White Earns Tasmanian Hall of Fame Induction

Friday, 28 August 2009 01:12

Popular Tasmanian trainer Gary White became the fifth trainer to be inducted into the Tasmanian Racing Hall of Fame last Friday night.

The awards ceremony which showcases the state’s top racing achievers has regularly acknowledged White's training prowess including the past two Horse of the Year awards, presented to the late Stuyvesant.

Known in Tasmania as the 'Cups King' for his exploits in the states staying feature races, White's bookshelf is littered with golden cups thanks to champion horses such as Scruples, Free Beer, L'espion, Lord Baracus and Rhumb Line.

However it is in recent years, with the late weight for age champion Stuyvesant and Tempest Tost, who earlier in the season became the first Tasmanian trained horse to win a million dollar race, that White has earned his place amongst Tasmania’s finest ever trainers.

"I'm overwhelmed", an unusually speechless White re-iterated during his induction speech.

Surrounded by his supporters, both clients and family, White praised the owners and trainers who were willing to take large financial risks to showcase our talent interstate.

"The best way to show the betting public how good the Tasmanian product can be is by taking on the better horses and races interstate and then beating them when they come to our home town", said White adamantly.

"Actions speak louder than words and with horses such as Conquering, Tempest Tost, Colonel Parker, Wealthy Lad, Speedy Sky and Rhumb Line all proving that we can be more than competitive the short term future looks good", White went on to say.

However the notable exception on the evening was acknowledgment of White's star three year old filly Tempest Tost, who took all before her in not only winning a million dollar race but also finishing a remarkable fourth at her first Group One appearance.

"The rules are the rules", said White referring to the requirement of Horse of the Year nominations to have raced in Tasmania at least once in the season.

The Horse of the Year title went to Conquering for a stellar season which included a Group Two placing in Victoria and a sweep of Tasmania's Weight for Age events.

"Conquering is a much deserved winner and has been a great horse for his connections for a number of seasons now".

But the award itself didn't seem to be the main issue according to White.

"A lot of people have said they were disappointed that she (Tempest Tost) wasn't showcased on the night, but I guess that comes down to the night’s production".

"I certainly think that if we are going to encourage our industry participants to promote and showcase Tasmanian racing across the country, perhaps we should be highlighting their achievements on our industry's night of nights also".

It is this positive, greater industry focus, which above all places White amongst Tasmanian Racing's finest.