Mount Gambier trainer Michael O’Leary, Crossley trainer Quinton Scott and Terang judge Tony Heffernan, who has filled his role for 41 years, received special presentations from the club.

O’Leary trained his first carnival winner 50 years ago and is still a strong supporter of the club, while Scott has had runners at the carnival for 43 years. Scott is the only trainer to have trained Brierly Steeplechase, Grand Annual Steeplechase and Wangoom Handicap winning horses in the same year.

The club also recognised four long-serving staff members of The Standard for their coverage of the annual May carnival. Club chairman Des Roberts honoured photographers Damian White and Leanne Pickett, sports editor Greg Best and racing columnist Tim Auld during yesterday’s presentations for the Wangoom Handicap. 

Roberts said the four had covered more than 100 carnivals between them and had worked tirelessly to promote the club and the carnival over many years. 

“We are very appreciative of all the work these four, and everyone does at The Standard to help make our May carnival what it is today,” Roberts said. 

The Australian Jumps Racing Association and Corrigan Club inducted former Grand Annual and Brierly Steeplechase-winning jockey Kelvin Bourke into its Gallery of Champions — the equivalent of flat racing’s hall of fame. He joins an elite group of jockeys, trainers and horses to be afforded the lofty honour.