HomeMagnificent Storm wins 2023 WA Harness Horse of the Year Award
Magnificent Storm wins 2023 WA Harness Horse of the Year Award
March 18, 2024
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WA Pacing Cup winner Magnificent Storm has scored yet another brilliant victory by winning the WA Harness Horse of the Year title for 2023.
The Ray Willliams-trained pacer who rose to stardom in Western Australia, amassing more than a million dollars in prize money since being imported from New Zealand after an unplaced debut, won the award over track rivals Diego and Mighty Ronaldo.
Mare of the Year was won by WA-bred mare Wonderful To Fly while Xceptional Arma was named top two-year-old filly and dominant Oaks winner August Moon claimed the three-year-old filly title.
Menemsha and Never Ending won the respective titles for colts aged two and three years. The Trotter of the Year award went to Patched.
Racing WA Chief Racing Officer David Hunter saluted the outstanding achievements of the past year in harness racing.
“We had an anomaly in 2023 when two WA Pacing Cups were held in the same year, one in January won by Diego and the other in November won by Magnificent Storm,” David said.
“In other Group 1 wins, Mighty Ronaldo took out the 2023 Retravision Fremantle Cup, patiently and well driven by Emily Suvaljko.
“And we completed the full upgrade of the track lighting at Bunbury, which sees popular night racing return in full force.
Young Achiever of the Year Emily Suvaljko. Main image: Magnificent Storm connections celebrate Horse of the Year victory
“The first TABtouch Western Trilogy race series in April included The Nullarbor, with $1million in prizemoney, which attracted strong interstate talent and was won by interstate raider Betterzippit for slot holder TABtouch.
“Beyond these sporting triumphs, harness racing has an important place in the West Australian community, generates more than $240 million for the State economy and supports more than 1800 jobs.
“There’s a lot to look forward to in WA harness racing. Next month Gloucester Park will draw the focus of the nation for the second edition of The Nullarbor, which has been elevated to Group 1 status.
“The prize money has also been boosted to $1.25 million, making it the richest Group 1 harness race in Australasia.”
Leading WA trainers Grey and Skye Bond with driver Deni Roberts
Other major winners were Emily Suvaljko, who was named Young Achiever of the Year, WA’s No1 driver Gary Hall Jr, who has won the premiership nine times, and top trainers Greg and Skye Bond.
The 2023 WA Harness Horse of the Year Awards were held on Saturday, 16 March 2024, at Crown Perth.