3 minute read

Three of the finest in harness racing will have their names etched in history as pacer Baltic Eagle is immortalised alongside Bob Pollock and the Porter Family with their induction into the Western Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

Champion pacer Baltic Eagle reached the pinnacle of harness racing in 2003 when he was triumphant in the Inter Dominion in Christchurch, New Zealand for trainer-driver Kim Prentice.

The New Zealand-bred gelding raced 40 times over his storied career for 21 wins, tasting further Group 1 glory in taking out the 2003 Fremantle Cup and WA Pacing Cup double.

Pollock made a name for himself in the harness history books back in 1953, when he became the first ever West Australian to drive an Inter Dominion winner with Captain Sandy at Gloucester Park.

Over his illustrious career, Pollock racked up north of 800 wins as a driver and 600 as a trainer while adding another two Group 1 wins with the Fremantle Cup and WA Derby.

There are few names more renowned in the WA Harness world than Ron Porter, stemming from Howard Porter who was the lifeblood of the Fremantle Trotting Club for 50 years. He was a founding member of the Club during its infancy in 1928, with his contributions to the sport seeing his name immortalised with the Howard Porter grandstand at Gloucester Park.

The name was carried on with champion Ron Porter, a three-time WA Pacing Cup winner who is widely regarded as the best money driver ever seen at Gloucester Park. Lyall Porter was another big contributor in the family, breeding star names including former WA champion San Simeon.

Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards said each icon has earned their place among the sport's greats.

"This year's Hall of Fame inductees represent the highest achievers from a rich history of harness racing, and I look forward to celebrating their successes," Ian said.

The Harness Racing Awards will be held on Saturday, 22 March 2025 at Crown Perth.