Introducing the Spirit of Racing Award

A new award to honour exceptional dedication to thoroughbred racing across Western Australia has been established called The Spirit of Racing Award.

The inaugural award will be presented by Racing and Wagering Western Australia at the 2023 WA Thoroughbred Racing Awards in August.

Chief Racing Officer David Hunter said the gong was created to include a diverse range of activities in thoroughbred racing by volunteers and racing participants alike.

“We welcome nominations based on efforts which can’t be counted by the number of races won but instead on endeavours which go above and beyond expectations to support racing and benefit the community,” David said.

“With this in mind, the scope is wide. Exemplary dedication may be shown by a significant contribution which has happened in the past 12 months or a long-term commitment, such as a volunteer who has been the mainstay of a race club for many years.

“Nominations may be based on contribution to the racing sector, support for participants and horses, community engagement, innovation and leadership, integrity and sportsmanship or a combination of these.

“Whatever the endeavour, it should have generated a positive, lasting impact on racing in Western Australia.”

The award follows similar recognition in other WA racing arenas such as the harness Service to Industry Award and the Gerry O’Keefe Achievement Award in greyhound racing.

Nominations are now open and may be submitted by all licenced thoroughbred participants, registered breeders and race clubs.

“I encourage everyone to consider the work they see in in their racing lives and the people doing it, whether they are a person who works quietly behind the scenes or a well-known figure who operates in the full glare of public attention,” David said.

More information is here. Nominations are open from Monday, 12 June 2023 until 9am, Wednesday, 12 July 2023 and can be submitted using this form.

Any questions can be directed to [email protected]

The WA Thoroughbred Racing Awards will be held on Saturday, 12 August 2023.