The next Harness Racing New Zealand awards in 2023 will have a fresh look.
The awards, to be held at Addington Raceway on Saturday March 4, will recognise excellence for the 2022 calendar year, including Driver, Trainer and Horse of the Year.
There will be four new awards, designed to encourage those at all tiers of the sport – from those starting out in their careers to those who are regarded as all-time legends.
The four awards are:
The Newcomer to Training Award:
To be eligible for this award, trainers must have been licenced for no more than five years.
They will be assessed on their number of starters and winners, their number of feature wins, plus their strike rate. This is to reward the trainer’s overall performance rather than their record with one particular horse.
Stablehand of the Year
The nominees for Stablehand of the Year will be nominated by the stablehands employer. They will need to detail the nominee’s credentials. Factors that will be taken into account include work ethic, dedication, having the horse’s best interest at heart and their overall performance.
Nominations will open early January.
Unsung Heroes Award
As the title suggests this award is to recognise someone or a horse that is not usually in the limelight but who continually and consistently contributes to the sport at a high level.
They are not the big winners of major races or the people who necessarily get the attention they deserve for the job they do.
Legends of our Sport
Legends are special people or horses that have showcased the sport at its best over a number of years. They are the horses or people who have performed consistently at a high level within the sport.
It is envisaged that a plaque recognising the Unsung Heroes and the Legends of our Sport will be hung at the HRNZ offices, just like a Hall of Fame.
The “Peoples Vote” will again be in play next year where there will be a chance to vote on all of the age group awards contenders. The winner from these votes will receive ONE vote to go towards their tally. This one will take place on Facebook in early January. It will be done on similar lines to the ever popular People’s Choice Best Moment award.
There will be plenty more updates over the next few weeks so keep an eye out on www.hrnz.co.nz and our social media channels. Tickets will go on sale early January.
For any enquiries please contact courtney@hrnz.co.nz
