Gary Hall Jnr celebrates as he crosses the finish line. Photo by Gary Wild. 2013 Photograph of the Year
Harness Racing Australia has announced the winners in the various media categories in the 2013 Joseph Coulter Media Awards. These awards have been going for in excess of 35 years and are well regarded in the industry as a measure of commitment to the sport of harness racing.
In announcing the awards Harness Racing Australia Chairman Geoff Want noted "the media plays a prominent role in the promotion of harness racing so it was pleasing to see such a large number of nominations across the various award categories.
Congratulations are extended to not only each award winner but to all those who play an important role in promoting the sport of harness racing. The rise in the use of social media by all levels within the industry is also of particular interest as this has the potential to attract new followers to the sport”.
BEST FEATURE STORY
We'll Catch The Cheats
Amanda Rando
National Trotguide (May 23, 2013)
A feature detailing the drug testing measures being taken in NSW in the wake of the "Green Light Scandal".
This is Amanda’s 2nd award having been awarded Best Feature in 2011.
JOSEPH COULTER BEST NEWS STORY
Aussie First - Spirit Horse
Paul Courts
Harness Racing Weekly (November 8, 2012)
An interesting story documenting the arrival of what is believed to be the first white standardbred born in Australia, at Alabar Bloodstock's Echuca Farm.
This is Paul’s 3rd Media Award having been awarded Best News Story in 2002 and Best Feature in 2012.
BEST HISTORICAL FEATURE
Harness Racing In The 19th Century
John Peck
Harness Racing International (several editions to February 2013)
A comprehensive series providing an insight into harness racing in Australia and New Zealand during the 19th century, with a considerable amount of previously unpublished material.
This is John’s 6th Media Award having been awarded Best Feature in 2010 & 2005; Best News Story in 2008; Best Historical in 2000; and Best Magazine in 1994.
BEST REGIONAL STORY
Racehorses Finding Their Unharnessed Potential
Raelee (Tuckerman) Eenjes
Bendigo Advertiser (April 20, 2013)
With photographs by Brendan McCarthy
A well written, heart-warming story about life after racing for standardbreds and the people who care for them.
This is Raelee’s first Media Award.
Special commendation to the Maitland Mercury for their outstanding coverage of the 50th Inter City Pace in January 2013
BEST ACTION OR STILL PHOTOGRAPH
Gary Hall Jnr celebrates another Inter Dominion victory
Gary Wild
Harness Racing Weekly (March 14, 2013)
The elation of winning a third straight Inter Dominion championship with Im Themightyquinn is captured as Gary Hall Jnr crosses the finish line at Tabcorp Park Menangle.
This is Gary’s 6th Media Award for photography. He shared the award in 2000, won Best folio in 2005 and Best Photograph in 2008, 2011 & 2012.
Special commendation to Stuart McCormick for his fine action shot of Smoken Up heading for home in the Calder Cup, published in the Herald Sun on December 15, 2012.
BEST RADIO FEATURE
Interview with Father Brian Glasheen - The Pacing Priest (audio file)
Len Baker
Harness Review, 979FM (August 5, 2013).
A fascinating interview in which Father Glasheen talks about his lifetime passion for, and involvement with, harness racing.
This is Len’s 9th Best Feature Radio award having won in won in 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 2010 & 2012. He was also awarded a Special Recognition Award in 2000.
BEST TV/VIDEO/FILM
Coverage of the 2013 Inter Dominion
Nine Network (March 2013)
Outstanding coverage on free to air television of the tab.com.au Inter Dominion grand final from Tabcorp Park Menangle, promoting harness racing to a new national audience.
This is the Nine Network’s 1st Media Award.
BEST TELEVISION STORY
Special Bond (wmv mp4)
Rebecca Munro (reporter) & Scott Hamilton (producer)
Channel TEN News, Perth (August 5, 2013)
A touching story on the incredible relationship that's changing the life of a Perth man with severe disabilities.
This is Channel TEN Perth’s 1st media award.
AWARD OF MERIT - DEMONSTRATED EXCELLENCE IN PROMOTION
The Shannon Noll Television Commercial/Campaign (wmv mp4)
Harness Racing New South Wales
The much acclaimed Shannon Noll commercial was used extensively during the past year in an outstanding brand awareness campaign in NSW, which also included the entertainer appearing personally at the Carnival of Cups meetings throughout the state.
Special commendation to the NSW Harness Racing Club for the 8-page wrap-up of the 2013 Inter Dominion grand final day, published in National Trotguide on March 7, 2013.
AWARD OF MERIT - EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE & INNOVATION
Facebook & Twitter
Harness Racing New South Wales
HRNSW increased its social media platforms significantly during the past year, utilising them to communicate effectively with 5,900 Facebook and 1,300 Twitter followers.
