Ian Daff - prolific breeding researcher
The late Ian Daff was a prolific researcher when it came to the bloodlines of the standardbred and published several books on the topic, which, pre-internet, were a boon to breeders looking for information on their bloodstock.
He was a multiple Joseph Coulter Award winner for his writing on the sport, which often focused on pedigrees (see below for complete bibliography).
HBV’s Ian Daff Memorial Award was created to recognise the contribution made by Daff to the Victorian breeding industry over a long period by celebrating those in our industry who continue in that vein – improving, nurturing, supporting or developing our industry through research, training and mentoring, technological or bloodline development, volunteerism, documentary methods, reproductive veterinary advances and investments, and strategy.
It acknowledges those who, though they may be developing their own business or interests through their activities, are also making significant, positive impacts on breeding standardbreds in Victoria. The Honour Roll (below) is a roll call of hard working and visionary members who have done just this.
Our 2022 Ian Daff Memorial Award winner will be announced in 2023 and for the first time, nominations for this prestigious award are being invited from the public. If you know someone who fits the bill, simply send us a dot point summary that touches on the ways this person, people or group have made a tenured contribution to the improvement, development, support or nurturing of the Victorian breeding industry.
Nominees must be financial members for the 2022 season and submissions should be received to contact@hbv.org.au or PO Box 406 EPSOM VIC 3551 before 5 January 2023. The winner will be selected by silent vote by the sitting committee.
Written by Ian Daff:
Harness Racing Breeders’ Manual (1981)
The Standardbred in Australasia (1983)
Ian Daff’s Black Book of Harness Racing (496 pages, 1988)
Watch: 2021 Ian Daff Memorial Award winner Blanche Poole of Rhiannon Park talk with Paul Campbell of Campbell’s Comments:
The HBV Ian Daff Memorial Award Honour Roll
Year - Recipient
2021 Dean & Blanche Poole, Rhiannon Park
2020 The Galloway Family, Alabar
2019 The Judd Family, Benstud
2018 Peter Gleeson
2017 Craig & Bruce Cameron
2016 Dr Martin & Mrs Kaye Hartnett
2015 Duncan McPherson OAM, Aldebaran Lodge
2014 Kevin Riseley, Sheron Park
2013 Harvey & Shell Kaplan
2012 John & Christine Yeomans, Homestead Park
2011 John Munnerley
2010 Kevin Newbound
2009 Mick Lombardo, Lombo Standardbreds
2008 Bill & Anne Anderson, Lauriston Park
2007 Graham & Helen Head
2006 The Craven Family
2005 Peter Provis, Aptaro Standardbreds
Ian Daff Memorial Race Honour Roll
See the winners of the annual Ian Daff Memorial Race since 2006 HERE.