By Nick Creely
The annual Pakenham Trainers Association Awards were held at the Pakenham Racing club on Thursday 1 February.
Here is a list of the award winners and their terrific achievements in the sport over the past year:
Herb O’Neill Memorial Leading Pakenham Trainer
Winner: Cameron Templeton
This is the fifth time Cameron has won the award, and was grateful for all the support he has received.
“As everyone in this room knows, it’s a tough gig and we couldn’t do what we do without the support of our families, and I’m very grateful for the support of my wife Kim,” Cameron said when receiving his award.
Horse of the Year
Winner: Nadeem’s Melody trained by Cameron Templeton
The mare, now in foal to Starcraft, enjoyed a stellar season.
“She had the worst action but the heart of a lion and that’s what made her such a good horse,” Templeton said of Nadeem’s Melody.
Leading Picnic Trainer
Winner: Ron Stephens
One of the leading trainers, Ron had his first winner in 1992 with Bay Runner.
Picnic Horse of the Year
Winner: Bellefontein trained by Ron Stephens
Bellefontein enjoyed a stunning season with four wins, with Stephens presented his award by Australian Trainers Association (ATA) chief executive Andrew Nicholl.
Both Picnic awards were sponsored by the ATA, the first time they have sponsored any awards for any club
Best Performance from a local trainer
Winner: Frank Stockdale
With horse Unique Lovely, Stockdale won three races in a row in June and July at Swan Hill, Moonee Valley and Caulfield.
Frank’s son Brandon rode Unique Lovely in all three wins, with the Valley win being Stockdale’s first city victory.
Special Recognition Awards
Winner: Tim Hughes
Tim had his first metro win and has Crossing The Abbey set for the Blue Diamond
Winner: Margot McDougal
Trained Time for Dancing to multiple wins after taking over the training of the horse from her late husband John Fulton.
Winner: David Nagel
David has been a long time promoter of the sport, and has provided support for a long period time to the trainers.
