Cranbourne horse trainer Doug Harrison acknowledged retiring Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Yvonne Blackwood at last Thursday’s sentimental race meeting.By Brad Kingsbury
A DECADE has passed since the tragic death of promising Cranbourne apprentice jockey Travis Harrison, but support of the race named in his honour has continued to grow.
The same is so for a race run annually on the same January program, named in memory of Travis’ grandfather and leading local racing identity, the late Tom Harrison.
Travis Harrison was tragically killed in a road accident in May 1996.
Strong fields and a big crowd, dominated by racing people from across the district, highlighted last Thursday afternoon’s meeting, where both races were contested at the Harrison family’s home track.
The sentiment of the day continued after 89-year-old trainer George Hanlon, a long-time friend of Tom’s, took out the race in his name, followed 40 minutes later by the success of mother-son combination Vicki Rhind and Ben Smith, as trainer and rider of the victor in Travis’ race.
Retiring Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Yvonne Blackwood has been a major influence in that growth after helping initiate the races, the Travis Harrison Apprentices’ Cup and the T. J. Harrison Handicap.
Kevin Harrison, Travis’ father and Tom’s son, gave a short, but moving, speech during the presentation after the Travis Harrison Cup, in which he recognised Ms Blackwood’s efforts and said the family would always owe her a debt of thanks for her support.
Tom’s younger son and leading Cranbourne trainer, Doug, echoed the sentiments earlier in the day, saying that the family ties with Cranbourne were stronger than ever.
“We’ve had a long association with Cranbourne and Yvonne has always supported our family and run the Cranbourne Turf Club magnificently. She’ll be a great loss to the place,” he said.
Ms Blackwood said the Harrisons had continued to be wonderful supporters of Cranbourne and she was proud to have played a part in the race day.
She said it was disappointing that last Thursday was the last time she would be officially involved in the day, but saw no reason why the races would not continue to grow and remain a major drawcard for good-quality gallopers.
