THE Rattray family’s domination in training and driving ranks last season was emphasised at the annual awards dinner at Wrest Point Hotel Casino last Friday night.
Three members of the Rattray dynasty that has been a dominant force in harness racing in Tasmania for the past three decades were acknowledged for their performances during the 2008-2009 season at a gala function attended by about 100 harness fans
Barrie Rattray won his 14th trainer’s premiership while his eldest son Gareth took out his fourth consecutive Tasmania driver’s title while younger brother Todd capped a great season for the family by winning the junior driver’s title.
Barrie, 48, prepared 63 wins and 85 minor placegetters from 317 starters for $385,052 in stakes.
His best win was with the 2YO filly Ashkalini in the $30,000 Evicus Final.
Top three on trainer’s premiership: Rattray (63 wins), Grant Hodges 57 and Phillip Ford 38.
Gareth drove 94 winners and 123 minor placegetters from 457 drives for $536,272 in prize money.
His best wins included the $25,000 Hobart Pacing Cup with Yakuza and a $15,000 3YO race at MooneeValley with Cancellara.
Gareth also represented Australia at the World Driving Championship in Norway where he drove one winner during the eight-race series.
His four driving premierships at the tender age of 24 has him well placed to son overhaul a few of the six drivers who have won more premierships – Jack Stamford (13), Barrie Rattray (11), Neville Webberley (7), Bert Lewis (7), Darrel Alexander (5) and Graeme Peck (5).
Top three on driver’s premiership: Rattray (94 wins), Rohan Hadley 52 and Ricky Duggan 44.
Todd Rattray continued the Rattray family dominance of the Leading Junior Driver Award with his first win in the category.
Todd’s twin brothers Gareth (6) and James (1) won the previous seven junior driver titles.
Todd drove 30 winners last season accompanied by 64 minor placings from 234 drives for $220,057 in prize money.
His feature race wins were Armbro Spur in the $25,000 City of Devonport Quality and Ashkalini in the $30,000 Evicus Final.
Top three on junior driver premiership: Rattray (30 wins), Nathan Ford 22 and James Johnson 10.