Ballarat racing took centre stage at the annual Country Racing Victoria awards function on Saturday night.
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A Ballarat club, a Ballarat-based trainer and his horse took home the three major awards at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Ballarat Turf Club landed the club of the year gong for the second time in three years, Darren Weir was named champion country trainer for a staggering 14th occasion, while his galloper High Church was selected as the state’s country racehorse of the 2016-17 season.
Country Racing Victoria chief executive Scott Whiteman said the BTC could not be denied after a tremendous season.
“Ballarat won this award two years ago, but the club has improved again and again in the two years since and their achievements couldn’t go unrewarded,” Whiteman said.
“It’s no coincidence that our trainer of the year operates out of our club of the year, as training is a large factor behind Ballarat’s success.”
BTC chief executive Lachlan McKenzie was thrilled at the result.
“Winning this coveted award is a wonderful outcome from the hard work from our staff, direction and commitment from our committee and dedicated support from our members, sponsors and friends of BTC,” McKenzie said.
“This award is wonderful recognition of the work done at BTC that has resulted in strong financial performance, extensive community engagement, successful race days, functions and events and the continuous improvement approach we take to our racecourse grounds and facilities.”
Werribee and Warrnambool cup wins were enough to see High Church claim the leading horse honour.
The son of High Chaparral only had his first start for Weir in October last year after arriving from the Robert Hickmott yard.
High Church’s victory in the Warrnambool feature was epic, with the horse winning by six lengths to cap a huge carnival for his trainer.
Weir trained 449 winners nation-wide last season, with 279 of those coming on country Victoria tracks.
Not every award on Saturday night went Ballarat’s way, however.
The Warrnambool May racing carnival took out the event of the year prize.
Dean Yendall claimed an eighth Neville Wilson Medal as the country jockey premiership winner, while Jordan Childs won the apprentice title.
The Geelong Racing Club won the award for customer service, while Casterton Racing Club veteran Alan Upton was acknowledged for his four decades of contribution to the sport.
