The Thoroughbred Racing SA Racing Hall of Fame Dinner on Saturday, 19 August was a spectacular occasion for the 400-plus people who attended the event at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Racing celebrities mingled with other guests in an evening that was a true celebration of the greats of racing. There was a real international flavour to the night with many Irish jockeys in attendance. They had just competed in the Irish Race Day Jumps Jockeys Challenge at Allan Scott Park Morphettville earlier that day.

From the opening moments, with pre-dinner drinks and the sound of rhythm and blues, the scene was set for a wonderful night of tribute and entertainment.

Ali Carle from MIX 102.3 and Terry McAuliffe from Radio TAB hosted the night, and they did a fabulous job of making everyone feel welcome. While guests enjoyed a delicious 3-course meal, awards were presented to those who have excelled in the current racing season, both on and off the track.

The highlight of the night was the naming of this year’s inductees into the Thoroughbred Racing SA Hall of Fame. It was the moment when two more racing icons became part of South Australia’s rich history in the sport of kings:

Firstly Champion Racehorse, ‘ Pago Pago’, was one of Australia’s best 2-year olds. In 1962, he won all but 1 race (where he finished 3rd), and in 1963 he was undefeated. That year, he became the first interstate horse to win the coveted Golden Slipper (running clockwise for the first time in his career).

Then it was John Stocker’s turn. At the age of 19, John Stocker (riding South Australian trained Yangtze) became the third youngest jockey to win the Caulfield Cup. He would do it again 12 years later. All in all, John’s illustrious career spanned 24 years, and included riding 1855 winners in Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand.

CEO of Thoroughbred Racing SA, Ian Hart, said the night was a huge success. “It brought together all sectors of the racing industry to celebrate all that is good about racing. And it was a chance for current achievers and the champions of the past to be recognised by their peers.”

But the night wasn’t all awards and formality. There were auctions and entertainment throughout the evening, including the jumping jive groove of the JC Swing Orchestra.

“I would just like to congratulate everybody involved in making this event so special,” Ian said. “And particular thanks to all our sponsors for their invaluable support.”

TRSA Head of Strategic Marketing & Communications Dan Demaria thanked the sponsors involved on the night saying: “It is true that without your sponsor partnerships nights such as these are much harder and more expensive to put together”. Demaria added that the audience gave very positive feedback about the night as a whole and the choice of superb premium wines from Kirrihill Wines. The Coopers Pales Ale and Premium Lager and Light was also a popular choice as was the Schweppes non-alcoholic beverages. Demaria urged the industry to support those who supported the night.

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