Club President Geoff Cole welcomed those in attendance and announced he would be standing down at the Club’s upcoming Annual General Meeting after four years at the helm.

But the night belonged to Parkes reinsman David Harris and Trundle Owner, trainer, Peter Wright who between them bagged five awards.

And it was the bonny little mare, Big Hat who both were quick to thank for her efforts which primarily contributed to them winning the various trophies.

Big Hat, a four year old mare by Life Sign out of Golden Beach was purchased by Wright and his late father in law, John Newbigging who was a former leading horseman from Peak Hill.

Newbigging was affectionately known as “Big Hat” and the family thought it only fitting to remember him by naming the mare in his honour.

It was a good effort for Peter to win his awards as he only raced two horses throughout the 2012-13 season.

Dave Harris was a deserved winner of the Byrne Clothing Leading Local Driver after showing plenty of ability in the gig for a number of years.

Finally trainers have recognised that ability and Harris has rewarded them for their faith with some very good drives.

The Harris family, including his father David (senior) and older brother Robert have been prominent in the sport for more than 40 years and no doubt they are proud of their youngest family member’s achievements.

It was fitting that harness racing stalwart, Bill Palmer received the Col Fletcher Ford Clubman of the Year Award.

Palmer has given his life to the sport and despite moving into his 70’s, is still as active in working for the sport as he has ever been.

Forbes mentor Jason Gaffney was a joint winner in the Golden Gait Stud Leading Trainer within 100k of Parkes and he is a horseman whose stable just keeps getting stronger.

It was refreshing to see Lester and Linda Hewitt in Parkes to receive their award, won by Oh So Sweet for Leading Juvenile pacer.

The Hewitts were joined by other Bathurst identities Sue-Helen O’Shea and Michael and Michelle Munro who were representing the Owners of the Year, Peter and Marie Neal (Rayngold) while it was disappointing that Steve and Amanda Turnbull weren’t on hand to receive their major Awards for the Trainer and Driver Premierships.

Award winners were as follows:

Col Fletcher Ford Clubman of the Year - Bill Palmer.

NSW Owners Association Leading Owners - Peter and Marie Neal (Rayngold). 

Reflection Jewellers Premier Driver - Amanda Turnbull.

Cunningham’s IGA Premier Trainer - Steve Turnbull.

Langlands Hanlon Horse Of The Year - Big Hat.

Rosewood Stud Leading Juvenile - Oh So Sweet.

Byrne Clothing Leading Local Driver - David Harris Jnr.

Byrne Clothing Leading Local Trainer - Peter Wright.

Leading Driver within 100km of Parkes - David Harris.

Golden Gait Stud Leading Trainer within 100km of Parkes  - Peter Wright and Jason Gaffney (joint winners).