World conquering pacer Mr Feelgood has added 2009 Australian Harness Horse of the Year to his already imposing record of achievement
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Mr Feelood has taken the Australasian harness racing industry by storm since arriving from North America in 2008 following an inspired purchase by Kevin Seymour, Peter O’Shea and Clinton Payne.
Among his 2009 achievements, the Grinfromeartoear stallion claimed Australasia's biggest prize, the million dollar Watpac Inter Dominion Pacing Grand final at the Gold Coast in March and tied with Blacks A Fake for the Barastoc Grand Circuit Champion crown.
The Australian Harness Horse of the Year is awarded after compiling the votes from media representatives across the nation and based on the racing performances of all horses during the 2008-09 season. The result was clear cut with Mr Feelgood claiming four times the votes of the nearest rival.
He was expertly mentored by Tim Butt, and piloted by his brother Anthony throughout the season.
Deanna Troy took the Aged Mare Pacer of the Year honours, Captain Joy and Cuttheattitude the three and two-year-old categories respectively and Sundons Gift NZ the Trotter of the Year Award.
Lady Joy, owned by Marie Ross of Petersham, NSW is the 2009 Australian Broodmare of the Year. Lady Joy (F1996) by Talk About Class from Nyx, was a clear winner in the voting by the Breeders Associations and the harness racing controlling bodies in each state.
The award for Leading Sire by Stakemoney went to Village Jasper while Leading Juvenile Sire by Stakemoney went to Art Major. The Leading Sire of Trotters by Stakemoney was Sundon.
Bill Dixon of Queensland was Australia’s leading trainer with 242 wins (238 in Queensland and four interstate) during the season and is his second consecutive national title.
Daryl Douglas of Victoria was Australia’s leading driver with 358 wins Australia wide for the 2008/2009 season. It was another outstanding effort by a gifted driver and is Daryl’s fourth consecutive national title.
Congratulations to all the winners:
Lawn Derby Awards - Pacers
Aged Pacer of the Year – Mr Feelgood
Aged Mare Pacer of the Year – Deanna Troy
Aged Horse/Gelding Pacer of the Year – Mr Feelgood
3yo Pacer of the Year – Captain Joy
3yo Filly Pacer of the year – Broadways Best
3yo Colt/Gelding Pacer of the Year – Captain Joy
2yo Pacer of the Year - Cuttheattitude
2yo Filly Pacer of the Year – Lady Euthenia
2yo Colt/Gelding Pacer of the Year - Cuttheattitude
Vancleve Awards – Trotters
Trotter of the Year – Sundons Gift NZ
Aged Trotting Mare of the Year – Sundons Tiavon
3yo Trotter of the Year – Arizona Blue
2yo Trotter of the Year - Rostevarren
Winona Award - Broodmare
Broodmare of the Year – Lady Joy
Globe Derby Awards - Sires
Leading Sire by Stakemoney - Village Jasper
Leading Sire of 2yos by Stakemoney - Art Major
Leading Sire of 3yos by Stakemoney - Village Jasper
Leading Juvenile Sire by Stakemoney (2&3yos) - Art Major
Leading Broodmare Sire by Stakemoney - Holmes Hanover
Leading Broodmare Sire of 2yos By Stakemoney - Safely Kept
Leading Broodmare Sire of 3yos By Stakemoney - Fake Left
Leading Sire of Trotters by Stakemoney - Sundon
Leading Broodmare Sire of Troters by Stakes - Chiola Hanover
Leading Sire of Winners - Armbro Operative
Leading Sire of 2yos by Winners - Art Major
Leading Sire of 3yos by Winners - Village Jasper
Leading Broodmare Sire by Winners - Holmes Hanover
Leading Broodmare Sire of 2yos by Winners - Safely Kept
Leading Broodmare Sire of 3yos by Winners - Fake Left
J.D. Watts Awards - Trainer/Driver
Leading Trainer of the Year – Bill Dixon
Leading Driver of the Year – Daryl Douglas
(With files from Harness Racing Australia Inc.)