JThe Chairman of the Agri-Food Industry Council, John Baker, has won Australian harness racing’s highest honour, the J.P. Stratton Award. Australian Harness Racing Council (AHRC) Chairman, Geoff Want, said Mr Baker was “a highly respected NSW administrator” who should be congratulated for many years of service to the industry in numerous roles, including Chairman of the NSW Harness Racing Club at Harold Park.
“John has also worked with the NSW Harness Racing Club and Harness Racing NSW in a variety of roles for our industry’s advancement over a significant time period,” Mr Want said. “I extend council’s congratulations to John Baker and his wife Marilyn, on his performance and outstanding achievement in his many roles serving the Australian harness racing industry.”
Mr Baker was nominated by the Racing Industry Standing Committee for his commitment to providing better skills training to harness racing personnel, through this national body and the NSW Harness Racing Training Sub-Committee. He served as the club’s representative on the AHRC, making an extremely valuable contribution to council’s deliberations over the years.
The CEO of the Agri-Food Industry Skills Council, Arthur Blewitt, said the award acknowledged Mr Baker’ quite outstanding commitment to advancing harness racing in Australia, including the training and development of its people, over many years.
“This also recognises the prominent national role that Mr Baker continues to carry out in delivering training products and services for the agri-food industry, with turnover of more than $200 billion a year and employing more than 800,000 people,” Mr Blewitt said.
J.P. Stratton was President of the WATA and the Inter Dominion Trotting Council (later renamed Inter Dominion Harness Racing Council) for many years. He was a leading owner, studmaster and breeder in Western Australia. He played a major role in establishing the Inter Dominion Championship and was an Administrator respected by all.
The J.P. Stratton Awards are awarded to recipients for Significant Achievement, Leadership, Distinction, Eminence, Repute, Renown, Foresight, Initiative, Innovation, Creativity on an International or National Basis over a significant period of time.
Other recipients of AHRC awards this week include Garry Scott of Huntingdale, Western Australia, for his work in harness racing at national, state, club and association level for many years and Robbie Dewar of Thornlie, Western Australia, for his voluntary media work to the Western Australian Trotting Association. AFISC media release.
