Being rewarded for a lifetime of service is a great feeling.
Just ask Moira Shire local Margaret Watson.
For decades she has been helping promote harness racing and contributing to the success of the industry.
On Sunday, April 30 her efforts were recognised at the Victorian Harness Racing Awards held at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, where Ms Watson won the prestigious Pearl Kelly Award.
The award recognises the outstanding contribution to, or achievement within, harness racing by a woman.
For Ms Watson, it was a lifetime of hard work, which started as a young child, that got her to the podium.
“My father was in Goulburn Valley harness racing,” she said.
“He was the president at one stage and a steward and then a starter up here in Cobram for 40 years. Everything he did was voluntary.”
Ms Watson’s grandfather was also in the industry, where he bred trotters.
Her brother also breeds trotters.
Ms Watson herself spent years helping with catering, promoting the industry via social media, applying for grants and undertaking administrative duties.
She also provided invaluable support to her late husband, Bob, when he was Cobram Harness Racing Club president.
For her, the appeal of harness racing is the atmosphere.
“It’s a family sport. There is a lot of camaraderie. It’s really one big family. Everyone looks out for the other person. And the sport itself is a spectacle,” she said.
Ms Watson was no supporting character though.
Under her insistence and guidance, the Pacing for Pink initiative, originally named Community Pink Day, began.
It involves drivers wearing pink trousers during May and is partnered with the McGrath Foundation to raise money for cancer.
“It was at Cobram Trots that we started Community Pink Day ... When my husband took over I said I think we need to do something for the community,” Ms Watson said.
“Cancer was rife. In the first year we raised $6000. Last year the group went Australia-wide and raised $140,500.”
According to Ms Watson, her daughter knew she had won prior to the ceremony and helped her attend the event.
“We went down to the Victorian Harness Awards Dinner. It was the second to last award of the night,” Ms Watson said.
“It was a beautiful night.”
For Ms Watson, winning the award came as a massive shock.
“When I looked at some of the people who won I felt rather humbled and shocked. It’s something I have never dreamt of,” she said.
“I admire the people who have won it but I never would have thought I would be in that league.”
As for those thinking about watching harness racing, Ms Watson encourages them to give it a go.
“It’s a great day and it’s a great spectacle,” she said.