MARBURG Pacing Association’s Denis Smith was honoured with a Meritorious Service Award at the Queensland Harness Awards ceremony in Brisbane.
The Awards acknowledged “outstanding standardbreds and participants through harness racing for 2022”.
Denis was recognised with a Meritorious Award for his “achievements, commendable effort and diligence on the track, in training and as a breeder”.
The award announcement caught Denis by surprise.
He said he doesn’t volunteer to be recognised instead he volunteers because he has “a real passion for the sport, the horses and its people”.
“Everything that I have achieved over the years has been made possible because of the love and support that I have received from my wife Elizabeth, she has backed me the entire way,” he said.
“I also look back to my many mentors who I have met along the way and recall my school days, where advice was shared with me as a young lad.
“The advice was, in sport for those who win, congratulate them; for those who loose, share your commiserations and for those who gave it a go also congratulate them. Those words have always stuck with me.
“Also, as I look back to the 20-year-old young man that I was when I first started harness racing, I recall so many highlights.
“Referred to as, ‘When the Lights Went on’, the Golden Age in the sport was in 1949.
“Thousands of racegoers would line the race track, to get behind their race favourite, the atmosphere was outstanding and they were the good old days.”
Denis has been involved with the Marburg Pacing Association since its formation in 1982.
He said the Marburg catchment contains one of the largest populations of trainers in Queensland.
“Marburg is a great track with great trainers and of course a group of fantastic volunteers who keep the love of the sport going,” he said.
“Over the years I have held positions such as Vice President, Secretary, Committee volunteer and as a hands-on worker. The entire experience has been a pleasure.
“Harness Racing is an extension of your own ambition through the horse, and you establish your reputation through the horse who drives you over the finish line.”
A humble man who is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to the sport, Denis continues to dedicate his time to the Marburg Association, and at home he is still working with horses while sharing his extensive knowledge with others.
