LAST season’s top three-year-old gelding Gedlee was last night named Tasmanian Harness Horse of the Year.
The gelding was crowned at the official awards dinner at Country Club Tasmania Launceston where almost 200 gathered to celebrate the industry’s high achievers.
Gedlee notched five wins and seven minor placings from 15 starts for over $56,000 in stakes.
His wins in the Globe Derby Stakes heat and final were testament to his dominance in three-year-old ranks in Tasmania but he also was second to the all conquering Queenslander Lanercost in the Australian Derby and the Tasmanian Derby.
Bred by the late Leigh Plunkett at Berriedale Stud, Gedlee is owned by Gerald Rawnsley and trained at New Norfolk by his son Phil Rawnsley.
Gedlee also was named Tasmania’s best in the 3YO colt or gelding category while the Wayne Campbell-trained Maggie Kennedy was a unanimous choice as the state’s best three-year-old filly.
The Barrie Rattray-trained Benediction was a clear winner of the best two-year-old filly title, clinched by her wins in the Betfair Sweepstakes and Evicus Stakes.
Quastor Centurion was the unanimous choice as the state’s best two-year-old colt or gelding. Prepared by Kent Rattray, the gelding won eight of his 10 starts for almost $60,000 in prize money.
The top four-year-old and over title was taken out by Easter Cup winner Our Sir Jeckyl from the Tony Petersen stable while the Philip Ford-trained Cullen’s Angel was voted best mare.
The leading broodmare crown went to Amarillen. The Fred and Pauline Barker-bred mare produced two winners last season in Villagem and Codie Karalta.
Villagem won the $200,000 Chariots of Fire in NSW and the $100,000 4YO Breeders Crown final in Melbourne, while Codie Karalta won two of her six starts including a heat of the Evicus Stakes.
Ben Rossendell is last season’s Achiever of the Year.
Ben was first licensed as a stable hand on 23 June 2009. Following his C Grade Driver Trial licence he was upgraded to a B Grade Driver in March this year.
He has had 45 drives for six 2nd placings, 4 thirds and 6 4th placings.
He has progressed within the industry ranks in a short period of time and as Achiever of the Year he is likely to confidently pursue his career in the industry in a positive and professional manner.
The participant awards also were presented at the function.
Leading Reinsman – Gareth Rattray.
Leading Trainer – Philip Ford.
Leading Junior Driver – Nathan Ford.
Leading female Trainer – Brooke Hammond.
Leading Reinswoman – Erin Hollaway.