Gold Crown honourees

17 March 2021

THEY have been a formidable combination in harness racing and now they are being recognised by the Bathurst Harness Racing Club for what they have achieved together.

Riverina pair Bruce Harpley and Bernie Kelly have been named honourees for this year’s Gold Crown Carnival.

Both men sit among a plethora of great names in the sport on Bathurst’s honour role.

The honouree concept not only recognises people who have contributed to the success of the Gold Crown Carnival but also for having made a significant contribution to the sport throughout Australia.

“This is such an awesome honour that has been bestowed upon Bernie and me,” said a humble Bruce Harpley.

“And it is not just the two of us, our families are so ecstatic that the Bathurst Club has seen fit to choose us.

“The Gold Crown, Tiara, Chalice and Bracelet are races that we have yearned to win ever since the series kicked off way back in 1987.

“Originally it was Norm Diebert senior who drove the horses for Bernie then, once I got my license, I took over as his regular driver.

“Bernie and I have been lucky enough to have taken some lovely horses to Bathurst since then.

“We have run quite a few placings over the time but winning the Gold Tiara with Frith in 2012 will remain fresh in my memory for as long as I live.

“Frith meant so much to us and she was such a lovely horse.

“She ended up winning 39 races and almost $1.2million in stakes and the Tiara was the first of many Group 1 victories for her.”

Bernie Kelly and his wife Diane were farmers from Colleambally and established their Illinos Stud as a sideline, breeding plenty of top horses over the years.

So, to get such a top mare as Frith in their senior years has been the icing on the cake for them.

Harpley, who grew up and still resides in Junee is best known as “the postman” given his long working career with Australia Post.

“We have certainly had a great ride, mixing with the best in the sport and I guess it is a big achievement for a pair of hobby trainer-drivers,” said Harpley.

At Bathurst tonight, four qualifying heats of the Honouree Stakes will be run along with five heats of the Gold Tiara.