HRNZ Chairman Pat O’Brien was the winner of the 2010 Outstanding Contribution to Harness Racing Award.  He joined industry legends Professor Cliff Irvine, Sir Roy McKenzie, Charlie Hunter, Ralph Kermode, Peter Burns, Peter Wolfenden, Derek Jones, John Penney, Colin Baynes and Jim Dalgety as previous winners of the award.  “There is no doubt this year’s recipient has the credentials to join such esteemed company,” said HRNZ Vice-Chairman, Gary Allen.  “He has made a vast contribution to the industry in a number of forms. He is a breeder, owner, trainer, driver and administrator.

“Without his support in racing teams at clubs in the Central District, racing in that region would be much poorer.  “As an aside, he had one drive during the season for an eighth, however, more importantly, he beat home Dexter Dunn in that race. I don’t think, however, we will replace Dexter (Dunn) for the World Drivers’ Championship based on that result.”  Allen said O’Brien’s contribution as an administrator “has also been huge”.

“He has served on the committee, and been Treasurer and President of his local club for a number of years. He has been a member of his local OTB Association and represented the industry on the Racing Authority, the predecessor to the Racing Industry Board and current NZ Racing Board. For the last thirteen years he has been on the Executive of Harness Racing New Zealand, the last two as Chairman, the previous eleven as Vice-Chairman.

“On top of this, many industry participants have benefitted from his professional advice as an accountant. Where he has found the time and energy to do all this, I don’t know.”
Allen said that everything he does is done in a quiet, unassuming manner and he never strives for personal recognition or reward.  “I am sure a few of us will be told off later for this decision as he is always more comfortable out of the limelight, working in the industry’s best interests.

“In my opinion, no-one has contributed more to the industry in such varied forms. “He has always willingly given his time and consistently put the industry and its people first. “His contribution as a volunteer and industry participant is unprecedented.  “He does all this with the tremendous support of his family whose support is also acknowledged. He has a genuine passion for the industry and a burning desire to make it stronger.”  Allen concluded his tribute by saying that while some know him as Father O’Reilly, the industry knows him simply as “Pat”.