Frith didn’t enjoy the same success as her amazing three and four-year-old seasons but still did enough to claim NSW Aged Mare of the Year at the Harness Racing NSW awards night on Saturday.
After being named NSW Horse of the Year in 2013 following a brilliant three-year-old season, where she claimed four group ones, Frith has been named the best mare in the state for the last two years.
She won four of eight races, just under $90,000 in prizemoney and was beaten in two group ones, including by Adore Me in Australasian record time in the Ladyship Mile.
Owner Dianne Kelly was delighted to take out another accolade with the daughter of Four Starzzz Shark.
“We were surprised but delighted,” Kelly said.
“We weren’t going to go but it made it worthwhile.
“It was a really good night.”
To cap off the night the Kellys also took home the Broodmare of the Year award with Jackie Kelly.
Frith’s achievements went a long way to earning the prize but the efforts of three-year-old Stening and Jack Hall added to the mares’ resume.
Winning three of four starts, Jackie Kelly has left her mark in the breeding barn.
She’s had six horses of racing age for four winners, has a full-sister to Frith that has just turned one and is in foal to Bettors Delight.
Kelly said both decision were narrow victories.
In what shapes as Frith’s last season of racing she will return to Junee trainer Bruce Harpley.
Originally set to make a move to leading New Zealand trainer Mark Purdon, following a disappointing performance in the Queen Of The Pacific while trained by Belinda McCarthy the plans changed.
Spelled after being beaten more than 50 metres, Kelly said husband Bernie had been working the mare up and she will return to Harpley’s care in the coming weeks.
“She’s come full circle,” Harpley said. “I don’t know how long she will stay.
“I said to Bernie we will get her up and going to the races then we can work out what we want to do from there.”
Yirribee Pacing Stud claimed the Outstanding Service to the Breeding Industry award while Shaun Snudden was recognised for breaking the century mark.
Wagga vice-president Ralph Brewer and Albury’s Jeff Hogan received HRNSW Club Volunteer Appreciation awards.
Young, Leeton, Temora and Junee were all nominated for their Carnival of Cups meetings but missed out on prizes.
