Awards Update

[Wandering Eyes]

The 2024 season Awards night will see an important change to the age group and major awards and a new award recognising Club Contribution.

The awards, celebrating the best performers and performances of the 2024 season, will be held at Addington Raceway, on Saturday, February 8.

Next year’s awards will feature some important changes, with Australian-trained horses being eligible for age group and major awards. They will be judged on their performances on this side of the Tasman only.

The age group and major awards will be decided by a voting panel. The panel will include representatives from the TAB, the media and major clubs as well as an Awards Sub Committee.

The sub committee, compromising a diverse line-up of industry leaders, will also decide the Broodmare, Stallion and Breeder and Owner of the Year.

Nominations are now open for three awards, with the public invited to submit people for the following :

• Stablehand of the Year – nominate here
  Nominated by trainers with reasons why they deserve to be nominated
  They will be assessed on work attitude, going the extra mile, having the horse’s best interest at heart and overall performance
• Unsung Heroes Award – nominate here
  This award is to recognize the contribution to racing by a person who continually contribute to our sport.
  They are not the big winners of major races but the people who keep our industry going. They are not
  paid for what they do or get the acknowledgement they deserve. They are quietly competing behind the
  scenes. Anyone may nominate someone for these awards.
  A Canterbury/West Coast, Southland and North Island winner will be named if applicable
• Club Merit Awards – nominate here (Clubs only)
  Contribution to administration of harness racing, or a club role, a commendable effort over a long period of time
  Nominations to be sent in by Clubs
  All regions will be awarded

Seven Club Merit certificates will be awarded to those who have contributed in a Club role as part of the sport over a long period of time. 

A number of awards will be decided by public voting and there will be regular updates on www.hrnz.co.nz and HRNZ’s social media channels.  

The list of finalists for all the age group awards will be released in early to mid January. From there the Trotter, Pacer and Horse of the year will be decided.

The awards on the night will be:

2YO Trotting Filly Of The Year
2YO Pacing Filly Of The Year
2YO Trotting Colt or Gelding Of The Year
2YO Pacing Colt or Gelding Of The Year
3YO Trotting Filly Of The Year
3YO Pacing Filly Of The Year
3YO Trotting Colt or Gelding Of The Year
3YO Pacing Colt or Gelding Of The Year
4YO Trotting Mare Of The Year
4YO Pacing Mare Of The Year
4YO Trotting Entire or Gelding Of The Year
4YO Pacing Entire or Gelding Of The Year
5YO & Older Trotting Mare Of The Year
5YO & Older Pacing Mare Of The Year
5YO & Older Trotting Entire or Gelding Of The Year
5YO & Older Pacing Entire or Gelding Of The Year
Trotting Broodmare Of The Year
Pacing Broodmare Of The Year
Trotting Stallion Of The Year
Pacing Stallion Of The Year
Breeder Of The Year
Owner Of The Year
Leading Junior Driver
Leading UDR Junior Driver
Leading Driver
Leading Trainer
Trotter Of The Year
Pacer Of The Year
Outstanding Contribution to Life After Racing
Best Moment Of The Season
Horse Of The Year
Newcomer to Training
Stablehand Of The Year
Unsung Heroes
Club Merit Awards
Cadet of the Year
Cadet of the Year Runner Up
Outstanding Contribution to Harness Racing

Tickets for the awards night will be available from January 6, costing $130 each (including food and beverage package).

For more information contact courtney@hrnz.co.nz

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