The reason was some very close finishes in the races and a complete power blackout in the middle of Race 6. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries to either drivers or horses and the race was re-run. All the volunteers involved worked together quickly to get things up and running again with minimum of fuss.

Father and son combination Rod (driver) and Tom (trainer) took out the Dunsborough Veterinary Hospital Leading Reinspersons Award and the Bridgestone Tyre Centre Leading Horse Award (Lost Gold) respectively.

Rod’s finish to the season was slightly disappointing – he rode just one winner and four seconds, but he was pleased to have won the Reinsman’s Award

“I have been driving for 12 years at many different tracks, but this is the first time I have won a Reinsman’s Award,” Rod said.

“I always drive my dad’s (Tom) horses, which included Reuben Gloves (A second and two third places) and Lost Gold (Two wins and four second places).

“This year the horses I drove were more consistent and went well. I would like to thank the trainers and owners for giving me drives.”

This includes his dad Tom’s horses as well as Yallingup trainer Kym Neal, for whom he drove two winning horses – Sovereign Jet (top points in the Callows Southern Star competition) and Striking Grace (the winner of the Sweetheart series for mares and fillies).

Neal was virtually born in the saddle, being involved with horses from a very early age and the trotting club was pleased to see her rewarded for the efforts she puts into her horses.

Overall nightly attendances were up on previous seasons, especially on Boxing Day night and there was also an increase in tote turnovers overall.

The first four meetings had eight races on each night.

R.W.W, Harness governing body, only fund six races for the smaller clubs, however due to such good support in nominations, the Club elected to fund the two additional events each night.

It was very pleasing from a Club perspective to get such a large amount of support from trainers.