The racing industry has looked a bit different this year with the COVID-19 pandemic, but that hasn't stopped the Parkes Harness Racing Club from putting on a fantastic season of racing.
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The very best performers of the season have been announced, with Brett Hutchings and Stan Townsend scooping the local awards while star Bathurst trainer Bernie Hewitt was named as the number one trainer.
The season's biggest breakout star was Doug Hewitt's three-year-old gelding BELL RIVER BOY, who had three wins from six starts on the Parkes track before a disappointing last in the Ironhorse final.
Despite that, he looks a star of the future - while the consistent GABBYS SPORTSTAR was named Horse of the Season after two wins and four seconds in nine starts on the Parkes track.
The battle for the top local trainer and driver went right down to the wire in the last meeting, in a battle between the Hutchings and Townsend clans.
It was Brett Hutchings who finished ahead of Nathan Townsend in the driver stakes, with Brett incredibly consistent and always having a strong book of rides.
Stan Townsend came home with a wet sail in the past month, ensuring he took the win ahead of Malcolm Hutchings, with Brett just behind the pair.
A win to CLOUDIN UP and second placings to CULLENS MAORI and BE GOOD BENNY on a bumper last day secured the nail-biting win for Townsend.
Harness racing is thriving in Parkes!
2019-20 Parkes Harness Racing Club awards
Langlands Hanlon Horse of the Year: GABBYS SPORTSTAR
Rosewood Stud Juvenile Horse of the Year: BELL RIVER BOY
Cunningham's IGA Leading Trainer of the Year: Bernie Hewitt
Clarinda Park IT Leading Driver of the Year: Brett Hutchings
Byrne Clothing Leading Local Trainer of the Year: Stan Townsend
Byrne Clothing Leading Local Driver of the Year: Brett Hutchings
Rubbers Saddlery Concession Driver of the Year: Justin Reynold
