Contenders for the 2023 WA Harness Horse of the Year Awards announced
WA Pacing Cup winners Diego and Magnificent Storm alongside Mighty Ronaldo have been declared as the three challengers for the Harness Horse of the Year title as the sport celebrates its highest achievers for the 2023 season.
Mare of the Year will be contested by the star WA-bred mare Wonderful To Fly with Beyond The Sea, Simply Shaz, winners of Group 1 and 2 races during the year, sure to challenge for the title.
Dominant Oaks winner August Moon headlines the nominations for the Three-Year-Old Filly of the Year, whilst Never Ending and Skylou along with Im The Black Flash will compete for the Three-Year-Old Colt or Gelding of the Year award. Skylou provided the upset of the year in the WA Derby toppling rising star Never Ending in the blue riband event for three-year-old males.
Two-Year-Old Filly of the Year will be decided between I Cross My Heart, Water Lou and Xceptional Arma. Menemsha, Vegas Strip NZ and Grevis will contest the Two-Year-Old Colt or Gelding of the Year title.
Finally, the Trotter of the Year is sure to be tightly contested between Luvaflair, Our Maestoso and Patched.
The Awards night also celebrates the outstanding achievements of harness racing participants with the driver, trainer and concession driver of the year set to be awarded.
Young Achiever of the Year will be fiercely contested by Emily Johnson, Emily Suvaljko and Kyle Symington, who all enjoyed highly successful seasons in the sulky.
The night will also see a talented participant presented with an Excellence Award for their remarkable achievements during the season.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia Chief Racing Officer David Hunter said he looked forward to celebrating the successes of the award nominees.
“All the nominees had a magnificent 2023 season with several triumphs on the track.
“It will be a close call for all categories, so I wish all of the nominees and their connections the best of luck.”
The 2023 WA Harness Horse of the Year Awards take place on Saturday, 16 March 2024 at Crown Perth.
Nominees:
2YO Filly of The Year
· I Cross My Heart
· Water Lou
· Xceptional Arma
3YO Filly of the Year
· August Moon
· Turn The Page NZ
· Zephrya
Open Mare of the Year
· Beyond The Sea
· Simply Shaz NZ
· Wonderful To Fly
Trotter of the Year
· Luvaflair
· Our Maestoso NZ
· Patched
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2YO Colt or Gelding of the Year
· Menemsha
· Vegas Strip NZ
· Grevis
3YO Colt or Gelding of the Year
· Im The Black Flash NZ
· Never Ending
· Skylou NZ
Open Horse of the Year
· Diego NZ
· Mighty Ronaldo
· Magnificent Storm NZ
Young Achiever of the Year
· Emily Johnson
· Emily Suvaljko
· Kyle Symington
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