedland Turf Club for over four decades. In addition to those duties, Carter served the industry at a higher level for several decades. It was only fitting that Carter was joined by his mate in Solly. “We go back a fair way,” Carter offered in reference to Solly. “We have raced several horses and it’s great to be inducted as a life member of the CRA with Dix.” Solly utilises the summer months closer to home in Albany. Come winter he has been a regular on tracks throughout the northwest for many years. “I just want to thank those put my name forward,” Solly offered. “I have enjoyed the sport on many levels. Racing horses in the country is not without challenges but it’s been good to us.”
2015 was a sad year for Country Racing with the passing of Kevin Danks on the 7th June. Kevin was associated with the Marble Bar Race Club for 40 years as a judge, 10 years vice president and the past 10 years as president. In recognition of the late Kevin Danks services to the racing industry Prof John Yovich presented the Racing & Wagering Acknowledgement Award which was graciously accepted by his partner Helen.
The leading country jockey award went to former NT rider Colin Haddon. The talented Haddon collected the Bio John Racing trophy. During the season Colin saluted on 21 occasions and was placed in a further 43 events. Haddon was joined by fellow rider Kate Fitzgerald who won the Saddlery Wholesalers leading apprentice. The bubbly rider won the award with 15 winners and 32 places. The “Casey Clan” continued their recent dominance in the leading country trainer award with widely-travelled Dave Casey collecting the Ramsay’s Horse
Transport award. Dave prepared 29 winners and 42 placegetters throughout the year. Owner Jodie Noske was delighted to collect on behalf of her charge Wizards Point the award for leading horse sponsored by Magic Millions Australia. The versatile galloper won five races and was placed in a further five during the season.
CRA President Kevin Scott outlined the success the association had enjoyed during the year. In addition he received a positive reaction from the racing
minister when he said further assistance was needed in order to grow the sport in country regions.
Stalwart of the industry Bill Bevan also spoke on the night. The highly- decorated administrator outlined how the first computerised totes were rolled out throughout WA. Bevan reminded the group that racing had come a long way since the first incarnation of the tote in the bush.
