Outstanding line up of contenders announced for the WA Harness Horse of the Year

Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) has today announced the nominations for the 2021 WA Harness Horse of the Year Awards.

The competition for the Horse of the Year looks as strong as ever with the deeds of talented pacers Magnificent Storm and Minstrel, headlining the field after dominating the Four-Year-Old feature races and displaying outstanding form in Open Class races.

Bletchley Park is the other of the three nominations for the showpiece award, consistently producing great results throughout the season.

City of Perth Cup winner Balcatherine continued a fantastic run and headlines the nominations for Mare of the Year and is joined by a field of four including Born to Boogie, Savvy Bromac, Star of Diamonds and Wainui Creek.

The Three-Year-Old Colt or Gelding award also looks set to be fiercely contested by four outstanding pacers, who have each made their mark on the State’s harness circuit.

The Sky Racing WA Derby winner Mighty Ronaldo is joined by Finvarra, Jumpingjackmac and Lavra Joe in the running.

The Three-Year-Old Filly award looks to be a tight contest. A very impressive season from Black Jack Baby, which included multiple Metropolitan wins throughout the season will see her gain plenty of attention. The star is joined by Always an Angel, WA Oaks winner Benesari Lane, Bettor Beach Belle, Miss Boudica and Newsy to round out the nominees.

The outcome of the Two-Year-Old Colt or Gelding of the Year is also set to attract plenty of interest with Justin Prentice trained Tricky Miki in the running, after taking out the Golden Slipper.

Joined by an admirable list of young stars including Floewriter, Rock on Top, The Miki Taker and Whataretheodds.

Star filly Wonderful to Fly is a key contender for the Two-Year-Old Filly of the Year, being the dominant filly throughout the season and recording multiple feature race wins.

In the Spotlight, Taking the Miki and Valhalla Miss join the pack, are also vying for the youngest honours.

Trotter Tenno Sho who won the Group 2 Trotters Sprint will be a key contender for Trotter of the Year. With an impressive run this season, Goodtime Pe Rabbit is also a solid contender and is joined by Always a Dreamer, Dark Secret, Midnight Assassin, My Mdina, No Republic, Princess Mila, The Male Model and Tokyo Joe.

The Young Achiever of the Year Award is headlined by Emily Suvaljko, who has continued to fly the flag on the local and national stage.

Emily is joined by Hayden Hancock, who burst onto the scene with impressive wins on the regional circuit and was the leading Concession driver for the season.

The 2021 Harness Media Award nominees have shown their dedication to the harness racing industry across the State through online and print media channels.

This year’s nominees include SEN Radio’s Glen Mortimer and Michael Radley, the West Australian’s Steve Butler, and Kathleen Harris.

RWWA Head of Racing Operations David Hunter said all nominees have had a fantastic season and had a tremendous impact on the success of the harness racing industry in Western Australia.

“We are proud to have seen many outstanding performances during the 2021 season particularly in the Group 1 feature races,” David said.

“The Harness Horse of the Year Awards are a fantastic opportunity to gather as a community and acknowledge their successes.

“I wish all nominees and their connections the best of luck.”

The 2021 WA Harness Horse of the Year Awards take place on Wednesday, 2 February at Crown Perth.

2021 Harness Horse of the Year Nominees:

2YO FILLY OF THE YEAR

• In The Spotlight
• Taking The Miki
• Valhalla Miss
• Wonderful To Fly

2YO COLT & GELDING OF THE YEAR

• Floewriter
• Rock On Top
• The Miki Taker
• Tricky Miki
• Whataretheodds

3YO FILLY OF THE YEAR

• Always An Angel
• Benesari Lane
• Bettor Beach Belle
• Black Jack Baby
• Miss Boudica
• Newsy

3YO COLT & GELDING OF THE YEAR

• Finvarra
• Jumpingjackmac
• Lavra Joe
• Mighty Ronaldo

MARE OF THE YEAR

• Balcatherine
• Born To Boogie
• Savvy Bromac
• Star Of Diamonds
• Wainui Creek

HORSE OF THE YEAR

• Bletchley Park
• Magnificent Storm
• Minstrel

TROTTER OF THE YEAR

• Always A Dreamer
• Dark Secret
• Goodtime Pe Rabbit
• Midnight Assassin
• My Mdina
• No Republic
• Princess Mila
• Tenno Sho
• The Male Model
• Tokyo Joe

YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD

• Emily Suvaljko
• Hayden Hancock

MEDIA AWARD

• Kathleen Harris
• Michael Radley and Glen Mortimer
• Steve Butler