AHRC Distinguished Service Awards

This National Award recognises the individual contribution to our industry.  The Recipient is:

AHRC Meritorious Service Award

This National Award for achievement, commendable effort, and diligence in administration in an industry role.  The recipients are:
 

Also presented in same year:

J.P. Stratton Award (August 2002)
 

Ern Manea IDHRC Gold Medal
 

Exceprt from IDHRC PRess Release:  March 2002

GRAEME COCHRAN
AWARDED
ERN MANEA IDHRC GOLD MEDAL

Tony Abell, President of the Inter Dominion Harness Racing Council announced that at its recent Mid Season Meeting Mr Graeme Cochran OBE was recognised for his significant past long time contribution to Australian and New Zealand Harness Racing Affairs. 

Graeme Cochran a past J.P. Stratton Award recipient from the Australian Harness Racing Council has performed many significant roles. His past contribution as an administrator includes being the President of the International Trotting Association and the Inter Dominion Harness Racing Council amongst other Executive Roles in these organisations the basis of this award. 

Graeme’s long term commitment to the Inter Dominion Harness Racing Council and its past activities has been extensive. Present day administrators and others may not be aware of his significant and impressive achievements. Commencing in 1957 when he was first elected to the Victorian Trotting Control Board and then from that date as a Delegate to the Inter Dominion Harness Racing Council, a role held from 1957 to 1984. He served as Treasurer from 1973 to 1977 becoming Senior Vice President until 1979. He was elected President and performed this Role until 1984. Simultaneously Graeme was elected to similar roles in the Australian Harness Racing Council from its inception in 1974.

In these roles, his lifetime involvement in many roles and capacities exceeds that of his father Ron and uncle Eric who were also significant achievers for our industry. During his IDHRC Presidency Graeme Cochran oversaw many initiatives including the Perth World Trotting Conference. 

In addition, Graeme Cochran has been a significant long term owner and breeder of standardbreds over his career in harness racing. Included amongst his breeding achievements is Shakamaker, winner of the 2000 Inter Dominion.

Tony Abell
President, IDHRC