East Maitland's John Downing claimed the Dick Osborn Medal and Black Silhouette was crowned Newcastle horse of the year at Hunter Valley harness racing's night of nights at Telarah Bowling Club on Saturday.
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Downing, an owner, breeder, trainer, driver and administrator, was honoured with the award for outstanding service, achievement, contribution and participation in local harness racing.
The Sam Dimarco-trained Black Silhouette, the only group 1 winner from the region in 2018-19, took the Newcastle Harness Racing Club's top honour.
Sandra Smith earned the Ros Falconer Memorial Award for service to the industry. The award is presented by the Robin Dundee Club. Melanie Elder claimed the Cheryl Lowe Memorial Award as most successful Hunter Valley female trainer.
Reinsman Tom Ison was given the Caduceus Club of Newcastle's Matthew Jenkins Young Achiever Award.
Newcastle premiership winners Jack Callaghan (drivers), Roy Roots jnr and KerryAnne Morris (trainers) were acknowledged. The Maitland club honoured its best in Clayton Harmey (trainer), Brad Elder (driver), Im Major Harry and The White Wolf (horse).
On Sunday at Menangle, 2017 Newcastle horse of the year Takara Truffle won her third race in a row and Bobs Farm trainer Geoff Harding claimed a country series final with Jasper Styles.
On Friday night at Newcastle, Cessnock trainer Brendon Flaherty had a winning double with Martinson and Beautiful Stranger. Mark Callaghan won with Power Surge and Glenn Ford.
