Magnificent finish for 2022 WA Harness Horse of the Year
The Ray Williams trained pacer Magnificent Storm was crowned Open Horse of the Year for a second time on Saturday night, and rightfully so.
Another outstanding season saw Magnificent Storm win the Group 1 $100,000 James Brennan Memorial, Group 2 Village Kid Sprint and the Group 2 Mount Eden Sprint.
After an unforgettable performance in the Norms Daughter Classic, Eighteen Carat took out the open mare of the year award.
The three-year-old colt or gelding of the year accolade was won by Tricky Miki and three-year-old filly of the year was awarded to Wonderful to Fly.
Undefeated during his campaign, Never Ending claimed the two-year-old colt or gelding of the year, with his record including wins in the Golden Slipper, 2YO Colt and Geldings Westbred Classic and the Pearl Classic.
The two-year-old filly award went to Zephyra following her stunning victories in the 2YO Fillies Westbred Classic and the Diamond Classic Final.
Tricky Ric claimed the Trotter of the Year title after being strongly fancied with many wins throughout the season, including the Trotters Sprint.
Kyle Symington was named young achiever of the year having taken a major jump in his driving career and winning the Group 1 Mares Classic in November. He drove 101 winners for the season.
The state leading driver title went to Gary Hall Jnr and state leading trainer to Greg and Skye Bond.
The ceremony included a special presentation of two awards from Harness Racing Australia (HRA).
Never Ending was named the HRA two-year-old colt or gelding of the year and is the first WA trained horse to do so since 2006. King of Swing, owned in WA, won the HRA horse of the year gong to cap off his great career.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia Chief Racing Officer David Hunter said award recipients and nominees should be very pleased with their efforts for the 2022 season.
“WA owned and trained pacers are performing at a high level both domestically and nationally and tonight’s winners are testament to the strength of WA harness racing,” he said.