President Barry Pitt took care of the formalities and made a speech summarising the highlights of the year and thanking our wonderful sponsors whom we couldn’t continue without. Apologies were received from sponsors Brian and Jan Munro , and Marlene Johnson who unfortunately were all out of town on the weekend , and from Kelsey Deeves who had work commitments on the day.
LMTC decided this year to trial a new reward system and rather than the usual trophies/ dust collectors , presented each driver with a personalised shirt in team colours – this seemed to go over well with all! The shirts will look a treat at our next Club outing to Griffith’s Dalton Park next month.
Awards for the season were as follows…
Terry and Anne Bourke Memorial – Siarne Deeves
John and Elvie Oxley Chaff Award – Ryan Pitt
Most Improved Driver – Jed Driscoll
Judy Basham Memorial – Danika Stevens
Norm and Marlene Johnson Award – Nikkita Smith
Senior Driver of the Year – Dylan Smith
Leeton Veterinary Hospital Horse of the Year – Willie Wagtail
Retiring Driver – Dylan Smith
President Barry Pitt made a speech recognising the achievements of Dylan Smith during his driving career at LMTC and made a presentation on behalf of the Club , as Dylan has reached the age to retire from Mini Trotting. Dylan’s Pop, Ken Smith also had a gift for Dylan – a framed photo collage of Dylan’s Mini Trotting career which Dylan was very touched to receive. Rumour has it that Dylan plans to move onto the “big horses” at some stage , so all at LMTC wish him the best of luck for the future , and hope he will stay in touch with us as we follow his new venture.
One of the biggest awards at LMTC is the “Horse of the Year Award” ,generously sponsored each year by Brian Munro of Leeton Veterinary Hospital. The lucky recipient receives an embroidered trophy rug custom made for their pony. This year’s winner was Willie Wagtail , the big grey pony owned and driven by Siarne Deeves. It was especially exciting for Siarne as she has recently completed her Year 10 school Work Experience at the Veterinary Hospital.
The 2016 / 17 mini trotting season commenced for the Leeton Club at Leeton Show on 7th October , with two new drivers joining the ranks , and the possibility of another family commencing shortly. New members are always most welcome to our little Club.
Next outing for the Leeton contingent will be at Dalton Park , as part of the Griffith Carnival of Cups Meeting on Saturday 5th November , and all supporters are encouraged to attend.
Also of interest , NSW Mini Trots has recently launched a new website at www.nswminitrots.org.au, with lots of Mini Trotting news and information. This exciting development sees the Leeton Club with their own page outlining all our events, members and lots of photos from our outings. It’s certainly worth a look for anyone surfing the net!
2015-2016 Leeton Mini Trots Prizewinners
Brian Munro Horse of the Year rug - Siarne collects on behalf of Willie Wagtail
Dylan Smith receiving his photo collage from Nana and Pop and sister Nikkita
Jed Driscoll receining his award - Most Improved
Kenny Smith Prsesnts grandson Dylan with a collage of his Mini trotting driving career
Nicole collecting Danikas award
Nikkita Smith collects her award
Retiring Driver Dylan Smith
2016-2017 Committee Men and Women
Leeton MIni Trots Club
Barry Pitt (President , Handicapper), Nicole Taylor , Julie Deeves (Publicity Officer , Judge ) , Fay Pitt (Treasurer , Girl Friday), Greg Deeves (Vice President , Starter ) , Mandy Trewin (Secretary) , Ken Smith.
Absent : Kelsey Deeves - Publicity Assistant , Photographer , Official Runner
Welcome, Shailla and Layla
